How much are we able to unlearn and then learn? This is the question one should ask prior to embarking on journey of MRCOG or move to the U. K. as an International Medical Graduate.

It is simply to make you aware that the process is new and challenging, and requires an open mind, flexible learning approach and adoption of technology based learning. There might be a shift from old practise and ideas to new evidence based information. Trust me! its all very exciting.

Every part of MRCOG exam is a step forward if compared to the pyramid of Bloom’s taxonomy (1956, Taxonomy of Educational Objectives: The Classification of Educational Goals), in cognitive domain. To simplify it starts with having knowledge of subject, moving to comprehension and application (applied clinical knowledge) and then be able to analyse, synthesise and evaluate (decision making in OSCE scenarios). This means increasing complexity and specificity as we move up the pyramid.

During my exam preparation for MRCOG part 2 exam I preferred e-reading. I made a folder named PART 2 and made subfolders of GTG (Green – Top Guidelines), NICE, TOG, SIP, SIGN, FSRH, BASHH, BHIVA, Consent advice, GPP, etc. I found it less time consuming and easy to navigate. Whatever topic I completed I kept putting them in their respective folder and in the end by one click I could know what all I have read (use highlighter in pdf option to mark relevant areas as you go about reading). Not to forget about StratOG which is equally important and requires well in advance time management.

For MRCOG part 3 you would need to include PILs (Patient information leaflet) also. I will subsequently discuss more resources for part 2 and part 3 exam preparation but above mentioned guidelines are basic essentials.

Aim of this post is to lay the foundation for understanding MRCOG exam and the preparation material required.

References & resources:

Bloom, B. S.; Engelhart, M. D.; Furst, E. J.; Hill, W. H.; Krathwohl, D. R. (1956). Taxonomy of educational objectives: The classification of educational goals. Vol. Handbook I: Cognitive domain. New York: David McKay Company

https://www.rcog.org.uk/guidance/browse-all-guidance/green-top-guidelines/

https://www.rcog.org.uk/guidance/browse-all-guidance/scientific-impact-papers/

https://www.rcog.org.uk/guidance/browse-all-guidance/consent-advice/

https://www.rcog.org.uk/guidance/browse-all-guidance/good-practice-papers/

https://www.rcog.org.uk/guidance/browse-all-guidance/best-practice-papers/

https://elearning.rcog.org.uk//

Other links can be easily obtained through online search engines and typing the name of guidance.