Karnataka: Doctors take MRCP exam in Bangalore

Bengalore: It is the first time that a real time examination for doctors to become members of the Royal College of Physicians(MRCP) is being conducted in Bengaluru, now a permanent center for the post graduate medical qualification. The move comes as a great leap forward as interested applicant doctors from India will no longer have to fly to the United Kingdom to qualify as MRCPs.

The Manipal Hospitals had been chosen to play hosts for the Clinical Examination Skills (PACES) jointly with Royal College of Physicians from December 12 to14. Forty-six registered applicants from India, Australia, Asia and Middle East are reported to have for the exam.

"In MRCP PACES, candidates are assessed on their ability to carry out essential clinical skills. These half-day examinations take place in a clinical setting where each candidate has to screen five patients with cardiac/lungs/liver or neurological disorders. Their findings along with clinical accuracy, soft skills and approach towards patients or their family are assessed," said Chairman, Manipal Hospitals, Dr H Sudarshan Ballal. The participants will be assessed by Five UK-based and five Indian examiners.

"The annual examination, being centered in Manipal Hospitals, will not only benefit medical students from across the country. Depending on the requirement of the federation, the exam is conducted twice a year. Successful candidates will receive MRCP (UK) Specialist Physician certification and will be eligible to practice medicine in major countries worldwide," Dr. Ballal said

"MRCP is one of the largest international examinations where over 25,000 doctors appear every year to excel in general medicine across continents. By setting up centers in India and training the examiners here, we can make the exam more affordable for doctors as travel and accommodation cost in the UK can be avoided," said Dr Donald L Farquhar, International Associate Medical Director, MRCP,UK.

An Australian candidate, said: "The degree serves as a ticket to corporate hospitals as most of them recognize the degree . The challenges of travel, cost and time is minimized and is a breather for students within the country as well as neighbouring countries."

MRCP, a qualifying exam for obtaining the UK degree facilitates students to directly practice in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world. The exam not only evaluates the students' clinical expertise but also looks at his awareness regarding patient safety issues and soft skill expertise required to be a complete consultant. The exam sets a global standard.

Examinations like MRCP play a vital role in setting standards and ensuring that doctors have appropriate level of global knowledge and skill required for their role. Due to the severe shortage of PG seats and courses in certain countries besides India, this degree plays a crucial role for doctors. It provides a platform for them to join corporate hospitals.