My Personal Experience Passing the MSRA Exam with a High Score +550

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.