PACES for the beginners:
Hi everyone. Big post. May be helpful for the beginners in the field of PACES.
Today, I would like to share some tips, study materials & strategy for PACES.
After, a long work-up for PACES, I have learned 4 main essential steps for PACES.
Oriented study
Proper practice
Professionalism
Confidence
Any lacking of any of above, commonly leads to fail.
Minimum study materials:
Books:
For,
St-1 + 3 + 4: Rupa Basant
St-2 + 4: Sadek Al Rokh + Ryder (Station-4)
St-5: Mir Ryder
Short revision before exam, we have to update Cases for PACES.
St-2: OST (Mehta) is also recommended, but due to its volume, many candidates loss their energy in the midway.
Cases for PACES is the best book for review in very short time (15 days).
Are you confused seeing a long list?
Are you thinking, from which book you will start?
Let’s start from Rupa Basant.
Keep it with you, in your duty hours, during practice.
How to start preparation?
Start with station-1 or 3 from Rupa Basant.
Watch videos
Then, start examination of real patients.
Initially, correct your procedure.
Then, focus on findings.
There is Only alternative of practice & again it is practice.
Be focused from 1st day of preparation.
Which book should be good as initial one?
Rupa Basant Or Masterpass is short book. Good for smart starting.
Which station should be focused much?
Obviously you have to pass in separately individual skills.
But, focus more on station-5.
Because, it comprises both pointed history & focused examination.
Give more time for examination.
How long, we have to study?
For, freshers most of the successful candidate suggests around 1 year practice before attending PACES.
It may vary if you are an advanced learner 6 months -1 year.
Daily 2 hours study & 2 hours practice can be an excellent combination.
You may gradually increase time for practice & reduce time for study.
Which one 1st, study or practice?
Simultaneously.
If you have forgotten or confused about procedures & points in history, then you can give some time to improve it.
Don’t be overloaded from 1st day.
Don’t be depressed.
Gradually increase time.
And remember:
Every professor was a beginner once.
How should I start examination? At 1st System (like abdomen, respiratory) or peripheral signs?
Most of the trainers, PACES mentors and PACES oriented books suggest to start examination from peripheral signs. Then, system specific examination. But, remind it, don’t spend more than 2 minutes for peripheral signs.
Most of the times, peripheral signs suggests underlying diagnosis. So, be careful to find out them.
If you fail to examine all the peripheral signs in 1st 2 minutes, you can again, see after systemic examination.
If you are confused about any finding and you have enough time, you can re-assess your findings. It is ok.
Don’t create signs, it is more dangerous than missing a sign.
Recommendations for beginners
Before starting practice besides study, watch demo videos of Royal College from YouTube
To get idea of exam cases you need to know real scenario.
Great golden guide is the best in this regards.
I’ll share it soon.
For the beginners, I will share common cases in every station.
Md. Reazuddin Danish
MRCP (UK)