Consult in 12 Minutes
Are your consultations running late? Time management is a major challenge..
Fix the Blind Spots
If you’ve failed the SCA more than once, the problem is rarely effort. It’s the absence of a blueprint..
Negotiation skill
You’re eight minutes into your SCA case. Mr Smith is pushing hard for a scan. You know it’s not indicated..
Negotiation: A Vital Skill for Doctors
Imagine consulting Mr. Smith, who complains of chest pain. You’re concerned about a possible heart attack and recommend he visit the Emergency Department. However, Mr. Smith hesitates because he has guests coming over this evening. This scenario highlights a common challenge in clinical practice: convincing patients to follow urgent medical advice. Without prompt treatment, Mr.…
How a GP Trainee Passed SCA Exam (4th Attempt)
Are you struggling to pass the SCA exam? Meet Dr Gordon, a GP trainee, who faced a major hurdle on his path to attaining MRCGP. I struggled with the exam format itself. Going into it, I wasn’t sure what would be coming up or how to prepare for it. Gordon’s journey to becoming a fully…
SCA Journey: From Failure to Success
Imagine pouring your heart and soul into preparing for the Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA), only to encounter a devastating failure. Meet Dr Musttafa, a determined GP trainee who faced a major setback in the early stage of ST3. But with unwavering resilience and sheer determination, he transformed his failure into an inspiring success story. Sitting…
SCA Tips: Shared-decision making
Success in the MRCGP Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA) requires effective communication and a partnership with your patients. The SCA tests your ability to diagnose and manage clinical conditions while engaging in patient-centered care and shared decision-making. In this article, you will learn SCA tips to excel in shared decision-making. What is Patient-Centered Care? Patient-centered care…
How to Smash SCA after a Failed Attempt
Are you struggling to clear SCA (Simulated Clinical Assessment)? You’re not alone. Many GP trainees work hard for SCA. Yesterday, I spoke with a trainee who dedicated almost a year of his life to preparing for SCA. Dr Akin practised diligently with his colleagues, sacrificing countless evenings and weekends. Imagine the disappointment of investing so…
MRCGP SCA Tips: Shared Decision Making
As a GP trainee preparing to sit the MRCGP SCA, you might view Shared Decision Making (SDM) as just another checkbox. However, SDM is far more than a procedural requirement—it’s a transformative approach that enhances patient care and outcomes significantly. The Evolution from Paternalistic to Collaborative Care Gone are the days when doctors acted as…