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What is MRCP Ireland?

 

For those of you, who don’t know, I did my MRCP-Ireland while I was in Saudi Arabia. It isn’t an easy exam to pass and for me it was not different. I really struggled for it and completed it in 2018.

What is MRCP-Ireland?

MRCP is a Royal of Physician of Ireland exam which is their medicine exam equivalent to their BST training in Ireland. You cant be consultant just by this exam but you cant be a consultant without having passed this exam.

How is it different than MRCP-UK?

Good question, it has a lot of similarities and differences with the Irish Exam. So MRCP-UK is the exam which is recognized in the UK for almost everything. You can go into training with this exam. This is not necessarily true for the MRCP-Ireland.

Both consist of three parts.

 The First part of MRCP Ireland consist of a written computer based BCQ with 100 questions and you need roughly between 50-55 % marks to the pass it. It is based on Clinical and few bits of basic sciences.

Second part is also computer based BCQ more clinical and consist of 2 papers both with 75 bcqs. Passing marks is roughly between 55-65%

Third part is paces which is called the Clinical, it has 5 short cases and 2 long cases. You need to pass all the stations to pass the exam and that is the main difference comparing it to MRCP UK paces

 

Why I chose MRCP-Ireland instead of UK?

Another very good question, I looked at allot scenarios, first I didn’t had money to pay for 2 exams at the same time. Second, I had seen allot of my colleagues and friends who struggled to get their PACES seats after passing both part 1 and 2. It was a bit easier to get seats in MRCP-Ireland.

I also must admit my knowledge about the differences of both exams wasn’t very great and in general there was acceptance of MRCP Ireland in the UK.

Can you get into UK ST3 level training with MRCP Ireland?

Straight answer. I am afraid not, the reason is the rules aren’t clear on this, you need to have Basic specialty training and be a citizen of the Republic of Ireland to be eligible to get into training at ST3 level.

Can you get GMC with MRCP Ireland?

Yes GMC recognizes the MRCP Ireland exam however, you cant get into training with it.

Is it still worth coming to the UK?

Well, I reckon yes, it is worth it, It really depends on what do you want with your life. It’s not a yes and no answer. After spending a year in UK, I still believe it is worth all the hassle.

If I could go back in time will I do MRCP UK or MRCP Ireland?

Probably I won’t change my decision, but I would still say to those who are recently graduating to be clear on what they want in life. We all like to run in a rat’s race. What path I chose doesn’t necessarily mean it is wrong, its just right for me.

Will you share your experiences of MRCP Ireland?

Definitely

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