MRCGP Preparation Course ISLAMABAD

MRCGP (INT) Preparation Course

What is Family Medicine?
Family medicine is a specialty which deals with the common ailments that patient may present with. It is not limited to any body system, gender or age. In Pakistan, it is called general practice but it is a specialty in its own right which is also recognized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP).

What is the MRCGP (INT)?
This is a degree in Family Medicine recognized by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) in the UK for candidates residing in South Asia and the Middle East. The candidate is recognized as a member of the RCGP after passing this examination. The INT in MRCGP (INT) represents international. It can be considered as the gold standard for postgraduate training in family medicine. This is an alternative to the Pakistan based CPSP postgraduate qualification.

What are the benefits of achieving the MRCGP (INT)?
· You have specialized and attained a postgraduate qualification.
· The candidate will have a bright future in private practice.
· Teaching opportunities to undergraduate and post-graduate students of Family Medicine.
· Professional service to the community and raising the standard and quality of care provided to patients.
· Membership to the RCGP (UK).
· Professional development and recognition.
· It will open up possibilities for you to work in parts of the Middle East and other Asian countries. It will not entitle you to work in the UK, however.

What is the format of the exam?
It consists of 2 parts: Part 1 and Part 2.
Part 1 is based on Multiple Choice questions (MCQs) related to Family practice. There are approximately 200 questions.
Part 2 is an Objective subjective clinical examination (OSCE) consisting of approximately 10 stations. For more details go to www.rcgp.org.uk

What is the format of the preparation course?
The preparation course will consist of lectures in preparation for Part 1. These lectures will be held once a week for 2 hours and will last for approximately 1 year. One will also be provided the tools for self directed learning which will also be necessary.
For Part 2, workshops will be held for those candidates who have successfully completed Part 1.

Who can apply?
All those candidates who have at least 5 years experience in general practice are eligible to apply or have done a family medicine training programme. The Shifa College is working towards developing an accredited CPSP & MRCGP (INT) accredited residency.

How much will it cost?
Preparation for Part1 will approximately cost PKR 1500 per month (x12) for the entire 1 year program. This will cover the costs for the overheads for the course. The cost to sit the MRCGP (INT) exam in 2008/09 is £230 & £350 for Part I and II of the exam respectively.

Who will conduct the course?
This course will be conducted by MRCGP (UK) certified and FCPS certified doctors currently based in the Shifa College of Medicine who are also examiners for the MRCGP (INT). The sessions will be conducted by these family practitioners along with subject specialists. The course is anticipated to start in January 2009.

If you are interested in participating please send your contact details or queries by Email or SMS (name, address, email, telephone number) so we can contact you closer to the time the course is due to start, Email: mrcgpcourse@yahoo.co.uk or SMS: 0332-5141859.