Dr Stella faced significant challenges in conquering the MRCGP SCA exam. In this article, you will learn how she overcame personal challenges and smashed SCA.
Overcoming Failures Twice
Dr Stella failed the SCA exam twice, a devastating experience that left her feeling discouraged and questioning her future. The prospect of a third attempt was daunting, but she decided to approach it differently.
Dr Stella knew she had to change her approach. “I realised I didn’t fully understand the exam,” she explains. To bridge this gap, she attended a course on the SCA exam run by the RCGP, including sessions with experienced examiners like Roger Neighbour.
Facing Personal Challenges
I was worried as well about things like Visa because I’m here with my family on a Visa.
Dr Stella faced external pressures. She was concerned about her visa status and the potential impact on her family. Extending training would have incurred additional costs. Despite the stress and worries, she remained focused on her goal.
Seeking Personalised Support
Recognising the need to pass her SCA exam for good, Dr Stella sought personalised guidance and support. “I found [Dr Erwin Kwun] you online, watched your videos, and decided to reach out,” she says. This connection provided her with personalised guidance and support, helping her to better understand the exam format and expectations.
SCA Practice and preparation
Dr Stella’s preparation with Dr Erwin Kwun included intensive role-playing sessions. “You showed me how to introduce myself, take a focused history, listen to the patient, and involve them in the management plan,” she recalls. These sessions were crucial in helping her develop a patient-centered approach, a key component of the SCA exam.
Mastering Time Management
Time management was another area where Dr Stella made significant improvements. She learned to gather data efficiently and start the management process by the fifth or sixth minute of the consultation. This strategy ensured she had enough time to discuss the patient’s condition, offer advice, and safety net appropriately.
Passing SCA Against All Odds
On her third attempt, Dr Stella scored an impressive 87.5, a significant improvement from her previous scores of 74.5 and 67.5. This achievement was a testament to her hard work, determination, and the effective strategies she implemented.
For those struggling after a setback, Dr Stella offers this advice: “It’s normal to feel disappointed and lose confidence, but remember, there is help out there. Seek objective feedback, find a mentor, and develop a clear plan. You can do it.”
With the weight of SCA exam lifted, Dr Stella is looking forward to achieving her dream of becoming a fully qualified GP. Her journey from setback to success is a powerful reminder that with the right support and preparation, you too can overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
The Importance of a Support System
Dr Stella credits her faith, family, friends, colleagues, and peers for their unwavering support. “Listening to others who had faced similar challenges and succeeded kept me going,” she shares. This network provided the emotional and moral support she needed during her preparation.
