Paediatric option of MRCP examination: a survey into the results of candidates electing to take the paediatrics option in MCRP (UK) Part II.

Five surveys on the performance of candidates in the paediatric option of MCRP(UK) Part II examination show the paediatric candidates to be at a disadvantage in the written part. The paediatric candidate is later in his career to obtain his MRCP (UK), as the mean interval from qualification to success at Part II is 41-7 months compared with 34 months for non-paediatric candidates (P = 0-0026). Lower marks were scored by paediatric candidates in the written section on the whole (P = 0-055), slide identification (P = 0-015), data interpretation (P = 0-065) and non-paediatric case histories P = 0-023) as seen in those candidates who passed each part at first attempt, the discrepancy being wider in those having more attempts to pass. In the oral examination the paediatric candidate scored higher (P = 0-07) but no significant difference in the clinical marks. Although it appears that few paediatricians have been severely penalized by the present system, it does require the paediatric candidate to orientate his preparation for Part II towards his books rather than towards his clinical practice, which is contrary to the aim of the Part II examination of the MRCP(UK). Plans have been announced by the Presidents of the three Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom for an entirely paediatric Part II.