As a junior doctor working in the NHS, I recently tackled one of the most challenging milestones in my career: the Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment (MSRA) exam. Achieving a score above 550 was no easy feat, but through meticulous planning, hard work, and a bit of strategic studying, I made it. Here’s a detailed account of my journey, the resources I used, and how I managed to balance preparation with my demanding job. Early Preparation: Building a Strong Foundation Understanding the Exam Format MSRA Components: The MSRA consists of two parts – the Professional Dilemmas (PD) section and the Clinical Problem Solving (CPS) section. Understanding the format and type of questions was my first step. Initial Research: I started by researching the exam structure, scoring system, and key areas of focus. This helped me identify my strengths and areas that needed improvement. Gathering Study Resources Books: I invested in several high-yield books that were highly recommended by colleagues and online forums. Key resources included: "Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine": This was my go-to for clinical problem-solving questions. "Medical Ethics and Law: The Core Curriculum" by Dominic Wilkinson: Essential for tackling the Professional Dilemmas section. Online Question Banks: I subscribed to Passmedicine, which provided a vast array of practice questions closely resembling the actual exam. Additionally, I used BMJ OnExamination for more diverse question types. Creating a Study Plan Long-Term Preparation Monthly Goals: I divided my study plan into monthly goals. For the first two months, I focused on building a strong foundation in clinical knowledge and medical ethics. Daily Routine: On weekdays, I dedicated 1-2 hours after work to study, and on weekends, I increased this to 4-5 hours. Consistency was key. Intensive Review Question Banks: Three months before the exam, I ramped up my preparation by focusing heavily on question banks. I aimed to complete at least 50 questions a day, reviewing explanations thoroughly. Mock Exams: I scheduled bi-weekly mock exams using online resources to simulate the exam environment and track my progress. Balancing Work and Study Managing Study Leave Study Leave: I strategically took three days of study leave just before the exam. This allowed me to consolidate my knowledge and focus intensively without work distractions. Supportive Work Environment: My supervisors and colleagues were incredibly supportive, allowing me to swap shifts and manage my time effectively. Support from Family and Friends Family Support: My family played a crucial role in my success. They provided emotional support, helped with household chores, and ensured I had a quiet study environment. Study Group: I joined a study group with a few colleagues. We met weekly to discuss difficult topics, share resources, and motivate each other. The Night Before the Exam Final Preparations Review and Relaxation: The night before the exam, I reviewed my notes one last time, focusing on key points and mnemonics. I avoided cramming to keep my mind clear. Healthy Routine: I had a nutritious dinner, did some light exercise, and practiced mindfulness to manage anxiety. Sleep and Rest Good Night’s Sleep: Ensuring I got a full night’s sleep was crucial. I set an early bedtime and avoided screens to help me relax. Exam Day: Staying Calm and Focused Morning Routine Early Start: I woke up early, had a balanced breakfast, and reviewed a few flashcards to get my mind into gear. Positive Mindset: I reminded myself of my preparation and kept a positive mindset, focusing on doing my best rather than the outcome. At the Exam Centre Arrival: I arrived at the exam centre well ahead of time to avoid any last-minute stress. Staying Calm: I used deep-breathing exercises to stay calm and focused before the exam began. The Exam Experience Professional Dilemmas (PD) Section Strategy: For the PD section, I focused on understanding the scenarios fully before answering. I used the elimination method to narrow down choices and selected the most ethically sound options. Time Management: I managed my time carefully, ensuring I didn’t spend too long on any one question. Clinical Problem Solving (CPS) Section Clinical Knowledge: My extensive practice with question banks paid off here. I applied clinical reasoning skills and used systematic approaches to answer the questions. Pacing: I paced myself to ensure I had enough time to review my answers at the end. Post-Exam Reflections Immediate Thoughts Relief and Reflection: After the exam, I felt a mixture of relief and exhaustion. I took some time to reflect on the questions and felt confident about my performance. Waiting for Results Staying Occupied: To manage the anxiety of waiting for results, I stayed occupied with work and hobbies. Results Day: Receiving my score of over 550 was a moment of immense joy and validation of my hard work. Tips for Future Candidates Strategic Studying Start Early: Begin your preparation well in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Use Multiple Resources: Diversify your study materials to cover all aspects of the exam comprehensively. Practice, Practice, Practice: Regular practice with question banks is essential for success. Managing Work and Study Plan Study Leave: Take study leave strategically close to the exam date for intensive preparation. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from family, friends, and colleagues. Exam Day Strategies Stay Calm: Practice relaxation techniques to manage exam day anxiety. Time Management: Manage your time effectively during the exam to ensure you can answer all questions.
