Imagine staring at your Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA) results and seeing the number 69. Your heart sinks. You’ve spent months sacrificing sleep, time with loved ones and your own peace of mind, only to fall short. Twice.
For Dr. Amaoge, an ST3 GP trainee, this was her reality. She was no stranger to hard work or perseverance, but after failing her second attempt at SCA, she was left questioning everything. What am I doing wrong? Am I even cut out to be a GP?
Her story is one of despair, determination, and an extraordinary transformation. For every IMG who feels stuck, wondering if they’ll ever clear this exam, this is the story of how she went from failure to freedom.
The Weight of Failure
For Dr. Amaoge, failing the SCA was more than just a professional setback—it was personal. She had poured her heart into preparing for the exam, even during her pregnancy. But when the results of her exam came back, she was devastated. A score of 69 was painfully close, yet far enough to keep her from moving forward in her career.
She didn’t give up. Determined to try again, she sat the SCA for the second time, now balancing preparation with the demands of being a new mother on maternity leave. This time, she was advised by her deanery not to sit the exam until she returned to work.
“They told me it wasn’t possible to pass while on leave. But I knew I had to try. I needed to pass this exam—not just for me, but for my family.”
When the first attempt ended in failure, her confidence shattered. Her peers moved ahead, leaving her to grapple with feelings of isolation and self-doubt. The pressure of balancing exam preparation with caring for a baby only added to her struggle. The stakes were clear: without passing, her dream of becoming a GP felt out of reach.
The Turning Point: Closing the Gaps
After the setback, Dr. Amaoge knew she needed help. That’s when a friend suggested she connect with Dr. Erwin Kwun. What followed was a complete transformation in her approach to the exam. Dr. Kwun didn’t just guide her—he showed her how to close the gaps in her preparation that were holding her back.
Gap 1: Moving from Doctor-Centered to Patient-Centered Care Dr. Amaoge realised her consultations were structured but lacked the patient-centered focus required for success. She learned to:
- Address the patient’s agenda first: Focusing on their ideas, concerns, and expectations (ICE).
- Structure her management plan: Aligning her advice with the patient’s beliefs and psychosocial needs.
“Before, I was so focused on being the doctor that I forgot to truly listen to the patient. When I started addressing their ICE first, everything changed.”
Gap 2: Relating to Others Authentically As an IMG, Dr. Amaoge struggled with the “relating to others” domain. Her empathy felt mechanical and she struggled to connect emotionally under pressure. Through guided practice, she discovered:
- The power of presence: Listening deeply and responding genuinely to patient cues.
- Authentic empathy: Moving beyond phrases like “I’m sorry to hear that” to convey real understanding and care.
“You don’t have to say the perfect words; you just need to mean what you say. Patients feel that.”
Gap 3: Managing Exam Anxiety and Uncertainty Dr. Amaoge admitted that anxiety had gotten the better of her in past attempts. This time, she worked on mastering her mindset:
- Practicing mindfulness and breathing exercises to stay grounded.
- Preparing for uncertainty by learning how to respond confidently when unsure.
“If a patient asks something you don’t know, it’s okay to admit it. The key is being sincere and proactive. Say, ‘Let me look into that and get back to you.’ It’s not about knowing everything—it’s about showing you care.”
The Triumph: Passing with a Score of 86
Armed with these tools, Dr. Amaoge sat SCA again. This time, she felt in control. She approached each case with clarity, confidence, and a renewed patient-centered mindset.
When the results came, they were life-changing: a score of 86.
Her success was more than just a number. It marked the end of a grueling chapter and the start of a brighter future. With the exam behind her, she could finally focus on her passions—pursuing a special interest in dermatology and spending more time with her children.
“I passed this exam not just for me, but for my family. Now, I can finally move forward and build the life I’ve always dreamed of.”
Lessons from Dr. Amaoge’s SCA Journey
For IMGs struggling with SCA exam, Dr. Amaoge’s story holds valuable lessons:
- Take Time to Reflect: Rushing into the next attempt without a clear strategy only leads to frustration. Step back, reassess and rebuild your confidence.
- Seek Expert Guidance: A mentor who understands the nuances of the exam can transform your preparation. They can help you identify blind spots and equip you with the tools to succeed.
- Embrace Patient-Centered Care: Success in the SCA comes from truly understanding and addressing the patient’s needs.
- Master Your Mindset: Anxiety is normal, but it doesn’t have to control you. Learn to stay calm and confident, even in uncertain situations.
Your Turn to Transform
Dr. Amaoge’s journey wasn’t easy but it proves that transformation is possible with the right strategy and support. If you’ve felt stuck, wondering if you’ll ever pass SCA exam: you don’t have to face this journey alone.
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.
Your next chapter is waiting. Are you ready to turn the page?
