PACES MRCP UK - Where MRCPians Meet Since 2006: Tips for Fundoscopy

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, July 04, 2006

Tips for Fundoscopy

One of the tough station in PACES as you need to complete your examination within 3 mins ( another 2 mins for discussion). If you are unlucky, you might need to examine via a small pupil (normally last candidate of the day).

There are several tips to get the correct diagnosis:

1. Prepare the patient by giving a clear instruction. Here is my suggestion.

Mr. X, I am going to come near you and examine your R/L eye with this light. It might be uncomfortable. Please bear with me. Now, look straight and keep your eyes still. Don't move your eyes but you can blink as you wish.

2. Always check the macula area before presenting your findings.
Mr. X, please look into my light now.
3. Think of 3 main diagnosis you need to know for PACES