Experience of Passing PLAB 2 in 3rd attempt

PLAB 2
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Ur watsapp contact pls,i want guidance, im a first timer😭

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Ur watsapp contact pls…i am a first timer

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Hi there. May I ask how long was your prep? Congrats again!

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To understand what I’m discussing here, please read my previous post first (Experience of Passing PLAB 2 in 3rd attempt).

Since then, many candidates from plabforum have reached out for advice, and I’ve compiled some key points and common mistakes I encountered during my journey:

Management
One crucial error I made was not addressing the patient’s primary complaint first. It’s essential to remember the presenting complaint and manage it initially, as this earns key marks. For example, if a patient’s primary concern is pain but the case involves cancer, ensure you address the pain before discussing the broader issue. I found it helpful to count complaints on my fingers subtly to keep track.

Teaching Scenarios
I struggled with teaching scenarios until a GMC examiner (with whom I got in touch through a friend) highlighted that it’s not about covering everything, it’s about structured, focused teaching. For example, in an ECG station, say you’ll focus only on waves, complexes, and rhythm due to time constraints. Similarly, in speculum teaching, mention that you’ll cover sample-taking first and discuss prerequisites later. This approach took me from failing my first two attempts in teaching station to scoring 11/12 on my third.

Simulator Responses
Don’t get discouraged by minimal responses from simulators. They’re often non-reactive, which doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing poorly. I thought I had messed up an ECG teaching station because of the simulator’s response but ended up scoring well.

Active Listening
Small actions like saying “alright” or nodding can demonstrate active listening, which boosts your score in IPS. I overlooked this initially but saw a noticeable improvement once I incorporated it.

Loovan
There’s a misconception that review courses like Loovan are a complete preparation. They’re primarily for revision; they help clarify concepts but don’t replace thorough study. Make sure you’ve prepared well before taking them.

Handling Mistakes
If you say something incorrect, don’t panic. You can politely correct yourself, as you would in a regular clinical setting, by saying, “I’m sorry, that was a slip of the tongue.”

Mock Exams Over Courses
Prioritize mock exams online or in-person closer to your test date. I was lucky found tutors through some common friends who provided helpful, in depth feedback through these mocks, which was invaluable.

Best of luck to all preparing for PLAB 2!

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