About

This focused virtual session is designed as a complementary addition for delegates enrolled on the 5-day Cardiff MRCS OSCE programme. Delivered shortly before the main course, it reinforces core urology concepts, consolidates prior knowledge, and supports preparation for urology stations commonly encountered in the MRCS examination. It is offered as a free, value-added session for Cardiff MRCS delegates to strengthen understanding and improve performance ahead of the full programme.

The session covers high-yield urological emergencies alongside key elective topics relevant to MRCS. These include haematuria assessment, suspected urological malignancy, obstructive uropathy, and operative decision-making. Teaching focuses on safe initial management, clear prioritisation, and appropriate escalation. Emphasis is placed on applying knowledge in a structured way so that candidates can approach scenarios such as urinary retention, renal colic, acute scrotum, penile emergencies, and severe urological infection with confidence. Investigation pathways, procedural options, and definitive management strategies are also addressed. The session maintains a clear exam focus, helping candidates structure answers, justify decisions, and link anatomy, pathology, and clinical practice.

Aims

• To reinforce key urology concepts in preparation for the Cardiff MRCS OSCE programme.
• To consolidate understanding of common urological emergencies and relevant elective presentations at MRCS level.
• To strengthen clinical reasoning and prioritisation in the assessment and management of urological conditions.
• To improve understanding of investigation pathways, including haematuria and suspected urological malignancy.
• To develop clear, structured, and concise responses for MRCS OSCE stations.

Learning Outcomes

• Assess and manage common urological emergencies including urinary retention, renal colic, acute scrotum, and severe urological infection.
• Demonstrate safe decision-making in core urological procedures such as catheterisation, bladder washout, and initial nephrostomy care.
• Plan appropriate investigations for haematuria and suspected renal, ureteric, and bladder cancers.
• Differentiate key urological conditions and justify management decisions, including the use of ureteric stents and nephrostomies.
• Communicate clinical reasoning clearly in an MRCS style, linking anatomy, pathology, and surgical principles.

Aimed at:

• Foundation Year 1
• Foundation Year 2
• Core Surgical Trainee 1
• Core Surgical Trainee 2
• Trust Grade
• Junior Research Fellow
• Clinical Research Fellow