They say success tastes better after a bitter struggle. It was not until recently that I learnt the truth behind this saying.
In my journey to progress in my career, I have chosen to do
the MRCPsych examinations. I have recently
passed the final part of the exam: CASC, with a cherry on top, I passed all stations, alhamdulillah!
“CASC is a test of communication skills”
I have heard this for so many times – but I just could not
believe this. I worry a lot about reading the whole material (which is needed,
by the way!) and it was only few days towards the exam that I realized what is
really required from me as a candidate for CASC.
Here are things that I found to be helpful during my CASC
preparation.
1.
Dr Hossam’s session.
I was introduced to Dr Hossam’s
group by a senior. I remember it was Ramadan and I didn’t sleep because I
wanted to join his session at 1 am. Few weeks after that Dr Hossam changed his
timing to having 2 sessions in a week at 1pm GMT and 7pm GMT. That is 9 pm
Malaysian time and 3 am Malaysian time. You can only practice 1 station every
week but watching other people practicing and listening to his feedbacks were
very helpful too.
Dr Hossam’s session was an
important part of my casc preparation because I was clueless when I started and
his sessions made me understand the whole process. I will always remember the
“hunger games” we’d have every Sunday evening – trying to secure a seat to
practice in his free session.
Recommendation : I would highly
recommend to use Dr Hossam’s weekly schedule to cover all the stations that
frequently comes out in the exam, watch his youtube videos on how to approach a
particular stations and join the weekly sessions. They are free of charge! Not
to mention, from this practice sessions, I came across other candidates and
widen my practice network.
Telegram : https://t.me/+4hiHVANXMxY3MWI8
Website : https://casctutorials.com/courses/
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-gj5t9nXE-ALZgNac1XpLg
2.
CASC in Hand
I was looking for cheaper mock examination options when I came across CASC in Hand websites. This is run by two NHS trainees who had cleared the CASC examination. I joined their one day course – free videos touching on how to approach all stations and in their mock session you will get to do 3 full stations (7 minutes) and 6 mini stations (a focused, 4 minutes task). This does not reflect the real exam, BUT – the mini-stations helped me to become more task-specific. Truth is, this is very helpful because a lot of times now, there are more and more questions in the exam that combines task-specific questions and you need to manage your time wisely.
Cost : GBP250
Website : https://www.cascinhand.com/
3.
CASCPrepare
I would say CASCPrepare also plays a huge role in my exam preparation. Not sure why but I am always anxious about practicing with the tutor but passing a lot stations during her mock session and listening to her feedback really boosted my confidence further.
Costs :
5 private tutoring session : GBP293
Mock : GBP320
Website : https://www.cascprepare.com/
4. SPMM Mock :
“If you are saving money and only have the budget for 1 mock, do the spmm mock” was the advice I got. Unfortunately, the dates for the mock exam was too near to my real exam. (So I took the mock session with cascprepare just so that I will have time to improve).
My honest feedback : YES I agree, the spmm mock was very good because now you get to practice with real actors and experienced psychiatrists as examiners. The timing were almost similar to the real exam as well. SPMM mock IS THE REAL DEAL, people!
During this mock exam, I passed all 16 stations – this initially gave me the confidence on the day of the real exam that I might actually make it.
Cost : GBP 475
5.
Great friends
I am very blessed that I have
many friends who helped me during my exam preparations. I practiced with 2-3
people everyday and towards the exam, during my study leaves – I try to build
up to 12 – 16 stations everyday. It was very tiring because, 16 stations
everyday = 16 stations of being candidate and another 16 as role players! There
are days where I am just too tired and I’d tell my partner “today, I just want
to be role-player”. I was lucky that on days that I feel lazy, my partner(s)
could recognize it and would say things like “you do at least one station
today!”.
Shoutout to Farina, whom despite having passed the CASC still spend some time to practice with me - could not thank her enough!
References :
1.
Get Through MRCPsych CASC – Melvin Zhang
Great book to start with – was my
main reference initially.
2.
SPMM notes
This is where I did the bulk of
my reading. The examples of stations given helped with understanding how are
you being marked.
3.
The Maudsley Trainee Guide to the CASC
Good resources to practice with
non-CASC candidate because the actor’s instruction are very detailed. I love
that the stations in this book is different than what you’d see in Zhang’s,
SPMM or Seshni’s book.
4.
Pass the CASC – Seshni Moodliar
I don’t use this book except when I feel there’s difficulty to phrase a question, then I’ll see what is suggested in this book.
Above all, preparing for CASC made me a better doctor. It helped
shape my thought process – to formulate a patient-tailored management for each
patient.
If you are reading this to prepare for the upcoming CASC
examination, I wish you all the best. If you are looking for much cheaper
options for personal tutoring and mock examination, I’d recommend www.cascpro.com
If you have further question do email me at : atiqahdahalan@gmail.com
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