We rely upon the voluntary support of Fellows and Collegiate Members of the College to support our examinations
The MRCP(UK) is a highly regarded international benchmark of clinical excellence and relies heavily upon the voluntary support of Fellows and Members of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK (Edinburgh, Glasgow and London) in examining to ensure its delivery. PACES is an integral part of UK medical training and helps to ensure that trainees meet the highest standard of patient care.
Examiners are experienced clinicians who are responsible for assessing candidates undergoing the Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills (PACES) component of the MRCP(UK) examination. Examining offers an opportunity to earn external CPD points, develop skills as a assessor and share best practice with other physicians.
Benefits include:
PACES examining is accepted by participating examiners as an excellent source of CPD
Most UK Health Boards and NHS Trusts recognise it as a supporting professional activity for consultant staff
"Examining can conjure up different ideas and perceptions to different individuals and does not in a word convey the professional opportunities which it provides.
As a new consultant with a young family, I frequently have to juggle my professional and personal commitments and may not fit many doctors’ idea of a stereotypical examiner. The time commitment, of 3 days over a year, is easy enough and provides great professional value in return. Examining is an excellent way of obtaining good general medical CPD, provides excellent networking opportunities (especially for relatively new consultants), is intellectually stimulating and also surprisingly enjoyable.
In addition to providing personal and professional value it also enables me to contribute to the maintenance of professionally-led examinations and medical standards. This is something I am passionate about and believe is in all of our interests.
If you have not previously considered examining, I would encourage you to do so. You may be pleasantly surprised."
Dr Adamson, Elected Member – Recently Appointed Consultant Council, and Diabetes and Endocrinology Consultant
UK PACES Examining opportunities
Examiners must be prepared to make themselves available at least 3 days (6 cycles) a year although not necessarily consecutive to carry out examining duties. To be eligible for PACES examining in the UK, you must:
Be a Collegiate Member or Fellow in good standing of one of the Royal College of Physicians of the UK
Be practising in some aspect of general medicine
Have evidence of an interest or regular participation in educational activities
GMC registered with a licence to practice.
Currently involved in training with at least two years experience.
Commit to a minimum of 6 cycles per annum or, min 2 days per year averaged over 2 years (i.e min 2 / 3 days per year)
For more information on the criteria and required commitments for appointment as a UK PACES Examiner. Please contact us at: edinburghexaminers@rcpe.ac.uk
To apply to become a UK PACES examiners, please complete and submit our online UK PACES Examiner Application Form.
