If there is a stumbling block and you’re not able to find the answer your your CS or ES is not able to find the answer probably a third person can find you the answer so then I felt that because I had real respect for you seeing your videos and your approach so I contacted you and it definitely did benefit.
Dr Sana Khan
What challenges did Dr Sana face?
The final MRCGP exam is challenging. Dr Sana Khan faced enormous pressure while sitting her exam. She suffered with anxiety while recording.
Iām not talking about the usual exam stress. Imagine blanking out in the middle of a consultation and not being able to review your cases due to anxiety. She also experienced anxiety attacks that manifested in palpitation and chest discomfort. Dealing with debilitating anxiety while sitting the RCA was an uphill battle and she unfortunately failed first attempt in January.
Seeking support
The chronic stress and pressure associated with the RCA caused her emotional and mental health go into a meltdown. She reached a breaking point and had no choice but to take time off. She sought professional support and spoke with her GP. Often times, doctors donāt seek support until things get out of hand. Seeking support is wrongly perceived as a sign of weakness when it is a true sign of strength. Fortunately, she received the right support and was able to recover.
After a few months, she braced herself to re-sit the exam. Taking the RCA again is a real pain. The anxiety issues set in again but she was still receiving professional support. She managed to record consultations but hit a big stumbling block in her preparation. She was stuck and wasnāt making any progress. Her recordings were stagnant.
She decided to seek more guidance and support. She got in touch with me and we agreed to work together. We strategised and worked on her mindset, consultation skills and aptitude so she could consult better despite the stress and pressure due to anxiety.
Passing the MRCGP RCA
Dr Sana Khan kept going and didnāt lose hope. She eventually overcame the difficulties on her path. She jumped the big stumbling block that held her back from CCT. I was delighted to receive a message she sent to tell me she passed her exam. Her perseverance and hard work paid off. She is looking forward to CCT soon.
I hope Dr Sanaās story has inspired you. Iām incredibly grateful to Dr Sana Khan who agreed to share her story with you. Mental health problem among doctors is unfortunately a major problem in the medical profession that is not talked about enough. If you are currently struggling, please seek support and donāt wait for things to get out of hand.
If you are stuck and have hit a stumbling block just like Dr Sana, please seek the right support and don’t struggle alone.
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Resources Dr Sana used
š„ Professional Support Unit
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