Steps to Success: How to Approach the MICGP Examinations Muríosa O’Reilly

MICGP 2019 3 Modules CKT – From 1st Year – Held in March MEQ – From Third Year - as soon as you have 6 months of GP Experience in Training – March and September CCT – From Third Year – June and November

CKT Clinical Knowledge Test 200 Single Best Answer Questions Module testing application of knowledge Computer marked Once a year, Croke Park, March 2019 Open to all trainees Strong Clinical Knowledge Base Practice… CKT Robust/stand up to scrutiny

MEQ Modified Essay Questions - 8 questions, based on typical practice situations and scenarios Anonymous – trainee name is not on the paper You will be asked to sign a Declaration of Fitness to sit on the front page. This is removed and is not circulated to examiners Each question is double marked by two independent but calibrated examiners Marking is carried out electronically and each examiner accesses a clean copy of your paper. The cannot see marks/comments of their co-maker In total 16 awarded Question marks are collated to reach the final candidate grade This is 16 independent grades from 16 independent examiners Important in the context of appeals where examiner bias is often claimed! You must be in 3rd year with three years reg experience to present for this paper MEQ Handbook – Study tips; Sample Answers Borderline Group method: establishing a cut score in order to set the pass rate.

MEQ Handbook Available via www.icgp.ie Study tips/Exam day tips Sample answers Remember that scenario represents a patient sitting in front of you.

The CCT exam 13 Clinical scenarios 3 parallel circuits Each station lasts 10 minutes Gap of 1-2 minutes between stations Break of approx 15 minutes after 7 stations Candidate remains in their “surgery” Examiner and actor move to each room Some surgeries will be recorded/have observer How to prepare – see patients

Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of primary care management Demonstrate you have achieved the core competencies of Irish general practice Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of primary care management Show an ability to reflect on your practice and recognise your own limitations Present for assessment when you are clinically and personally ready Steps to Exam Success

Are you exam ready? Strong Clinical Knowledge Base? At the correct point in training? Emotionally/Physically able?

Additional Learning Needs Medical Report Psychologist Report Additional Time Laptop Separate Room Special Circumstances Illness Family illness Anxiety Bereavement Post Assessment Compensation is not available Very little we can do as an organization after the exam Early Communication is key If you have a specific question or a problem please make contact with the college by email or phone If you don’t contact us we cant assist you Don’t rely on second or third hand information I can talk to a trainee/trainer/APD/PD within office hours or arrange a call early morning/evening if necessary All correspondence is treated confidentially and anonymised where necessary

If you have a specific question or a problem please make contact with the college by email or phone If you don’t contact us we cant assist you Don’t rely on second or third hand information I can talk to a trainee/trainer/APD/PD within office hours or arrange a call early morning/evening if necessary All correspondence is treated confidentially and anonymised where necessary

If you don’t hear it from the Exams Department directly, its probably not true….. Check with the College. Email is the quickest way at busy times of the year. Don’t write the angry email, until you check with the College… Save yourself the stress and upset

Communications with the College Key points of contact Muríosa O’Reilly muriosa.oreilly@icgp.ie (out of hours use this) Main Exam Address micgpexam@icgp.ie If you are looking for information or you have an exam issue please contact the college!