PACES MRCP UK - Where MRCPians Meet Since 2006

MRCP is well establised as an entry exam for advanced specialist training in many countries including Malaysia. It consists of 3 paper i.e. Part1, Part2(written tests) and PACES. PACES in full means Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills. It is the third part and the candidate is assessed by fellows of RCP. I passed my PACES in 2005. I am glad that many seniors had guided me throughout my preparation for PACES and I wish to share my experiences with PACES candidates via this blog.

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

"Sternotomy scar"

When one see this midline sternotomy scar, it carries 2 possibilities i.e. CABG with underlying IHD or prosthetic valve replacement.
For CABG, look for presence of functional MR and presence of pacemaker for underlying arrhythmias.
Please bring your ear near to the chest to listen for prosthetic click with an unaided ear then ascertain which valve is replaced.