"Weapons for PACES"

PACES is unlike MRCP written tests as it is an assessment of clinical skills. You need to practice, practice and practice! Nevertheless, we still need reference books for guidence. I will list out the books that I used and my comments for each of them.













The first book is the silver part of Aid to MRCP PACES by Ryder/Mir. It is essential and you MUST have it while preparing for the PACES. It lists out the most common possibilities under station 1,3,5. Although its does not give differentials for every station, it does give you some ideas to sell your presentation. My advice is to use this book with Baliga plus a lot of bedside practice. It will made Station1,3,5 passable.

Baliga is a good companion for the silver Ryder. Each case is presented in the form of 'salient' feautures in the history, and the examination findings, followed by a question and answer discussion around the topic which is not done by Ryder. I would highlight that it is the cheapest PACES book you can have as it has a lots of pictures and it only costs less that RM60.













The gold part of MRCP PACES by Ryder/Mir. I would say it is a life saver for someone who has a lack of time or enough UK experience to be comfortable with the system i.e. Malaysian candidates. It elaborates the common themes of communication station e.g. breaking bad news for brain death, withdrawal of treatment and etc. It is helpful before your go for practice or real exam!

These are the 3 weapons that I use for my PACES. What is yours?