Observe, record, tabulate, and communicate. Use your five senses. Learn to see, learn to hear, learn to feel, learn to smell, and know that by practice alone you can become an expert.
Sir William Osler, FRS, FRCP
The Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills (PACES) should be seen as the defining moment of your medical training when you have been accepted into the fold – the final hurdle you need to jump over before gaining the elusive title of ‘ Medical Registrar’ . The wise words from Sir William Osler sum up the skills needed to achieve this goal.
This book is designed to be a comprehensive revision aid that will be invaluable to candidates studying for their PACES examination. The book is designed to be used at the patient’ s bedside to guide clinical examination, as well as having enough detail to cover pertinent points in the case in question.
Each of the chapters contains hints and tips on how to tackle each of the examinations and a summary at the end to consolidate key learning points. The cases represent a collection of those which are most frequently encountered in the PACES examination and are set out in a standardised format. Each chapter has been reviewed by senior clinicians within the specialty. The information within the handbook has been updated and is supported by evidence-based literature and supporting guidelines.
Passing PACES requires not only an in-depth knowledge of the subject of the case but also the fine art of being able to present in a concise and coherent manner. Each case contains a section on presentation which will aid the candidate in perfecting this skill.
Excellent communication skills are the cornerstone of every doctor’ s interaction with patients and colleagues and are essential in passing the PACES examination. Uphold the legacy of Dr Kate Granger, who initiated the #hellomynameis campaign, and treat every patient with the utmost respect, kindness and compassion.
PACES is feared as the unachievable milestone; the key to passing the exam is hard work and sheer dedication. The blood, sweat and tears will all be worth it in the end when you have attained the highly sought after title of Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom (MRCP UK).
If you follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before you, you are guaranteed to succeed.
Good luck – go forth and conquer!
SG, PKJ, RK and SB