Training
Training Books / Guides
'How to Pass - the Insider's Guide to the RACP Examinations'
Authors: Ingrid Nuden and Zoë Raos
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians written and clinical examinations are very challenging. “It was the worst year of my life” is a widely heard sentiment from medical registrars, as they look back on their experiences.
Hopefully, the path to these gruelling exams will be made easier with the release of Australasia’s first purpose-written survival guide. ‘How to Pass: An insider’s guide to the RACP examinations’ is the brainchild of Zoë Raos and Ingrid Naden, who wrote the book in conjunction with the Clinical Education and Training Unit (CETU) at Auckland District Health Board. With a pass rate that varies from 50-70%, the RACP exams are notoriously hard. Ingrid Naden states “… we thought, let’s make it easier and help people to make the most of the time involved.”
While there is no substitute for practice and preparation, “there were simple strategies that saved us time, helped us cope and guaranteed extra marks”, explains Zoë. “There are excellent texts and websites out there, but so much key advice was from seniors in the coffee line or over lunch. Ingrid and I really wanted to put these pearls of wisdom in one place.”
Zoë and Ingrid based “How to Pass’ on their own experience, tips gathered from previous candidates past together with crucial advice from many RACP examiners. The book aims to guide a candidate through the whole process, from getting started in the written exam, dealing with stress, book reviews and course reviews right through to preparing for short and long cases, how to present a case and what to wear for the clinical exam. “A lot of what got us through the hard times was the knowledge that others had survived before us. We hope that our book will help the next group of candidates to understand that they are not alone!” says Ingrid.
The project took a year of hard work to complete, “but it was nothing compared to studying!”. Ingrid and Zoë are extremely grateful to their editor, Pat Starkey, who demonstrated that it was indeed possible to say something in less than 15 lines.
Although it was the worst year of her life, Zoë believes that “those exams really did make me a better doctor”, Ingrid adding “I wish that this book had been around when I was doing it”.
‘How to Pass’ will be distributed in hospitals
throughout the country and is available by emailing Pat Starkey
at CETU - pstarkey@adhb.govt.nz.
Ingrid and Zoë would be delighted to hear any feedback from candidates
past or future, as they work towards the next edition - zoe_raos@yahoo.co.nz.
Cost: NZ$35 / A$40 (includes air post from NZ)
'Rational Clinical Examination'
Rational Clinical Examination was written for medical undergraduates and trainees in general practice and internal medicine. It is a useful and succinct reference for all clinicians.
It was written by an experienced general physician and academic, incorporating much published evidence and has been enhanced with comments from numerous colleagues of the author.
The information is presented systematically and is easy to follow. Lists of differential diagnosis emphasise the most common conditions and the rationale and clinical context behind physical signs is discussed. The text is written as a foundation to leaning.
Although this title can be strategically read alongside more detailed textbooks, internet and other resources, it should be an extremely useful “stand-alone” clinical reference on the ward and in the office.
“.... a marvellous integration of the elicitation of physical signs with their interpretation and clinical relevance. It is a very complete source which will be of enormous assistance to undergraduate students and those in vocational training ” Prof Lou Landau, Former Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry UWA.
For all enquiries please contact:-
UWA Press
35 Stirling Highway Crawley WA 6009
T: (08) 6488 3670 F: (08) 6488 1027
E: admin@uwapress.uwa.ed.au
Price: $39.95 incl GST
ISBN 1 920694 86 2
Awards & Scholarhips
There are currently four IMSANZ awards/scholarships open to Advanced Trainees. See Resources > Awards & Scholarships.