The PLAB2 test is an OSCES type of exam (Objective
Structured Clinical Examination), which is a type of exam consisted
of practical stations, that simulates a clinical scenario. The PLAB2
test has a total of 20 stations, in which 2 are rest stations, of clinical
cases. There is a task sheet outside the cubicle where the exam is
held that gives details of the station. You have 1.5 minutes to read
the task and 8 minutes to complete it. The following video explains
how the exam is held and what to expect on the exam
day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vELRa9TwSQ
To succeed in an OSCES type of exam, it’s important to
practice as many clinical cases as possible, including cases regarding
Ethics and Good Medical Practice (more information on this link:
https://www.gmc-uk.org/ethical-guidance/ethical-guidance-fordoctors/good-medical-practice). The PLAB test blueprint (link on
the PLAB1 section) explains in detail what is expected from you on
your PLAB journey regarding knowledge.
It’s very important, when you’re practicing different clinical
cases, to focus on your communication skills. In an OSCES type of
exam, communication skills are extremely important. Try and
practice how to explain medical conditions and their respective
management to patients. If you’re not sure regarding your
communication skills and you feel that you could improve it, it’s
okay. We are all coming from different countries, with a different
culture, background, different languages, and we all know that
communication is different on each culture, especially in my case
that my communication with patients in Brazil was in Portuguese.
Communicating in a speaking part of an English test is entirely
different from communicating with patients in a clinical setting, so
it’s okay to feel unsure. So, if this is your case, I would sincerely
advise taking a course or buying an online material to improve your
communication skills. There are a range of courses available,
including online courses and also audiotapes, in different parts of the
UK.
It’s very important to mention that the PLAB test aims to see
if you meet the expectations regarding a doctor in the Foundation
Year 2, which means a junior doctor. So, during your exam, if you
come across something that you’re not sure in the consultation, don’t
be shy about mentioning your seniors. This is the correct attitude to
have; it’s the safe thing to do. If you put the patient’s life at risk, it’s
definitely a fail on the exam.
During my preparation, I downloaded the BNF (British
National Formulary) app, which has information on medication and
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doses. I also watched the Geeky Medics videos on Youtube, which
have a good revision for examination, procedures and also give you
an idea of how doctors communicate with patients in the UK. I also
learnt a lot from the book ‘’Essential Examination: step by step
system based guide to clinical examination with practical tips and
key facts for OSCES’’ by Alasdair K. B. Ruthven.
The following websites were also very useful:
• https://geekymedics.com/category/medicine/
• https://cks.nice.org.uk/#?char=A (this one is
extremely useful!)
On the Geeky Medics website, there are many cases that
could be practiced (and also many tips on communication skills and
history taking). It’s very important to practice as many different
cases as you can, having in mind the Good Medical Practice (link
included on the previous page). It’s also very important to have a
study partner that you can practice the cases with. When practicing,
both partners should be honest on their feedback, so mistakes can be
avoided on the actual exam. In addition to practicing the cases, I
used to conduct a short revision on the practical part of each topic,
for example, important questions to ask regarding that complaint,
examination, differential diagnosis from that specific complaint,
investigations and management.
Here are a few tips that helped me clearing the PLAB2 test
on my first attempt:
- On the exam day, try your best to see it as another day at
work, and not an exam. Have it in your mind that you’ll try
your best to help the patients. This thought helped me to stay
calm and confident for the exam. - Have a structured consultation: exactly how we learnt in
medical school. History/Examination/Provisional
diagnosis/Investigations/Diagnosis/Management. - Be succinct. You only have 8 minutes to complete the task.
- When it’s time to move on to the next station, completely
forget about the previous one, even if you think you made
mistakes, didn’t do well or even failed. To be honest, you
can’t really know until your results are out. Forget about the
previous station and focus on doing your best on the next
one. - Do not be judgemental or condescending. This is bad
medical practice and definitely a fail on the exam.
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GENERAL TIPS
• After passing your PLAB1 test, I would advise you to book
PLAB2 as soon as you can, literally just after you check your
results, so the gap between both tests won’t be too long, as
the closest dates get booked really soon. I had my PLAB1 in
June/2018 and PLAB2 on January/2019. In one way it
worked, as I had 5-6 months to prepare and managed to clear
it in my first attempt. But if you can avoid a gap that long,
it’ll be the best.
• After you pass PLAB1 start working on your EPIC
verification, which is an independent verification of your
final medical diploma done by EPIC (Electronic Portfolio
of International Credentials). I would sincerely advise you on
calling your Medical School and finding out who is
responsible for the verifications, and let them aware that
EPIC will be requesting one for you. This can reduce the
waiting time. Also, if you notice any issues with your
verification, do not hesitate on calling the EPIC team to
answer your questions. You can get further instructions
regarding the verification of your final medical diploma on
this link: https://www.ecfmgepic.org/instructions-gmc.html
• After passing PLAB2 and while you’re waiting for
registration and applying for jobs, I would advise you on
taking a clinical attachment in a hospital in UK. It’s
important to get to know the NHS before you officially start
working. You can try emailing the education centre of the
hospital you’re interested in. Be aware that for some
attachments you will have to pay a fee. But there are also
attachments that are free of any charge.
• As soon as you start your PLAB journey, start preparing the
paperwork and the translations, if your documents are not
issued in English, for the GMC. If you’re applying for a full
registration with license to practice, you need a proof of
internship. Make sure that this document has the exact dates
(dd/mm/yy) you started and finished each rotation.
This link has further details: https://www.gmcuk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-theregister/registration-applications/application-guides/fullregistration-for-international-medical-graduates
• Work on your fitness. Since exams can be a very stressful
time, working on my fitness and being active really helped
me to stay calm and focused during the year I was taking
IELTS and PLAB. I found Yoga and jogging very helpful.
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• And, finally, as soon as you land in the UK, get a nice and
warm rain jacket! It rains a lot around here!
I hope you could find this eBook helpful. If you have any
questions, you can follow me on Instagram (@milenadareexams)
and contact me through direct, send me an email
([email protected]) or send me a message through my
Facebook page (Milena Dare Exams).
Good luck on your journey to settle in the UK!