Preparing for the MRCP Part 1 exam while juggling a full-time job can seem like an uphill task. The long shifts, on-call duties and emotional demands of a medical career often leave little time for structured study. But with the right strategy and discipline, success is entirely achievable. This blog provides a realistic MRCP study plan for working doctors, highlighting practical tips and resources for efficient part-time preparation of the MRCP. 

Understanding MRCP Part 1

The MRCP (Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians) Part 1 exam tests your knowledge of basic medical sciences and clinical principles. It is a multiple-choice exam designed to assess a wide range of topics relevant to internal medicine. Given the vast syllabus and clinical workload, it’s essential to approach preparation strategically.

Challenges for Working Doctors 

Working full-time in a demanding hospital environment comes with challenges such as: 

• Irregular work hours 
• Limited energy and focus post-shift 
• Time constraints on weekends or days off 
• Balancing personal life and self-care 

That’s why you need a flexible yet focused MRCP exam preparation strategy.

MRCP Study Plan for Working Doctors

Here’s a 16-week plan tailored for doctors with full-time responsibilities: 

Weeks 1-2: Foundation & Planning 

• Familiarise yourself with the exam format and syllabus.
• Gather study materials: Books (like Kalra’s Essential Revision Notes), question banks (Pastest, BMJ on Examination) and mobile apps. 
• Set a daily goal of 1-1.5 hours on weekdays and 3-4 hours on weekends.
• Create a study tracker or use tools to monitor progress. 

Weeks 3-10: Core Learning Phase 

• Break down the syllabus into manageable blocks, such as Cardiology, Respiratory, GI, Neurology, etc.
• Focus on one subject per week.
• Study key concepts for 45-60 minutes each day and practice 20-30 MCQs. 
• Use weekends for subject revision and mini-mock tests.

Weeks 11-13: Consolidation 

• Identify weak areas through performance tracking in question banks. 
• Revisit difficult topics using high-yield notes or video lectures.
• Do 1 full-length timed paper each weekend. 

Week 14-16: Final Revision: 

• Focus on rapid revision notes, flashcards and mock exams. 
• Practice 50-100 MCQs daily to boost accuracy and time management.
• Sleep well, eat healthy and avoid burnout in the final week. 

Tips for MRCP Part-Time Preparation

• Use Microlearning: Use idle moments (commute, breaks) for flashcards or quick questions. 
• Stay Consistent: Studying a little every day is better than cramming once a week.
• Group Study: Join online MRCP forums or study groups for motivation and problem-solving. 
• Track Performance: Regularly review your scores and refine your strategy accordingly. 
• Simulate Exam Conditions: Practice timed mocks to adapt to the pressure. 

Recommended Resources 

• Books: Kalra’s Essential Revision Notes, Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine 
• Question Banks: Use QBanks for practising clinical questions, SBAs, and other clinical interpretations of questions. 
• Apps: Use digital apps for revision, do the smart revision with evaluation and track progress. 

Preparing for the MRCP 1 while working full-time is undoubtedly challenging, but not impossible. With a structured approach, commitment and the right resources, success is within reach. This MRCP study plan for working doctors aims to balance work, study and personal life effectively, making your MRCP part-time preparation a smooth and productive journey. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

• How much time to prepare for the MRCP part 1?

To adequately prepare for the MRCP Part 1 exam, most individuals recommend dedicating 3-6 months to focused study. This timeframe allows for a thorough review of the syllabus, practice with numerous questions, and time for revision. Some candidates find success with a more condensed study period of 2-4 months, while others prefer a slower, steadier approach with a longer study time. 

• How tough is MRCP Part 1?

The MRCP Part 1 exam is undoubtedly challenging, but with the right preparation and strategy, it’s entirely achievable.

• What is the highest score in MRCP 1?

Instead of an overall percentage score, all candidates are given an ‘overall scaled score’. For the vast majority of candidates, this score is a number between 200 and 800, although it could occasionally be negative or above 800.

• Which book is best for MRCP Part 1?

Popular MRCP Books

• Essential Revision Notes for MRCP Philip A. Kalra.
• Complete Data Interpretation for the MRCP, Steven Hughes.
• Clinical Medicine for the MRCP PACES Volume 1: Core Clinical Skills Mehta.