Trainee experience: Tips for part 1 FRCPath Microbiology
drsuryabrata@gmail.comOne of my trainees, who joined us as a year 1 infection trainee, recently passed part 1 FRCPath. I worked closely with him as a clinical supervisor. I asked him what tips he would give other trainees preparing for part 1.
I think talking to you and looking at your Microregistrar and Facebook FRCPath blogs and almost daily biases were fundamental. Your suggestions to find a study partner/ discussion group, if possible, and talk to senior trainees, particularly those who recently passed the exam, for their experience and resources were equally very helpful.
My approach to the exam was solving lots of past questions from any sources and reading around the topics carefully where I felt less confident with my answers or noted significant knowledge gaps.
Questions and references in this popular MCQ book were my starting point.
Solving other relevant past questions bank from senior trainees was also very helpful. Sample MCQs in the RCPath website, BIA Learn infection website, and Microregistrar websites were also helpful.
In terms of useful books, these ones here were very helpful. The first two I read thoroughly other ones were mainly for reference, and I did not read big texts.
How did you prepare?
Mainly random opportunistic MCQ solving reading around unfamiliar topics, and intense 10-14 days practise and revision prior to the exam.
Did you feel anything more important than other topics?
More effort was certainly channelled towards learning bacteriology, then virology and mycology as well.
How did you do your last-minute preparation - last 5-10 days?
Just solving more and more past questions.
Any tips for the examination itself?
Don't panic; read all instructions and questions carefully.
What would be your most important five tips for future trainees?
1. start your preparation in time,
2. get a serious study partner, if possible,
3. solve lots of past questions and understand the reasons behind each answer,
4. ask senior colleagues for guidance and direction where necessary,
5. work hard, be confident in yourself and hope for the best.
My notes:
You may feel confused reading different types of advice from successful trainees on this website. It is true that is because every trainee is different. Their background is diverse, their study is different, and how they approach an examination differs. Someone training in the UK will have the advantage of knowing what infection-related problems we encounter. They will have first-hand experience from speaking to their senior registrars and consultants. The examination is based on the UK problem.
If you are an overseas candidate, you might be surprised to know how different the practice in your country is compared to the UK (or another country in a different geographic region). It does not mean that the way you practice microbiology is wrong. It is just different because of your local microbial flora and practice. However, for this exam, you must know how we practice in the UK. Use the Facebook or WhatsApp forum (invitation only, request via FaceBook) to discuss with other candidates. Put questions on FB and solicit answers, hints and tips. Discuss topics. You will increase your chance of passing the exam manifold.
Be thorough in your preparation. Do a GAP ANALYSIS of your knowledge against the curriculum and make a reading list. I cannot stress the importance of this step enough.
Please read the tips and guidance thoroughly. They may appear big, but they are written with all the information we can gather to help you.
These exams are not easy and it is expensive. Prepare well.
Best wishes.
