The Scope of MRCP after MBBS

1. What to do after MBBS?

MBBS is a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery. The duration of this undergraduate course is 5.5 years, including a 1-year internship. This degree allows a person to call himself a doctor and practice medicine. However, this degree is only the first step on the medical path. It needs to be followed by studying further and getting accredited to ensure a successful medical career. In India, many students opt for medicine, which makes it a highly competitive field.

2. MD/MS/DNB:

For further studies, MBBS graduates need to appear for NEET-PG, a single eligibility cum entrance test for admission to various MD/MS/DNB courses in India. Apart from NEET-PG, AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, entrance tests are also held for entry to MD/MS courses. These are three years in duration.

The Diplomate of National Board (DNB) is another avenue explored by MBBS doctors. It is a 3-year program equivalent to postdoctoral programs in the medical field.

3. What is MRCP?

Another route doctors can follow is the MRCP UK. MRCP UK (Member of The Royal College of Physicians) is an internationally recognized postgraduate level qualification offered by the Royal College of Physicians UK. It is awarded to students on successfully passing all three examinations.

• It is recognized by the MCI.
• Unlike the other PG courses that require entrance tests, MRCP does not require such tests.
• You need an MBBS degree with 12 months of work experience.
• It has three parts: Part 1 and Part 2 are written examinations. 
• Part PACES is the Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination skills.
• Since the course is in English, you need to be proficient in the language.

Part 1:

Part 1 is an entry-level examination. It covers a broad area of subjects to ensure the knowledge of the physician is comprehensive. To be eligible for Part 1, you need to pass your MBBS and complete your year-long internship.

Part 1 consists of:

• 1-day examination.

• 2 three-hour papers.

• 200 multiple choice (best of five) questions.

• No imagery.

Topics  include:

1. Clinical pharmacology and Therapeutics.
2. Cardiology.
3. Dermatology.
4. Clinical sciences.
5. Geriatric medicine.
6. Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic medicine.
7. Hematology.
8. Hepatology and Gastroenterology.
9. Neurology.
10. Oncology.
11. Infectious diseases.
12. End of life care.
13. Medical Ophthalmology.
14. Renal medicine.
15. Psychiatry.
16. Rheumatology.
17. Respiratory medicine.
18. Clinical metabolism.
19. Molecular, cell, membrane biology.
20. Clinical physiology.
21. Clinical anatomy.
22. Immunology.
23. Genetics.
24. Epidemiology, statistics, and evidence-based medicine.

Part 2:

To take part 2, you need to have cleared Part 1 in the past seven years. It includes:

• One day examination

• Two three-hour papers.

• 200 multiple choice (best of five) questions.

• Questions include images.

Topics include:

1. Dermatology.
2. Cardiology.
3. Gastroenterology.
4. Metabolic and endocrine medicine.
5. Hematology.
6. Geriatric medicine.
7. Gum and infectious diseases.
8. Palliative medicine and oncology.
9. Nephrology.
10. Neurology.
11. Psychiatry.
12. Ophthalmology.
13. Rheumatology.
14. Respiratory medicine.
15. Toxicology and therapeutics.

Part PACES:

The PACES exam can be taken after Part 1 directly. However, according to MRCP UK guidelines, completing both Part 1 and 2 before taking this exam is suggested. This is similar to the OSCE clinical skills exam.

It includes:

• Half-day MRCP UK exam.

• A clinical setting exam.

• Five stations with eight counters of patients.

• Total 10 examiners would assess the candidates.

In the PACES exam, the candidate is judged based on seven skills: Physical Assessment; Determining Physical Signs; Clinical Collaboration; Differential Diagnosis; Clinical Judgement; Catering to Patients’ Concerns; and Looking After Patient Welfare.

Is MRCP recognized in India?

In March 2017, the Medical Council of India recognized MRCP in the UK as equivalent to DM, MS, or MD in India. 

Duration: 2-3 years.

Fee detail: INR 12,00,000 to 20,00,000 lakhs per annum.

How to apply for MRCP?

• Complete your MBBS internship and start studying for the exam.
• MRCP allows six attempts for Part 1 and six attempts for Part 2. However, you must clear Part 2 within seven years of Part 1.
• Prepare thoroughly, either by studying yourself, or joining a reputed medical coaching institute.
• Once you are ready, visit www.mrcpuk.org, and form an account.
• Fill in your details, and book a slot for your examinations.
• The exams are held three times a year, with the applications opening three months before. All the relevant information is available on the website.
• Pay the required fee, and appear for the examination.

Where to study for MRCP?

There are many centers offering training for the MRCP Part 1 examination. Of these, one of the oldest and most reputed is DBMCI – Dr. Bhatia Medical Coaching Institute. 

DBMCI is the first center in India to start classes for PG entrance exams in the medical field. It was started in 1996 by Dr. Bhatia. It has now spread across India, helping young students realize their dream of becoming successful doctors. It is based on the principle of belief: “I can also do it, And I will do it.”

DBMCI is a pioneer in medicine, offering a regular course, T&D course, foundation course, pre-foundation course, fast track test, discussion course, and online test course. Its e-gurukul app has reached many doctors who wish to study from the comfort of their homes.

DBMCI now offers training in MRCP UK. It offers a basic to in-depth approach that allows you to ease into the subject. Each topic includes lecture notes, questions, and tests. It includes cardiology, pulmonology, acid-base, nephrology, infection disease, endocrine, neurology, GIT, rheumatology, hematology, hepatology, and pancreas and gall bladder. 

Its course includes:

• 450+ hours of easy to attend recorded lectures.

• 70+ assessments

• 100+ hours of test and discussion.

• 12-month access (Each video can be watched thrice during the subscription)

Therefore, DBMCI offers one of the best and most comprehensive courses for MRCP UK. The fees and other details are mentioned on their website: https://www.dbmci.com.

After Passing MRCP UK?

• Apply for specialization with SCEs (Specialty Certificate Examinations), offered by MRCP UK.
• Work as a consultant physician at a hospital in India. Many private hospitals prefer MRCP to MD – General Medicine.
• Apply to work in a hospital in the Gulf countries, Singapore, Ireland, and Australia, among other places. Many Gulf countries recognize MRCP, although they do not recognize a MD. So, if you have a MD, and wish to work abroad, you need more certification. Comparatively, MRCP has a much wider recognition.
• Open your own clinic, and heal your patients with confidence.