Category: Career

SCA Exam Practice Guide: The Angry Patient

Imagine confronting an angry simulator for Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA). Without preparation, this could be a daunting station. Mastering conflict resolution skills is crucial to scoring well in SCA exam. This article will provide actionable and insightful strategies to help you navigate difficult interactions effectively. Understanding the Root Cause The first step in managing an angry […]

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. […]

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 […]

MRCGP SCA: 5 Tips to Consult in 12 Minutes

Are your consultations running late? Time management is a major challenge in the MRCGP SCA. Tom is a GP Registrar, preparing to take the MRCGP SCA in three months. He is currently on a 20-minute appointment slot. He has started revising for SCA. Tom often finds himself running late. He struggles to fit everything within […]

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. […]

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 […]