Exam Tips

Tip 1: Learn by Listening

I learn more from listening and find it difficult to read the same chapters again and again.

So, whenever I read a chapter from a BCQ book, I recorded the important points in those questions, why the correct answer is correct and why the others are wrong.

I then listened to these recordings on my commute to and from work. It helped me revise topics quickly.

For any queries about how I did this, you can always contact me.

Tip 2: Quality over Quantity

There are thousands of BCQs (past papers, textbooks, recalls, etc.). What helped me was quality over quantity.

Whenever I solved a BCQ, I read that topic from Tintinalli, WikiEM, or Life in the Fast Lane. Use any source you’re comfortable with, but whichever you choose, make sure that after reading you understand:

• Clinical presentation

• Examination and investigation findings

• Differential diagnoses (for exclusion)

• Management options and complications

Once you have command of a topic, every time you see different BCQs on the same subject, no matter how they’re tested, the new information will only strengthen your previous knowledge.

This matters because most BCQs quote explanations from multiple sources, which can create confusion. It’s better to keep revising one reliable source than to read the same topic differently from multiple places.

Tip 3: Use ChatGPT (Wisely)

ChatGPT was my best friend during this journey!

From the very beginning, I pasted the entire stem of a past-paper BCQ and it explained the right and wrong choices like a sweet teacher, I actually had fun using it.

I also asked it to make charts for confusing diseases, algorithms, mnemonics, and more.

Use it wisely from the start, but don’t overwhelm yourself with too much information, because you need to retain it until the exams.

Tip 4: Finish First Read Early & Protect Your Time

Make sure your first read and notes are completed at least one month before the exam.

I know most of us have hectic schedules, but this is an exit exam, your future career depends on it, so prioritise it.

My husband and I both quit our jobs as we were appearing together. We didn’t want to compromise our son’s well-being either. It was a difficult decision, but we knew our priorities. Once we understood what was at stake, we gave our maximum effort to exam preparation. Alhamdulillah, we both cleared and got good jobs as well.

I’m sharing this because the exam is tricky and requires you to truly know your subject, after all, you’ll be a consultant after this phase of life! 😄

I received a lot of helpful advice, but the most important was this single line:

“Yaar, complete your MRCEM OSCE book!”

This book truly has all the guidance you need for the OSCE. You have to complete it, don’t skip topics.

How you do it is up to you. Your theory has already been tested. Now they’re testing your approach, how well and kindly you behave and interact with patients, colleagues, and staff.

Be at your best (like you would be on your first date, or when guests are at home 😄).

How I Practised Histories

I used ChatGPT again. I’d type: “History taking of a patient with jaundice”, then ask it to convert the history into Urdu as well.

I recorded both versions and listened to them two or three times.

To complete the topic, I then searched “Approach to a patient with jaundice.”

By this point, ChatGPT “knew” I was an EM doctor preparing for exams, so it started with ABC, then moved to differentials, management plans, and tips to differentiate causes based on history and examination.

If you have a study partner, divide subjects and take histories from each other.

Examinations: Practice Is Everything

I was lucky to have a senior who taught me the examinations; I practised two systems daily.

For joint examinations, practise with a friend, sibling, parent, or partner.

You can watch videos and make notes, but until you practise, you won’t gain the confidence to perform well. So, practise a lot!

Psychiatry: Same Format, Key Differentials

Psychiatry is relatively easy, but unfamiliar at first.

Reach out to me or any senior, people will guide you.

The format is the same; just know the differentiating points between mania, depression, and schizophrenia.

Understand that Mental State Examination (MSE), Mini–Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Mental Capacity Assessment are different and tested separately.

Procedures: Target Your Gaps

I didn’t practise procedures except ophthalmoscopy and otoscopy, as we perform most procedures during residency.

I revised indications, contraindications, complications, and correct technique.

Practise the ones you haven’t done before.

Resuscitation: Non-Negotiable Mastery

The most important part: ACLS, PALS, and ATLS, you must have 100% command.

Record yourself, make a step-by-step approach, and practise in front of a mirror, with a friend, or with your juniors.

Watch 2–3 videos on initiating a Code Blue, when to call specialties, and algorithmic management.

People often make basic mistakes here, that’s where the chances of failure increase.

Always help each other.

I truly believe that when you help others in need, Allah helps you in ways you can’t imagine.

During my long case, I felt an unusual calm as I started, things just flowed, even though I was unsure at first.

Stay steadfast, even if you make mistakes. Support each other, the ocean is vast enough to accommodate all ships.

And lastly, even if you don’t make it this time, trust that it’s in your best interest, something you may not realise now but will understand in the long run.

Best of luck to you all!

I hope this helps. If there’s any confusion, you can always reach out. 🌸

Sameeta Sikandar

• Resident, Emergency Medicine, The Indus Hospital, Karachi