Destination: MRCP

For a lot of house officers in Malaysia, by the end of their postings, they already started to think what they should do next. Taking up external examination papers? Or Masters programmes in whatever field they are interested in. Some will be lucky enough to be attached to the department that will be relevant to their future career path. Paediatric was my third posting.. I wasn't sure whether I should do paediatric or adult medicine. Later, I got posted to Department of Medicine and I was told that I would have to stay there until forever.. usual reason... shortage of doctors there. Not to say experience in the department was awesome, but I could well see myself as a physician more than a paediatrician. So, the chance to stay back in Medical Department was just great!

Again I was at the crossroad.. deciding to take MRCP (Membership for the Royal College of Physicians) or Masters in Internal Medicine. My environment at that time was encouraging for MRCP.. had few other friends who wanted to pursue MRCP and few other seniors who were still in the process to complete their membership. Plus, I had to wait for another 3 years before I could send my application for Masters. Knowing how I am.. waiting too long will definitely kill off my interest and momentum to study.

I decided to take up Part 1 MRCP in 2007. It wasn't really a road trip to Part 1.. it was an air trip down to Singapore. So after adequate break, I proceeded with the second part in 2008. This time in UM.

Here comes 2009.. PACES time! Again decisions.. decisions... when, where? At that time I did not know how to start studying. Plus short cases really not my strength when I was a medical student. Again, my friends and I were lucky. We had a great tutor. He was the first person who exposed us to the examination style. Until now I haven't forgotten how I performed and presented my first case. I did terribly bad! Just like medical students and even worse than them! Knowing what was lacking, my friends and I continued practising and correct each other.. including with "heart-slicing" comments. Just to see each other successful.

Again.. opening date... everybody was busy checking the websites, printing forms and getting money ready.. that's a lot of money! Finally decided to take in Singapore (June) though I knew chances of getting a place was slim.. and true enough.. our money was returned back to us. I guess I was fated not to take it at that time.. not so ready anyway.

It was different this time. We had to queue in front of the MRCP Secretariat in UM, just to secure our place for the exams. We waited for almost an hour before the door of the office opened. When it finally accepted our applications... big relief! However... on a bigger picture..... get your bottom up! Time to go full force for the preparation... and we did!

Some of us was queuing up to hand in our application to MRCP Secretariat in UMMC.

It was really a road trip for me and for a lot more I think, as now Seremban is a new examination centre! I spent 1 day before the exam driving from my house to UMMC. I tried parking at the faculty.. not a good choice! It was raining but that was good in the sense that I could test how I would end up looking if I were to park there the next day on the real exam day... WET! So, I tried parking at the UMMC itself... horrendous! Very stressful! So, I decided to follow Dato Dr Kiew's advice.. get someone to send you. So I did.. I got a taxi-driver to send me there. Good choice! I arrived in good time, enough to calm myself down.

Kringggg!! Exams started and so I gave my best on that day and what a big relief after all of it over! To go through it again?? Given a choice.. nobody would! Too tiring but at the same time... enjoyable. Especially if (quoting from a friend) you are fated to have a good bunch!

4 weeks we all waited... since 20th Nov.. we were not at rest.. looking at the MRCP website so frequently! And finally 24th November 2009.. the results were out... PASS! I am so happy and grateful to Allah, my family, teachers, and friends! (You all know who you are!).

So, MRCP is not about the destination alone.. the road trip that is more important. It teaches friendship, responsibility, maturity.. I hope this blog will be a beneficial adjunct to help you prepare yourselves along the road trip, also for others to share their road trip too! I hope it will serve a map, compass and backpack for the journey. Have a safe and successful journey!