Year Guide: Fourth Year: ACS
It is a widely held belief which is reinforced year on year that this unit is pretty tough!! But, it does make medicine make sense so that is really encouraging but your coffee intake increases dramatically and you help fund the WRVS.
The unit begins with three weeks of lectures on level 9 of the BRI, so it is nice to be in Bristol. And is also composed of Pathology tutorials and 3 weeks of anaesthetics. The precise logistics do vary depending on which academy you are in.
The SSC is a presentation and can be of either a pathology or anaesthetics topic. When doing presentations ensure you remember all the standard presentation tips:
- Overview slide
- Choice of topic
- Clear slights with as few words as possible per slide and lots of pictures
- Vertical themes (Ethics goes down well)
- References
- Make sure you stay within the time limit
Case studies are also a good idea; you don’t have to do a topic which would involve using loads of papers and fine detail research which has taken you ages.
There is a mock exam covering both Path and Anaesthetics. This is really useful, but much easier than the real thing so just bear that in mind!
Pathology
The exam on the computer and was in two parts with an hour maximum on each. The majority of questions are EMQs, and I can’t remember exactly how many there were but it was split relatively evenly between the different topics eg haematology, biochemistry, histology and microbiology.
My biggest tip would be when revising think clinically. The exam is notoriously tough, and a word of warning that questions will have a detailed accounts of cases, which when you read you think confidently that you know what the diagnosis is, but then they tell you that and the options are often to do with treatments and investigations (especially with respect to Haematology). Revision is really good to do with others as well to discuss cases.
Anaesthetics
A really enjoyable placement. Very practical. The anaesthetists are really friendly and try to sell anaesthetics to you. The only problem is the early mornings, but generally you are able to leave early afternoon. Get all cannulae and LMAs done by going to theatres and if you are having difficulties with them then ask and the doctors will be really keen to help.
With respect to the exam Tim Lovell does a really good revision day. For the exam know about shock, pain relief and the pain ladder, emergencies – but I can’t remember much else about it!
