Sir ,
Thank you very much for the podcast, highly informative and lot of nuances to note.
The approach by Udy and the way the CNS presentation was led forward is something to be learnt,to present the findings as they are,say the possible differentials – why and why not they fit in.
Vision and hearing in development-often missed during stress
How to not waste time during development station by Akruthi.
The valuable point you shared about missing findings is less detrimental to committing to findings not present to fit into a diagnosis-is another message to be remembered during the examination.
Thank you Sir,Udy and Akruthi for all the time and effort to help us. Dr FF – UAE

Dr

We had an excellent session today discussing Neurology scenario at the Clinical station.

There is often confusion between Neurological examination and MSK – MusculoSkeletal Examination at a station. It is very important to listen to the task statement as you are introduced by the examiner.

Gait examination is common to both and a starting point for both – the exam separates from there on. One needs to follow through as per task and findings.

We had 2 colleagues at the recent exams giving how they had approached the Neurology and development station.

We will post a shortened video of the session soon.

We discussed clinical station – Abdomen – presentation today. Initially a talk on how to approach CS – where the task is to examine Abdomen of a child.

The learning points are:

• Listen to the task VERY carefully.
• Statement has clues likely final diagnosis
• General physical examination is ESSENTIAL part of task
• Note the scars and know associated common surgery
• Transverse abdominal scars – which seems ‘huge’ are likely to be due to surgery in neonatal or early infancy.
• If you see a scar you are not familiar with – mention you are not familiar with it – branding or cautery is practised by ‘Native practitioner’.
• A mark of Zero is awarded in exam if one does not follow the task.

RCPCH has informed cancellation of MRCPCH Clinical examination diet in May in UAE and June in UK.

This very disappointing for all who have been working and practicing hard. On a personal note – Do not lose focus and do not stop your preparations.

we discussed a one day old baby who was jittery irritable very hungry – Neonatal abstinence.

The learning points were:

• Think out in clinical settings
• carefully watch for signs – do not make them
• have a reasonable differential diagnosis
• present findings in a systematic order
• do NOT jump to specific diagnosis and dig a hole for yourself
• Keep your Consultant and Parents in the loop
• i/v Drug user – remember AIDS & Hep B & C
• Appropriate protection for the baby
• Monitoring chart attached – score of > 8 significant.
• Look up local guidelines.

Abstinence Observation Chart

Respected Sir,   First of all thank u very much for these sessions. I look forward to tues/Thurs and Saturdays now .
    Sir, I would like to know if there will be a similar revision course before the June UK exam as well. 
Kindly let me know.
Thanks & Regards Dr RA 17 March 2020

Thank you very much for the session today.It was very good.Regards. Dr FF 17 March 2020

I will share tips from diary kept by one of my colleagues who passed the MRCPH recently ……….

Stations in which there is no pre station reading (Clinicals/development/video): keep your exam paper ready in your hand and jump right into the door, when the bell rings. (Don’t *ram* into it),

Moment the bell rings your time has already started.

for development – go to the beach/mall with a fellow student. Do a visual development assessment for every child there.

These days when you cannot go out and neither your children go to school – practice with them – normal precautions are advised ….. Not advocating but ‘incentives’ can some times do wonders …

Obviously keep a distance. Have development tables with you. 

– breathe Mrcpch as much as you can prior to exams. Communicate in real life for all Medical /non medical scenarios. Counsel friends in a tough time. Even if enemy is having a tough / good time counsel them, let them talk, but finish in 6 min then repeat what you’ve discussed and arrange a further meeting. 

Night before exam mentally prepare yourself at do what you are going to do in each station.

Optimise examination technique using pillow cases plus minus pillows! 

Send us your own tips to help colleagues preparing for the exam.

Following request from some – so as not to lose focus in the ongoing preparations for the examination – we have agreed to reinstate the course from 31st March.

The only sure route to success is:

Practice, Practice, Practice

Continuing with our preparation for the exam, today we discussed at clinical station. In this the task was to examine respiratory system of a 14-year-old girl who had come for the review. Comment on any other relevant findings.

Learning points were:

Stand back and observe the child for 30 seconds.

• General physical observations are expected at every station.

Know common venous access methods

• Have a differential diagnosis

Common things common

Cystic fibrosis vs Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia.

Which to mention first.

Check for Pubertal changes in Chronic disease

RCPCH has cancelled the examination in April in Kathmandu, Nepal. This is due to Corona global pandemic and the travel restrictions and possible difficulties with travel.

India has closed it’s borders to all Tourists.

We will postpone our Intensive Revision Course to a future date to be decided when the examination will be confirmed by RCPCH.

Our regular Interactive Course sessions will continue on Tuesday & Thursday – 4:00 pm and Saturday – 10:00 am UK.