From 25 Years of Cardiology to a Postgraduate Diploma
Understanding each stage lets you allocate your energy strategically. Your cardiology expertise gives you a head-start in Parts 1 and 2, while PACES demands a different kind of preparation.
Two papers of 100 Best-of-Five questions each, sat on the same day. Tests clinical sciences and basic medicine across all specialties.
More clinically oriented with Best-of-Five and Extended Matching Questions. Tests investigation, diagnosis and evidence-based management.
The pinnacle — 5 real-patient stations. Tests clinical examination, history taking, communication, and data interpretation under observation.
Three sequential phases mapped to exam diets. Your clinical experience compresses what typically takes 18 months into 10.
Systematic coverage of all medical specialties via question banks. Your cardiology knowledge handles 15–20% of the paper — focus energy on basic sciences, genetics, pharmacology mechanisms, and non-core specialties (dermatology, ophthalmology, psychiatry).
Daily target: 100–120 questions/day with explanation review. Weekdays Q-bank + weekends weak topic revision.
Clinical vignettes, investigation interpretation, management guidelines. Your 25 years of clinical experience will feel much more relevant here. Focus on nephrology, respiratory, gastroenterology, and rheumatology — areas where cardiologists may be rustier.
Key focus: NICE/ESC/BTS guidelines, ECG mastery verification, evidence-based management decisions.
The most challenging stage for senior doctors — not because of knowledge, but because of style. Structured examination technique, patient-centred communication, and performing under observation require dedicated rehearsal. Video yourself, join a group, book a course.
Critical: Attend a PACES preparation course. Practice out loud. Avoid the trap of being paternalistic in the communication station.
Every resource linked directly. Click any card to access. Prioritise question banks — they are the single most important habit.
The gold standard MRCP question bank. 2000+ questions for both Part 1 and Part 2.
passmedicine.comBMJ's comprehensive platform for Part 1 and Part 2. Clinical cases and Q&A format.
onexamination.comDedicated MRCP revision platform with topic-by-topic breakdown and mock exams.
mrcprevision.comFree high-quality notes covering all medical topics. Excellent for quick revision.
zerotofinals.comThe standard reference for MRCP. Read selectively based on weak areas flagged by Q-banks.
elsevier.comHighly condensed, targeted revision notes written specifically for MRCP Part 1.
amazon.co.ukThe standard PACES preparation text. Covers examination technique and communication stations.
amazon.co.ukFast-track revision resource ideal for consolidating knowledge in final weeks.
amazon.co.ukThe authoritative UK clinical guidelines. Essential for Part 2 management questions.
nice.org.uk/guidanceEuropean Society of Cardiology guidelines. Your natural home — and crucial for MRCP cardiology questions.
escardio.org/GuidelinesBritish Thoracic Society guidelines for respiratory medicine — high yield for MRCP.
brit-thoracic.org.ukBritish Society of Gastroenterology clinical guidelines — gastro is a common weak spot for cardiologists.
bsg.org.uk/clinical-guidanceExam registration, dates, fees, eligibility, and all official information. Start here.
mrcpuk.orgHighly regarded PACES preparation courses. Structured practice with simulated patients.
iscmedical.co.ukOfficial Royal College of Physicians preparation course — authoritative and comprehensive.
rcplondon.ac.ukFree online MRCP revision resource — good for quick topic-by-topic reading.
medrevise.co.ukEach station is 20 minutes with a real patient and a live examiner. This is where clinical experience can work both for and against you — technique must be textbook, not habitual.
Structured, patient-centred. Must demonstrate ICE (Ideas, Concerns, Expectations).
Cardiovascular, respiratory, abdominal or neurological — slick, rehearsed sequence.
Two scenarios — breaking bad news, ethics, consent. Avoid paternalism.
Combined history + physical examination in a shortened format.
ECGs, CXR, spirometry, bloods. Your strongest station as a cardiologist.
25 years of cardiology shapes both your advantages and your blind spots. Plan accordingly.
All three parts are available in India. No need to travel to the UK. Register at mrcpuk.org.
Check mrcpuk.org for current rates. Fees vary by diet and location.
Written paper. Held 3 times per year — check exact diet dates.
Clinical exam. Available at select centres in India including Mumbai, Delhi.
Three years per part. You have buffer — aim to pass each first time.
Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad. Verify current list on mrcpuk.org.
2–3 hrs weekdays + 4–5 hrs weekends over 10 months. Achievable alongside clinical work.