About

Basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pathology and microbiology are essential for developing a strong foundation in surgical training and for the understanding of its clinically applied aspects. As such, these subjects form an integral part in the MRCS A exam.

This intensive two-day course will provide the attendee with an overview of basic physiological principles, consolidate the candidate's core and applied surgical knowledge in anatomy and relevant pathology, and provide a focused revision of pertinent topics as tested in the exam. The course takes into consideration the recent changes to the MRCS A exam, with more emphasis on basic sciences – especially anatomy.

On Day 1, the emphasis will be on basic and surgically applied anatomy (except head, neck and spinal cord), general pathology and burns. Day 2 will cover head and neck anatomy, autonomic nervous system, spinal cord and lesions, embryology, cancer pathology, microbiology, trauma, principles of surgery and applied surgical sciences.

Delegates attending this course will receive full access to MRCS Part A online educational resources from www.doctorexams.co.uk for a 4-month period. This resource contains 100s of SBA questions for practice. In addition, they will also receive full access to all presentations via a secure, online link. All these benefits and privileges are included within the course fee.

Topics covered

Day 1:
SURGICAL AND APPLIED ANATOMY (except Head, Neck and Spinal Cord), GENERAL PATHOLOGY AND BURNS

• Brachial Plexus, Arm, Shoulder, Scapula, Back and Rotator Cuff (includes upper limb nerve injuries, palsies and shoulder pathologies)
• Cubital Fossa, Forearm, Flexor Retinaculum and Hand (includes carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve palsies, hand pathologies)
• Thoracic Wall; Mediastinum; Heart; Lungs; Oesophagus; Diaphragm
• Vascular anatomy of Thorax, Head and Neck and Thorax (includes vascular access and chest drain insertion)
• Vascular Pathologies of the Neck and Thorax
• Transpyloric Plane, Anterior Abdominal Wall and Inguinal Region (includes hernia and scrotal swellings)
• Abdominal Anatomy; Hollow and Solid Organs
• Pelvis and Perineum
• Lumbar and Lumbosacral Plexus
• Femoral Triangle, Thigh, Popliteal Fossa; Lower Leg, Ankle and Foot (includes lower limb nerve injuries, palsies, compartment syndrome and ankle injuries)
• General Pathology; Lumps and Benign Lesions; Ulcers
• Management of Burns
• Revision of Day 1, and Sample Questions

• Skull base, Head, Scalp and Face; Surgical Pathologies of the Head and Face (includes parotid tumours)
• Neck, Thyroid, Larynx, Pharynx, Tongue; Surgical Pathologies of the Neck
• Head and Neck Embryology; Pharyngeal Arches
• Autonomic Nervous System
• Essential Topics in Microbiology
• Management of Trauma; ATLS Principles
• Head Injury; Neurophysiology
• Cancers of Thyroid and their management
• Cancers of the Breast and their management
• Cancers of the Colon and their management
• Melanoma and its Management
• Testicular Cancers and their management
• Cutaneous Malignancies
• Pre-operative Assessment
• Fundamentals of Wound Healing; Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery
• Principles of Local Anaesthetics
• Sutures and Suture Materials
• Vascular Pathologies and Vascular Surgery
• Overview of System-Specific Physiology