FCPS Part II Written Component: Assessor’s perspective

1. FCPS Part II Written Component:Assessor’s perspective Dr. Imran Siddiqui Associate Professor Chemical Pathology The Aga Khan University

2. Summary • Introduction to the Exam • Paper Composition • Structuring your answers • Basic steps to Formulate an Essay Answer • Reading the question • Brainstorming • Planning the Answer • Writing • Reviewing • Why Candidates Fail • Household Tips

3. Introduction to the Exam • 2 papers / 3 hours each • 20 essay questions divided between two papers • Each question carries 10 marks • Each question should be answered in 18 min

4. Introduction to the Exam contd • TWO assessors • Factitious identity • A structured marking scheme is provided to the examiners marking the papers • This system is fair and reproducible - but is somewhat rigid • To accrue marks, each item on the marking scheme has to be mentioned by the candidate • The examiners are looking for • the clarity – in thought process • a logical sequence to procedures • write legibly in good English

5. Paper Composition • LAB PRINCIPLES/MANAGEMENT (3-4 questions) • Gen lab techniques/procedures including lab safety • Statistical procedures, Ref values, Quality Management • LIS, Admin, planning • LAB TECH/INSTRUMENTATION (2-3 questions) • Photometry, Flurometry, nephelometry, turbidometry • Electrophoresis • Automation • ANALYTICAL METHODS (3-4 questions) • Electrolytes • Tumor Markers • Vitamins, Trace elements

6. Paper Composition • TOXICOLOGY/TDM (1-2 questions) • METABOLIC MEDICINE (4 or more questions) • Acid base disorder • Fluid and electrolytes • Liver disorders • Renal disorders • ENDOCRINOLOGY (4 or more questions) • Gen endocrinology • DM and Glucose Metabolism • Thyroid, Pituitary, Reproductive • RECENT ADV/MISC (2 questions)

8. 18 minutes • Question reading – 2 min • Brainstorm – 2 min • Plan the answer - 2 min • Write - 10 min • Review – 2 min

9. Structuring your Answers • While preparing the skeleton/outline of your answer, the following provide useful templates for structuring your answers according to the types of questions being asked • Critical evaluation • Diagnosis • Management • Clinical approach

10. Structuring your Answers contd…. • Critical evaluation • describe available options • discuss pros and cons • justify your choice on the basis of evidence • Diagnosis • history • examination • investigations (it is important to indicate which tests have limited value) • Management • investigations • Supportive evidence-includes counseling, information leafletsetc • medical treatment • surgical treatment • Clinical approach • Diagnosis + Management

11. Starting of Paper • Read the “instruction to candidates” very carefully • Key to success – time management • Start with the easiest question • Psychological boost • Help you to settle in quickly; Focus on task ahead • Gain time • Can be used for difficult question • Just focus on question on hand

12. Basic steps to Formulate an Essay Answer • The following steps will help you to avoid these pitfalls and ensure that your knowledge is used to the full • Read the question • Brainstorm to ascertain the information • Plan the answer • Write • Review

13. Reading the Question • Read the question at least four times: • First & second reading - Identifying key words-gist • Read again - why this question? • Final reading - verify the gist of the question • The first reading gives you the gist of the question • Avoid latching onto certain words & phrases and then jump to the wrong conclusion • Read carefully without any preconceptions • It is unlikely that information that is totally irrelevant will be given • Look at the key words or terms of the questions • Underline them if necessary

14. Reading the Question • Read the question again is its entirety • Ask yourself why the question is being posed • Why is it important? Examiners will not set the questions for their own sake. They usually tackle everyday or important issues. You may see something you didn’t before. • The final reading is to ensure you are clear in your own mind what the task is before you • Remember: • Each point in the question is significant • Each point has to be addressed • Do not read unnecessary complexity into the question • It means what it a says – nothing between the lines

15. The difficult question • Attempt at the end • Don’t panic • if you don’t like the question….!!! • then most of the other candidates won’t like it either! • Hopefully you secure in the knowledge that you have made a reasonable attempt at the rest of the paper and that you left adequate time to give a carefully thought out answer • Re-analyse the wording of the question carefully • Are there any clues that you have missed?

16. Brainstorming • Brainstorm to ascertain the information • You can use back of paper for rough working- do so • Examiners will not quibble with figures providing they are in the right area- so don’t be afraid of using a piece of data you have acquired • It is not wise, however, to make wild guesses

18. Planning the Answer Traditionally, there are three parts: • The introduction or opening gambit • The body of the answer • Conclusion

19. Writing • Use your plan and stick to it • Write in short, simple sentences • Take your time, and make your writing as legible as possible • Underlining important points can be done, but …………

20. Writing • Use your plan and stick to it. • Write in short, simple sentences • Take your time, and make your writing as legible as possible. • Underlining important points can be done, but ………… • don’t underline everything

21. Reviewing • Leave a few minutes to read through your answer for silly mistakes • Check that all the important pieces of information in your plan have been included • Check again - you haven’t missed any points

22. Why Candidates Fail • Most candidates have enough factual knowledge to pass the examination • They fail because they: • Do not establish what the question asks • Do not start at the beginning with the simple stuff • Get sidetracked • Miss-outimportant points

24. Household Tips 6 months beforehand • A suitable revision course • No on-call commitments for at least 3 days before the examination • study leave for 1 week before the examination date • Read a copy of the examination regulations • Aim to cover the recent (last 2 years of) mainstream Journals • Make sure that between the written examination and the oral assessment examination, you continue revising • Although difficult, do not wait for the results, as otherwise revision time is wasted • Practice short essays! Practice makes perfect

25. Household Tips contd …. • 1 month beforehand • Book accommodation and complete travel plans • Keep up to date with your chosen journals • Learning and relearn your difficult topic from your prepared revision notes • Day before the examination • Check your equipment; CPSP Admit card, directions & details • Check pens etc. make sure you have many in spare! • If in an unfamiliar place, • visit the site of the examination so that there is no chance of getting lost on the day • Make sure that you have an accurate idea of the travel time in traffic • Don’t eat anything out of ordinary • Go to bed early!

26. Examination Day • Rise after full sleep • Pray to Allah for betterment & success • Good Healthy Breakfast • Most comfortable attire • Recheck your belongings – admit card, pen etc • Preferably don’t drive yourself • Carry some high calorie food with water/juice • Reach center 30 min before the entry time • Don't read or discuss anything now • cannot do what you have not done in 4 years • Check all the aspects-Your seat is the “BEST” seat • Feel GOOD – AAL IS WELL