Thread: Canadian Royal College Internal Medicine Exam

Nothing here.

What can I say... It wasn't easy, but I passed the USMLE's, then did the Internal Medicine residency in USA + 1 year chief resident (to have the 4 years that the Royal college requires). In the meantime I did the eval. exam and qualifying part 1 and 2, then I got my training assessed by the Royal College and they allowed me to sit for their certification exam.
My trouble is now that I have no idea how to prepare for the oral exam, and that's the most difficult part of it... I feel like such a big loser...
So, any ideas from anybody? I am most interested in a prep course or any materials that canadians use to prepare...
Any suggestions appreciated...

I'll be reaching your point in a couple more years (hopefully!) so I'm kind of interested also. Problem with this board is that I don't think there are many people who have actually graduated and are "working". Majority I think are pre-med and medstudents. There are probably only a handful of residents and even less who have finished and are practicing.

Do you know of any other forums where I could get some info about this topic? The Royal College is not providing any bibliography, and I don't know how to get in touch with people who have actually done this exam...

Unfortunately I don't. Sorry!

In order to pass the RCC Internal Medicine Exam you need to study old questions and cases. Hundreds of them are circulating among senior canadian internal medicine residents. In their 4th year (or 1st year of fellowship) they will make study groups to discuss old questions, practice case scenarios, physical exams and do mock exams with attendings.
You have to befriend one of 4th year IM residents or somebody who just passed the exam and get old questions and scenarios. Then you have to buddy up with somebody for a study group. All who took this exam have those old questions/cases, unless they already gave them away. There is nothing formal available for preparation for this exam. Ideally would be if somebody who gives you the questions/cases would also agree to do with you several practice case-scenarios and physical exams just before your actual exam simulating their own experience.
I know it is not an easy task, but that is how it's done.
Good luck!

Thank you very much for the info.
What books do Canadians use for the physical exam? I have Sapira and Bates and the articles in JAMA on the Rational Clinical examination. Is there anything else I should get?
Thank you again

JAMA on the Rational Clinical examination - is a must! (they will ask you to quote the sensitivity/specificity of most common tests/signs!)
The best books for physical exam are:
1) Clinical Examination by Talley and O'Connor - all Canadians use it (a must!)
2) Examination Medicine by Talley and O'Connor - also is great with most common scenarios
3) "Aids to the examination of the peripheral nervous system" - the must for peripheral nerve exam - one of the favourite topics!
4) Core Clinical Skills for OSCE in Medicine by Dorman and O'Neill - can be helpful

Good luck!

Many thanks! Truly appreciate the info.