This opening section provides crucial strategic advice on exam preparation and the approach to the viva itself.
There are two main editions of the book that you are likely to encounter. Here is a breakdown:
What operative findings would change your plan? A3: Large gastric ulcer – biopsy for malignancy; duodenal perforation with severe inflammation – omental patch (Graham patch).
The core of the book is structured around hundreds of clinical case scenarios, mirroring the style and content of the actual exam. The major sub-specialty sections typically include:
If you’re looking to from available sources or notes, here’s a suggested outline of what the PDF usually contains, so you can compile similar material: This opening section provides crucial strategic advice on
The Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) is a prestigious qualification that marks a surgeon's expertise and competence in their chosen specialty. The Intercollegiate Exam in General Surgery is a crucial assessment that tests a candidate's knowledge, skills, and judgment in general surgery.
Open a spreadsheet or a Word document. Divide it into 5 sections:
While Section 1 tests knowledge via Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Section 2 tests clinical application, judgment, and communication. This guide outlines how to best utilize this specific book to maximize your exam preparation.
The book presents a patient scenario (e.g., "A 45-year-old male presents with right iliac fossa pain..." ). A3: Large gastric ulcer – biopsy for malignancy;
Before diving into how to utilize companion cases, it is vital to understand the battlefield. Section 2 evaluates your clinical judgment, communication, and decision-making safety across several distinct components:
Cracking the Intercollegiate General Surgery FRCS Viva 2e: A Revision Guide
(National Institute for Health and Care Excellence)
Cases mimic the rapid-fire, escalating difficulty of the real exam, pushing you from basic anatomy to complex multi-disciplinary team (MDT) decisions. The Intercollegiate Exam in General Surgery is a
Confidently state when you would involve interventional radiology, intensive care, or a tertiary subspecialist.
When handed a case scenario, avoid listing endless differential diagnoses like a junior registrar. State the most likely diagnosis first, acknowledge life-threatening alternatives, and immediately provide a safe, structured management plan. Use phrases like, "My immediate priority is resuscitation while simultaneously arranging a..." 3. Supplement with National Guidelines
Workup of a thyroid nodule and management of primary hyperparathyroidism. Multimodal management of early and advanced breast cancers. 5. Transplant, Vascular, and Pediatric Surgery