Passed PLAB 2 with 13/16 without an Academy (Introvert Edition). Here is my honest breakdown.

To be honest, I almost didn't write this because I felt like my method was a bit "weird," but seeing so many people stressed about finding study partners, I figured this might help.
I passed my PLAB 2 last week (13/16 stations passed). I’m an IMG with pretty bad social anxiety. The idea of performing in front of an "angry patient" actor terrified me way more than the medicine itself.
I didn't join Samson or Common Stations because I couldn't afford the £600+ (and I heard the shouting horror stories). Instead, I built my own "Digital Academy." Here is exactly what I used.
1. The Knowledge Base (The Usual Suspects)
Everyone knows Plabable is the king for Part 1, but for Part 2, I felt lost. I started with the standard PDFs (Lovaan and Mo Sobhy). They are good for content, but trying to read a script from a PDF while looking at a timer is a nightmare.
Verdict: Necessary evil, but messy.
2. The "Map" (Replacing the Facebook Chaos)
I wasted 2 weeks scrolling through Facebook groups looking for updated recalls and "Blueprints." It’s a mess.
I eventually found PlabCentral (I think it's newer?). It basically organizes the GMC blueprint into an actual studyable format. Instead of downloading 50 random PDFs, I just used their tracker to see which topics I was weak on. It felt like the "Plabable dashboard" but for Part 2.
Tip: Don’t try to learn everything. Focus on the high-yield stations they flag.
3. The "Study Partner" Problem (My Secret Weapon)
This was my biggest hurdle. I am awkward. I tried finding study partners on WhatsApp groups, but 50% of them ghost you, and the other 50% have bad microphones or just want to read notes at you.
I failed my first online mock because I froze. I literally couldn't get the words out.
I needed to practice talking, but I was too embarrassed to do it with a human until I was ready. I started using TalkingCases.ai about 3 weeks before the exam. It’s an AI patient simulator.
Why it worked for me: I could do the "Breaking Bad News" station at 2 AM in my pajamas. If I messed up the IPS (Interpersonal Skills) or sounded robotic, the AI would actually tell me in the feedback. It let me repeat the same station 10 times until I stopped stuttering.
The Bridge: Once I got confident with the AI, I finally did a few sessions with a real human partner just to check my body language. But the AI did 90% of the heavy lifting for my confidence.
4. The Exam Day
Simman: Was broken in my exam (lol). We just had to talk to the examiner.
Prescription: Easier than I thought. Just memorize the BNF common ones.
IPS: This is where you pass or fail. The examiners don't care if you know the exact dose of some rare drug. They care if you look like a safe, empathetic doctor.
Summary:
You DO NOT need to pay £600 for an academy to get shouted at.
Use Plabable/PDFs for the raw info.
Use PlabCentral to organize your study plan so you don't drown.
Use TalkingCases if you are shy or can't find a reliable partner.
Good luck everyone. If I can pass this with my anxiety, you definitely can.