The Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons is a highly recognized qualification allowing one to practice as a surgeon in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The fellowship is conferred on an intercollegiate basis. The four royal colleges of Surgeons, the Royal College of Surgeons England, Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, Royal College of Surgeons, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, and Royal College of Surgeons Ireland bestow the fellowships.
FRCS Exam Format
Section 1
FRCS Section 1 is a computer-based written test comprising two Single Best Answer papers. These tests are held in different test centers, aiming to ensure that the aspirants possess the required knowledge.
Paper 1: 120 Single Best Answer (Duration: 2 Hours 15 minutes)
Paper 2: 120 Single Best Answer (Duration: 2 Hours 15 minutes)
Candidates can proceed to Section 2 upon passing the Section 1 examination.
Section 2
FRCS Section 2 is the clinical exam, conducted worldwide in pre-selected centers. This examination evaluates the oral and clinical aspects of General Surgery covering areas like Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Levels of evidence, Statistical analysis, and Research methodology.
1. Clinical Examinations
There are two sets of Clinical Examinations:
Clinical 1-4 short cases (30 minutes)
Clinical 2-4 short cases (30 minutes)
These cases include areas like History-taking, Examination, Planning of Surgical care, Investigations, Operative surgery, and Relevant pathology.
2. Oral Examinations
There are three oral examinations:
- Emergency Surgery
Covers emergency surgery, operative surgery, and relevant pathological investigations.
2. General Surgery
Includes elective surgery, operative surgery, investigations, and relevant pathology.
3.Trauma and Critical Care
Covers trauma surgery, relevant pathology, investigation, operative surgery, and management of critically ill patients.
If you aspire to build your career in surgery, the FRCS qualification is an excellent choice. Gain an in-depth understanding of the FRCS exam pattern before commencing your preparation. Prepare with confidence and dedication. All the best!
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