Introduction
Once you finish your undergraduate medical degree, there will be a plethora of options on what to do next. If you are someone who wants to take on the PLAB Exam i.e. Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board Exam, then you must be aware of what to expect in the exam, isn't it?
A solid understanding of the PLAB exam syllabus and pattern is essential to ensure success. In this blog, we will uncover the key aspects of the PLAB exam, providing you with valuable insights and strategies to navigate this critical step in your medical career.
PLAB Exam Syllabus
Every target has a set of plans through which it can be achieved successfully. For the PLAB Exam, one must be aware of the exam syllabus. This is a crucial process because, without a syllabus, it is like walking blindly without a proper destination.
So here are the essential topics for the PLAB Exam:
Subject | Topics |
| Blood and lymph | Abnormal blood film Bruising/ bleeding/ purpura Generalised enlarged lymph nodes Pallor |
| Breast | Breast lump and/or pain |
| Cardiovascular | Chest pain Fatigue Heart murmur Hypertension Palpitations Peripheral arterial disease Peripheral oedema, breathlessness Peripheral venous problems |
| Child health | Congenital abnormalities Developmental problems Failure to thrive |
| Digestive | Abdominal mass Abdominal pain Anorexia and weight loss Facial pain and swelling Jaundice Lower GI symptoms Upper GI symptoms Nutrition |
| Endocrine | Abnormal blood sugar General endocrine disorder Thyroid abnormalities |
| ENT | Ear ache Hearing problems Hoarseness and/or stridor Nasal symptoms Vertigo |
| Ethical and professional | Drawing from GMC explanatory guidance Drawing from Good medical practice (2013) Duties of a doctor |
| Eye | Eye pain Orbital swelling Red eye Visual impairment |
| Genitourinary | Urethral discharge Vaginal discharge |
| Homeostatic | Acid-base imbalance and blood gas abnormalities Electrolyte abnormalities |
| Infectious disease | Hospital-acquired infection Serious infection Travel medicine and tropical infections Viral infections |
| Mental health | Alcohol and drug use disorder and dependence Anxiety Deliberate self-harm Eating problems Learning and communication problems Medically unexplained physical symptoms Mood (affective) problems Confusion Personality and behavioural disorders Psychosis Legal frameworks |
| Musculoskeletal | Back and neck problems Connective tissue disorders Foot and ankle problems Hand and wrist problems Hip problems Knee problems Rheumatological problems Shoulder/upper limb problems Skeletal problems including fractures |
| Neurological | Blackouts and faints (funny turns) Cranial nerve problems Falls Headache Movement disorders including tremors and gait problems Peripheral nerve problems and abnormalities of sensation Seizures Speech and language disorder Weakness and fatigue |
| Older adults | Confusion Symptoms of terminal illness |
| Pharmacological | Clinical pharmacology Clinical pharmacology |
| Renal | Abnormalities of the urine Renal problems Urinary excretion Contraception Fertility problems Normal pregnancy and care Problems in pregnancy including bleeding Irregular vaginal bleeding Cervical smear/ colposcopy Pelvic mass Pelvic pain Vulval and vaginal lumps/lesions Prolapse Urinary incontinence |
| Respiratory | Breathlessness Chest pain Cough and haemoptysis Wheeze/ Stridor |
| Seriously ill patient | Collapse Fever/ Infection Multiple trauma Shock |
| Skin | Bites and stings Bullous Dermatological manifestations of systemic disease Extremes of temperature Hair and nail problems Itchy and/or scaly rashes Infections Lumps Moles and pigmented lesions Ulcers |
| Urological | Groin/scrotal pain and/or swelling Urinary tract obstruction Abnormalities of the urine Urinary symptoms |
PLAB Exam Pattern
The examination contains various tests and scenarios that a doctor trained in the United Kingdom would relate to current best practices in the UK and equipment routinely available in UK hospitals.
The focus lies in evaluating your capacity to apply knowledge to patient care, prioritising practical application over rote memorisation.
The questions are designed to assess your ability to apply current best practices, emphasising an evidence-based approach. Your responses should be grounded in published evidence rather than influenced by specific local protocols or arrangements.
PLAB 1
PLAB 1 is a written examination of 180 multiple-choice questions that candidates must respond to within 3 hours.
Each question is presented with a brief scenario, and candidates need to select the correct answer from the provided options. The questions cover a range of medical topics, and candidates must navigate through these scenarios, demonstrating their knowledge and decision-making abilities within the allocated time.
The format involves choosing the most appropriate response from five possible answers for each question.
PLAB 2
The PLAB 2 test will be held at the clinical assessment centre in Manchester.
The test consists of a series of clinical scenarios; these will test you in a mock consultation setting to reflect how you would apply your knowledge and skills in real life.
The exam format goes like this:
You will have 90 seconds to read the instructions and review any patient information displayed on the wall outside each station.
After six minutes, a two-minute warning will be announced. You have to stay at your station until instructed to move on. Follow floor signs for directions.
When prompted, proceed to the next station in numerical order. You have 90 seconds to read instructions at each station. The cycle repeats until all stations are visited.
The exam takes about three hours, involving interactions with actors portraying patients or healthcare professionals, either in-person or via telephone.
Conclusion
The PLAB exam syllabus and exam pattern are meticulously designed to evaluate a candidate's competence and application of medical knowledge, particularly in the context of patient care.
Aspiring healthcare professionals should approach the PLAB exam with a focus on critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and effective communication skills to succeed in this thorough assessment of their readiness for the responsibilities of medical practice in the UK.
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." - Albert Schweitzer
This quote emphasises the importance of passion and dedication in the pursuit of success, a sentiment relevant to the PLAB exam journey where a solid understanding of the syllabus and a strategic approach to the pattern can lead to clearing the PLAB Exam with flying colours.
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