SCA Breakthrough: Lessons from an IMG Who Refused to Quit

Have you ever felt like your entire career hinged on a single moment? Like everything you’ve worked for could slip away, leaving you questioning your future?

For Dr. Vijay, this wasn’t hypothetical. It was his reality.

After failing the MRCGP AKT four times and falling short on his first attempt at SCA, he stood at a crossroads. The stakes couldn’t have been higher. Success meant moving forward toward his dream of becoming a GP. Failure? It could have meant the end of the road.

But this isn’t just a story about exams. It’s a story about resilience, reinvention, and rediscovering self-belief when it feels like the world is against you.

Overcoming Self-Doubts

Dr. Vijay isn’t the only one who’s faced a moment like this. When you’re staring down failure, self-doubt becomes your loudest companion. You start to ask questions that chip away at your confidence:

Am I good enough?
Have I reached my limit?
Is it time to give up?
As a father and a GP trainee, Vijay carried the weight of responsibility—not just for himself but for his family. Every attempt, every failure, came with a deeper fear: “What if I’m not cut out for this?”

I was at a point where I was planning to stop training altogether because of the setbacks with the AKT.

I have to go all in. It was my last chance and I couldn’t let self-doubt stop me.

In the face of overwhelming doubt, Vijay made a choice that changed everything. Instead of giving in, he decided to rewrite his story.

The Breakthrough

When Vijay reflected on his previous attempts, he realised something vital: Repeating the same approach would only lead to the same result.

I realised that repeating the same approach wouldn’t work. I needed to do something completely different.

So I sought guidance, changed my structure, and worked on my weaknesses. That decision turned everything around.

So, he sought help. Not just any help—but guidance tailored to his challenges. He found a program that didn’t just offer resources but transformed his approach to consultations. The focus wasn’t just on passing the exam but on becoming the GP he knew he could be.

Through honest feedback, practical frameworks and a community of like-minded doctors, Vijay rebuilt his confidence and honed his skills. He embraced a “consultation flow” that helped him stay calm, focused and empathetic, even under pressure.

MRCGP SCA Results

When I saw my result I couldn’t even believe it. I kept pinching myself saying okay you’re going to wake up and realise that it’s the day the result but oh God it’s such a relief!

sca exam results

Vijay was in disbelief when he found out about the monumental leap—from scoring 65.5 on his first SCA attempt to an incredible 86 in his second. A difference that didn’t just pass the exam but redefined his belief in himself.

Self-belief + Action = Transformation

What can we learn from Vijay’s story?

Failure is Feedback, Not Final
Each setback gave Vijay the insights he needed to refine his approach. When he stopped seeing failure as an endpoint and started treating it as a teacher, everything changed.

The Power of Guidance
No one succeeds alone. By seeking the right support, Vijay turned uncertainty into a strategy. He didn’t just work harder but he worked smarter.

Self-Belief Is the Key
Vijay’s greatest transformation wasn’t in his exam technique—it was in his mindset. By silencing self-doubt and choosing to believe in his potential, he unlocked doors that had once seemed shut.

What’s Holding You Back From Passing SCA?

Maybe you’re where Vijay once was—questioning if you’re good enough, wondering if you should give up. But here’s the truth: You’re closer than you think.

Your setbacks don’t define you. What defines you is what you choose to do next.

Dr. Vijay’s story isn’t just about passing an exam. It’s about finding the courage to take action when everything feels like it’s falling apart. It’s about realising that failure is part of the process, not the end of it.

So, what’s your next step? Are you ready to take the first action toward your breakthrough?

Are You Ready to Unlock Your Career

Imagine the day you open your results and see the word you’ve been waiting for: You did it. Imagine the relief, the pride, the joy. That moment is possible for you too.

The question is: What are you going to do today to get there?

If you’re ready to turn your setbacks into a comeback, take that first step now. Book a free strategy call today and let’s talk about what it takes to reach your goal with confidence. Join over 200 trainees who sought help to achieve their goals.

Applications for 1 to 1 coaching are considered on an individual basis.

Your future is waiting.