If you’re preparing for the Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA), we know how high the stakes are. It’s one of the toughest parts of the MRCGP, particularly for international medical graduates (IMGs).
Dr Asim Bilal knows that feeling all too well. He failed the SCA three times. With each attempt, the pressure mounted. His self-esteem took a hit, and the future he’d been working so hard for felt further away.
What happened next changed everything. With a new approach and the right guidance, Dr Asim conquered the SCA on his final attempt.
Here’s how he did it and what you can learn from his journey.
SCA became a major hurdle
Dr Asim had passed his AKT on the first attempt and felt confident he would do the same with the SCA. But he fell short by just 3.5 marks. He assumed working harder would be enough. It wasn’t. Each failed SCA attempt brought more frustration.
While others completed training and moved on, he was stuck despite trying his best.
One of the biggest challenges? His score in the ‘Relating to Others’ domain stayed stuck at 18, no matter how much effort he put in.
The Turning Point
Dr Asim watched a YouTube video of a trainee who had passed the SCA with the help of Dr Erwin Kwun. Eventually, Dr Asim realised: he needed to work smarter, not harder.
Before, I was asking ICE superficially but my coach showed me how to melt the ICE between me and my patients.
Through 1 to 1 coaching, Dr Asim uncovered key blind spots and unhelpful habits that were holding back him back. He began to unlearn those patterns and replace them with more effective techniques. For example, he learned how to ask ICE questions in context—and, crucially, how to readdress them meaningfully throughout the consultation.
SCA Results
One of the most significant improvements was in the ‘Relating to Others’ domain. His score jumped from 18 to 27.
So what changed?
He stopped doing rigid, doctor-led consultations. Instead, he made his SCA cases feel like real conversations—with warmth, empathy and genuine curiosity. He treated patients like friends or family members, and it showed.
He also changed his preparation routine:
- Practised intentionally with proven strategies
- Focused on consistency over cramming
- Maintained a positive, confident mindset in the lead-up to the exam
I stopped seeing it as a test..I started seeing each SCA case as a conversation.
Exam Day: Calm, Ready and Confident
On the day of the SCA exam, Dr Asim wasn’t nervous. He felt prepared, focused and even excited to put his learning into practice.
That mindset shift made all the difference.
He passed the SCA on his final attempt—with a score of 86.
What You Can Learn From Dr Asim’s SCA Journey
Dr Asim’s story is a powerful reminder that knowledge alone isn’t enough to pass the SCA.
You need strategy. You need structure. And often—you need coaching.
Regardless of your attempt number, invest in coaching. More importantly, be coachable. Listen, adapt, and grow. Success will follow.
SCA Success Is Possible
If you’re struggling to pass the SCA, or you feel stuck in your career, you can pass this exam. Dr Asim’s success shows that the right approach can change everything, even after three failed attempts.
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