There is a positive side to taking exams to reacredit. Having just had to
go through the exam process to stay working in Canada (three stages of exams
to pass the Medical Council of Canada licencing requirements, which was
mandatory, and the Certificate of Canadian Family Practice, which is like
MRCGP and was voluntary for me though not for new Canadian GPs) I can say:
1. Having to sit exams at age 44 is certainly somewhat anxiety inducing
2. Having to revise for multiple choice exams certainly increased my
knowledge base and has helped my practice in my opinion
3. Having to think about taking a 14 station clinical exam (LMCC) and a
further 5 station MRCGP-type OSCE (CCFP) is tough
Passing the exams (I got the final result yesterday - yippee) has led to a
sense of revitalisation and confidence in what one I'm doing. Speaking
personally, at mid-career I felt uncertain that I was up-to-date enough in
my practice. Having to study for exams certainly forced me to ensure that I
was and in a way that the planned GMC revalidation would not. Whether I
_am_ a better doctor than I was two years ago _because_ of having to take
the exams I do not know for certain. I think I probably am.
Overall I think that resitting exams is the only way to reaccredit us, but I
admit that doing it every five years would be time-consuming and worrying.
Jonathan
----- Original Message -----
From: "Fay Wilson" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, December 18, 2004 4:11 AM
Subject: Re: Revalidation postponed
> From: "Michael Leuty" <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Saturday, December 18, 2004 11:51 AM
>
>> On Saturday 18 Dec 2004 10:53, Fay Wilson wrote:
>> > So what are we going to do?
>>
>> Well, no need to work up a sweat over getting glowing appraisals,
>> stockpiling letters from grateful rellies, and other such namby pamby
>> stuff. It'll be re-sits every five years from now on.
>
> Easy peasy for some and obviously good for us disorganised types who can't
> keep track of files and papers. But tough luck on those who have a nervous
> breakdown over exams. Personally I am both paperly challenged and prone to
> exam anxiety. Do I hear an alternative career beckoning?
>
> Fay
>
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