Composition of the Intercollegiate MRCS exam

The Intercollegiate MRCS examination contains 2 papers: MRCS Part A1&2 and MRCS Part B. The MRCS Paper A1 and A2 consist of Single Best Answer (SBA) questions whilst the MRCS Paper B is based on communication skills and structured interviews.

Example of an MRCS 'Single Best Answer' (SBA)

A 55-year-old man presents to the upper gastrointestinal clinic with symptoms of indigestion. He undergoes upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and visits you later to discuss his results. You tell him he has Barrett's oesophagus and he wants to know more. The following are features of Barrett's oesophagus except:-

  1. Small intestinal metaplasia of the normal squamous mucosa.
  2. Increased risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma.
  3. A Association with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
  4. The presence of goblet cells.
  5. The presence of cuboidal mucosal phenotype.

MRCS Outline Syllabus

Anatomy

Thorax

  • Thorax
  • Development
  • Surface and Imaging Anatomy

Abdomen, Pelvis and Perinuem

  • Development
  • Abdomen and Pelvis
  • Abdominal Viscera
  • Pelvic Viscera
  • Perineum
  • Surface and Imaging Anatomy

Upper Limb and Breast

  • Surface and Imaging Anatomy

Lower Limb

  • Surface and Imaging Anatomy

Head, Neck and Spine

  • Development
  • Head
  • Neck
  • Spine
  • Surface and Imaging Anatomy

Nervous System

  • Central Nervous System
  • Peripheral Nervous System
  • Autonomic Nervous System
  • Surface and Imaging Anatomy

System Specific Physiology

  • General Physiological Principles
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Gastrointestinal System
  • Renal System
  • Endocrine System
  • Central Nervous System
  • Thyroid and Parathyroid
  • Glucose Homeostasis and Diabetes

General Pathology

  • Inflammation
  • Cellular injury other than by infection
  • Wounds and wound healing
  • Vascular Disorders
  • Disorders of Growth, Differentiation and Morphogenesis
  • Neoplasia
  • Surgical Immunology
  • Surgical Haematology
  • Surgical Microbiology
  • Surgical Biochemistry

Principles of Surgery in General

  • Nervous System
  • Musculo-skeletal System
  • Respiratory System
  • Breast Disorders
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Endocrine System
  • Genito-urinary System
  • Gastrointestinal System
  • Dermatological Diseases
  • Lymphoreticular System

Peri-Operative Care

  • Peri-operative care
  • Assessment of Fitness for Surgery
  • Management of Associated Medical Conditions
  • Preparation for Surgery
  • Principles of Anaesthesia
  • Monitoring of the Anaesthetised Patient
  • are of the Patient Under Anaesthesia

Post-operative Management and Critical Care

  • Anaesthetic Management
  • Metabolic and Nutritional Support
  • Post-operative Complications

Surgical Technique and Technology

  • Surgical Wounds
  • Surgical Technique
  • Surgical Procedures
  • Tourniquets in the Operating Theatrestrong

Management and Legal Issues in Surgery

  • Management and legal issues in surgery
  • Evidence-based Surgical Practice
  • Management Aspects of Surgical Practice
  • Communications Skills
  • Medical Litigation
  • Aspects of Surgery in Childhood

Clinical Microbiology

  • Surgical Microbiology
  • Prevention of Infection
  • Modern Antibiotic Usage
  • Surgery in Hepatitis and HIV Carriers
  • Cutaneous Infection / Necrosis

Emergency Medicine and Management of Trauma

  • Pathophysiology of Trauma
  • Initial Assessment of the Trauma Patient
  • Thoracic Trauma
  • Thoracotomy and Chest Drainage
  • Neurological Trauma and Management of the Unconscious Patient
  • Abdominal Trauma
  • Urological Trauma
  • Vascular Trauma
  • Traumatic Wounds
  • Skeletal Fractures
  • Soft Tissue Injuries and Disorders
  • Management of Skin Loss
  • Traumatic Oedema and Compartment Syndrome
  • Burns
  • Brain Stem Death

Principles of Surgical Oncology

  • Epidemiology of Common Cancersn
  • Screening Programmes
  • Clinico-pathological Staging of Cancer
  • Principles of Cancer Treatmen
  • Palliative Care

Surgery in General

  • Abdomen
  • Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery
  • Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery
  • Colorectal Surgery
  • Breast and Endocrine Surgery
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Urology
  • Organ Transplantation
  • Head and Neck Surgery
  • Skin Lesions
  • Hand Disorders
  • Surgical Disorders of the Brain
  • Differences Between the Paediatric and Adult Patient