Author: Dr Erwin Kwun

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 […]

SCA Practice Guide: Delivering Difficult News

Delivering difficult news in a remote setting presents unique challenges. Effective communication must adapt to the absence of physical presence, emphasising empathy and sensitivity. This guide outlines enhanced strategies for GP trainees preparing for the MRCGP SCA, focusing on the SPIKES protocol and ABCDE method. You will also learn from a mock SCA case demonstration. […]

SCA Success: Overcoming Self-Doubt

The journey to become a Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP) is challenging. Meet Dr Divya Varsani, a dedicated GP trainee based in London, as she opens up about her battle with self-doubt and how she cracked SCA exam. The Challenge of Self-Doubt I was quite clueless about what the exam actually entailed […]

Insider’s Tips to Pass Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA)

Did you know that most GP trainees fail the Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA) not because of insufficient medical knowledge, but due to poor communication skills? In this article, we dive deep into how you can flip this trend and ace your exam by focusing on what really matters—practical skills. Why Practical Experience Outweighs Theory  It’s […]

When is the Best Time to Sit MRCGP SCA?

Deciding when to sit your MRCGP Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA) isn’t just about picking a date on the calendar. It’s about strategically planning to showcase your skills when you’re at your absolute best. Here’s how to decide the perfect timing for your exam, shared through insights from those who’ve successfully passed their exams. 1. Sitting […]

How an IMG Passed SCA Exam After a Setback

I passed! It’s been a difficult journey but I thank God for the end result. Dr Lawrence Apenteng Dr Lawrence felt completely crushed when he got his first SCA exam results. After a failed attempt with a score of 69, he found it incredibly difficult to bounce back. The results shook his confidence. Despite the […]

SCA Exam Success: Consult in 12 minutes

Ever found yourself wondering how to wrap everything up in the elusive 12-minute consultation window? I recently had a conversation with a GP registrar (we’ll call her Stella) who confessed her struggles in shifting from the comfort of 25-minute appointments. It’s a hurdle many trainees face for the SCA exam. By the end of this […]

How an IMG Conquered MRCGP SCA

Failed MRCGP Exam In the relentless pursuit of becoming a fully-fledged GP, Dr Charles encountered a big obstacle on his journey. He couldn’t clear the final part of the MRCGP Licensing Exam. His journey was marked by a major setback after failing RCA exam by only one mark. Dr Charles didn’t let anger consume him […]

Pass SCA Exam: 5 Actionable Tips

The Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA) is a challenging exam GP trainees need to pass to qualify as independent GPs. A vital skill that high-performing trainees master is the ability to recognise patterns. They develop pattern recognition through exposure to diverse patient interactions and continuous learning. In this article, you will learn five actionable tips to […]