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The MRCPath Part II viva – the examiners’ perspective

The MRCPath Part II viva – the examiners’ perspective. Fiona MacDonald, Birmingham Jonathan Waters, GOS, London. Part II Study Day, BWH – November 22 nd 2007. Scope of presentation. What preparation/training do examiners have? What is the the viva designed to assess?

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The MRCPath Part II viva – the examiners’ perspective

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  1. The MRCPath Part II viva – the examiners’ perspective Fiona MacDonald, Birmingham Jonathan Waters, GOS, London Part II Study Day, BWH – November 22nd 2007

  2. Scope of presentation • What preparation/training do examiners have? • What is the the viva designed to assess? • What is the timing and structure of the viva? • What prior knowledge of the candidate do the examiners have? • How do the examiners choose questions? • How should I prepare? • How is the viva marked and what are the examiners looking for in your answers? • Feedback from examiners

  3. Preparation/training for examiners • MRCPath for five years and complied with College CPD requirements • agreed to a Job Description for College Examiners • attended College Examiners’ Training Day covering: • Questioning styles • Common rating errors • Feedback to candidates

  4. What does the viva assess? • scientific knowledge relevant to their branch of genetics • ability to apply knowledge in an appropriate clinical context • data interpretation; testing strategies • understanding of laboratory organisation and management • Budgeting; staffing issues; quality and accreditation; health and safety Taken from General guidance,regulations and information about the College examinations: www.rcpath.org/exams Underlying assumption that you will sometimes need the skills of verbally discussing your knowledge and its application with other professionals

  5. From: RCPath Bulletin 140; October 2007 Miller’s Pyramid for assessing clinical competence Workplace -assessment Action - Does Performance – shows how MRCPath Part 2 Competence – knows how MRCPath Part 1 Knowledge - Knows

  6. Timing and structure of the viva • viva will normally last about one hour • two examiners - with sometimes a third examiner observing • you may be asked an opening question about your Casebook/Dissertation • examiners will usually take it in turns to lead on a question and may cover all three areas of competence in a single question

  7. How much prior knowledge of the candidate do the examiners have? • small field • examiners may or may not have been involved in candidate’s previous examination history • will not have seen previous feedback or had contact with previous examiners

  8. How do the examiners consider questions? • hot topics of the day • Microarray • Human Tissue Act • what’s been in the Genetics journals • non-invasive prenatal diagnosis • But also important to maintain ‘Part 1 level’ of scientific knowledge as part of your CPD • Topics may come up year on year

  9. How should I prepare? • Maintain and develop your ‘Part 1’ knowledge • Read the scientific literature – use email alerts where applicable • Read BSHG News/ RCPath Bulletin/ Health Service Journal • Use the Web – ACC; BSHG; ACB; FHCS; RCPath • Discuss and debate points of interest with colleagues/mentor/trainer • Obtain viva practice with internal or external mentors

  10. Demeanour and dress • Adopt a professional demeanour and dress (as per job interview)

  11. How is the viva marked? • Each question marked as Pass or Fail by both examiners independently • Each of the three aspects: Scientific knowledge/Clinical application/Managerial issues will occupy about one third of the examination • The candidate should pass in all three areas

  12. What are the examiners looking for in your answers? • good scientific knowledge base and understanding • good grasp of applications to clinical conditions • good awareness of the overall context in which ‘Clinical Laboratory Genetics’ operates In the viva – ability to handle ideas, concepts and facts ‘on the move’

  13. Feedback Guidelines are provided by the College for the giving of feedback when a candidate is unsuccessful Examiners’ Report: The purpose of the report is to give an overall picture of the candidate’s performance in such as way that he/she will know where she/he has failed to meet the required standard

  14. Exercise What is microarray? (Scientific knowledge) (Mol + Cyto together) Which patients would benefit from this technology and how should they be selected? ? (Clinical application) (Mol and Cyto separately) How would you introduce this technology into your laboratory? (Management) (Mol + Cyto together)

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