COMPREHENSIVE PREPARATION COURSE FOR MRCS A:
Applied Basic Sciences and Principles of Surgery in General
Eight x 4-Hour Sessions (Dates Below)
Live Online Teaching Held via Zoom
Wednesday 3rd April 2024 (0900-1300 hours)
Skull Base and Brain (Anatomy and Pathology)
Thursday 4th April 2024 (1800-2200 hours)
Neck (Anatomy and Pathology)
Friday 5th April 2024 (1800-2200 hours)
Abdominal Wall, Herniae, External Genitalia (Anatomy and Pathology)
Session 5: Applied Basic Sciences
Tuesday 16th April 2024 (1800-2200 hours)
Pelvis and Perineum (Anatomy and Pathology)
Wednesday 17th April 2024 (1800-2200 hours)
Breast, Thyroid and Adrenal Pathologies; Cutaneous Malignancies; General Pathology
Thursday 18th April 2024 (0900-1300 hours)
Trauma, Head Injuries; Cardiorespiratory, Renal and Acid Base Physiology; Principles of Surgery
Friday 19th April 2024 (0900-1300 hours)
Trauma, Head Injuries; Cardiorespiratory, Renal and Acid Base Physiology; Principles of Surgery
About
Basic sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, and microbiology, are the principal components that allow the development of a strong foundation in surgical training and an understanding of its clinically applied aspects, such as surgical anatomy and surgical pathology, critical care physiology and applied surgical sciences, and principles of surgery. As such, these subjects form an integral part of the MRCS Part A exam.
This intensive course will provide the attendee with an overview of basic physiological principles, consolidate the attendee's core and applied surgical knowledge in anatomy and relevant pathology, and give a focused revision of pertinent topics tested in the exam. The emphasis will be on key principles and concepts in the focused context of single best answer questions. The course will take into consideration the recent changes to the MRCS Part A exam, with more emphasis on the clinical application of basic sciences, especially anatomy.
The course is divided into two distinct, but related, weeks. During Week 1, the emphasis will primarily be on basic and surgically applied anatomy and related pathology. This will include relevant embryology, surface anatomy and osteology in the areas of the head, face, neck, upper limb, spine, thorax, abdomen and the autonomic nervous system. Cancers relevant to these regions (including upper GI and lower GI surgery) will also be discussed. Week 2, in addition to pelvis and lower limb, will predominately cover basic pathology, system-specific pathology, applied surgical sciences, burns, trauma, microbiology, pharmacology, genetics, statistics, trauma, vascular surgery, breast surgery, endocrine surgery, and the principles of surgery in general. The sessions in Week 1 and the first session of Week 2 are mainly intended for Paper 1 of the exam (180 marks). The second, third and fourth sessions of Week 2 are mainly for Paper 2 of the exam (120 marks).
It is strongly advised that delegates attend all sessions of the course to obtain the full benefit. However, if a delegate is particularly strong in the topics taught on either of the two weeks, he/she has the option to attend one week only.
The topics covered in each session are outlined below.
Reviews
Topics covered
Week 1
Session 1: Applied Basic Sciences
Tuesday 2nd April 2024 (0900-1300 hours)
Upper Limb (Anatomy and Related Pathology)
- Brachial Plexus and Nerves from the Roots, Trunk and Cords
- Arm, Shoulder and Rotator Cuff
- Shoulder and Anatomical Considerations in the Approaches to the Shoulder Joint
- Scapula, Back, Axilla and Axillary Contents
- Axillary Surgery and Clearance
- Shoulder Pathologies and Approaches to the Shoulder
- Elbow Joint, Antecubital Fossa and Cubital Tunnel
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- Forearm, Wrist and Flexor Retinaculum
- Carpal Tunnel – Attachments and Contents
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Palmar Arches, Pulleys and Intrinsic Muscles of the Hand
- Dupuytren’s Disease, Trigger Finger and Other Pathologies in the Hand and Digits
- Extensor Compartments and Anatomical Snuff Box
- Scaphoid Fractures
- Key Upper Limb Osteology
- Types of Joints in the Upper Limb
- Fractures in the Upper Limb
- Musculocutaneous Nerve Injury
- Axillary Nerve Injury
- Median Nerve Injury
- Radial Nerve Injury
- Ulnar Nerve Injury
- Injury to Other Branches from the Brachial Plexus
- Dermatomes and Myotomes in the Upper Limb
- Anatomy of the Vertebrae and Spinal Cord
- Blood Supply to the Spinal Cord
- Anatomy of Lumbar Puncture and Epidural Anaesthesia
- Ascending and Descending Tracts of the Spine; Pain Pathways
- Back Pain, Disc Prolapse and Sciatica
- Spondylosis and Spondylolisthesis
- Cord Pathologies, Cord Syndromes, Cauda Equina and Conus Medullaris
- Autonomous Nervous System, Splanchnic and Hypogastric Nerves
- Tumour Metastasis to the Vertebrae and Their Management
Wednesday 3rd April 2024 (0900-1300 hours)
Skull Base and Brain (Anatomy and Pathology)
- Scalp and Surgical Pathologies of the Scalp
- Giant Cell Arteritis
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Suture Lines of the Skull and Fontanelle
- Skull Base – Cranial Fossae, Boundaries, Contents and Foramina
- Cavernous Sinus
- Pituitary Gland
- Visual Field Defects Associated with Tumours/Lesions in the Brain
- Extraocular Muscles of the Eye
- Myasthenia Gravis and Horner’s Syndrome
- Course of the Key Cranial Nerves
- Lobes of the Brain and Their Embryology
- Brain Stem Nucleus
- Parasympathetic Ganglion in the Head and Face
- Cancers of the Brain and Their Management
- Anatomy of Strokes and Cerebrovascular Accidents
- Flow of CSF and Hydrocephalus
- Head and Neck Embryology; Pharyngeal Arches
- Embryology of the Cleft Lip and Palate
- Surgical Anatomy of the Face
- Nasal Anatomy, Polyps and Paranasal Sinuses
- Parotid Gland and Duct
- Ear – Blood Supply, Nerve Supply and Pathologies
- Infratemporal Fossa – Boundaries, Relations and Contents
- Pterygopalatine Fossa – Boundaries, Relations and Contents
- Palate – Anatomy, Nerve and Vessels
- Mandible and TMJ
- Facial Nerve Palsies, Acoustic Neuroma and Ramsay-Hunt Syndrome
- Mastoid Process and Styloid Process
Thursday 4th April 2024 (1800-2200 hours)
Neck (Anatomy and Pathology)
- Triangles of the Neck
- Fascial Layers of the Neck
- Carotid Sheath and Contents
- Anatomy of the Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands
- Tongue, Soft Palate, Larynx and Pharynx
- Neck Lumps and Surgical Pathologies of the Neck
- Pharyngeal Pouch
- Cancers of the Tongue, Larynx, Pharynx and Their Management
- Important Ear Conditions (Cholesteatoma, Otitis Media, Conductive and Sensorineural Hearing Loss) – Diagnosis and Management
- Submandibular Gland and Duct
- Salivary Gland Tumours and Their Management
- Thoracic Wall and Intercostal Muscles
- Anatomy of Chest Drain Insertion
- Structures at the Angle of Louis
- Mediastinum – Boundaries and Contents
- Embryology of the Heart
- Pericardium, Great Vessels and Heart
- Coronary Circulation and Coronary Sinus
- Cardiac Pathologies and Congenital Heart Defects
- Conduction System of the Heart and Pacemakers
- Lungs, Hila and Bronchopulmonary Segments
- Cancers of the Lung and Their Management
- Anatomy of the Oesophagus – Relations, Muscles, Blood Supply, Nerve Supply, Lymphatic Drainage
- Perforated Oesophagus
- Dysphagia – Causes, Investigations and Treatment
- Barrett’s Oesophagus – Pathophysiology and Surveillance
- GORD, Hiatus Hernia, Achalasia and Other Benign Upper GI Conditions
- Cancers of the Oesophagus and Their Management
Friday 5th April 2024 (1800-2200 hours)
Abdominal Wall, Herniae, External Genitalia (Anatomy and Pathology)
- Anterior Abdominal Wall – Musculature, Blood Supply and Nerve Supply
- Abdominal Incisions and Laparoscopic Ports
- Abdominal Wall Herniae and Their Management
- Gastroschisis and Exomphalos
- Inguinal Region and Canal – Boundaries and Contents
- Spermatic Cord and Contents
- Layers of the Scrotum
- Inguinoscrotal Swellings and Their Management
- Cryptorchidism
- Testicular Tumours and Their Management
- Diaphragm – Musculature, Blood Supply, Nerve Supply
- Transpyloric Plane – Relations and Structures
- Peritoneum, Peritoneal Folds and Embryology of the GI Tract
- Omentum, Sacs and Epiploic Foramen
- Liver and Ligaments of the Liver
- Gall Bladder and Bile Duct
- Pancreas and its Relations
- Essential Principles and Concepts in Upper GI Surgery
- Spleen, Ligaments of the Spleen, Splenic Injuries and Vaccines
- Kidneys and Adrenal Glands – Structures and Relations
- Stomach – Ligaments, Relations, Blood Supply and Lymphatic Drainage
- Cancers of the Stomach and Their Management
- Small Bowel – Differences and Relations
- Caecum, Appendix, Colon – Relations, Blood Supply, Lymphatic Drainage
- Assessment and Management of Diverticular Disease
- Screening for Colorectal Cancers and Cancer Genetics (FAP and Lynch)
- Management Principles of Colon Cancers and Segmental Bowel Resections
- Management of Volvulus, Haemorrhoids, Fistula and Anal Fissures
- Management of Rectal Cancers
- Management of Anal Cancers
Session 5: Applied Basic Sciences
Tuesday 16th April 2024 (1800-2200 hours)
Pelvis and Perineum (Anatomy and Pathology)
- Cancers of the Kidneys
- Anatomy of the Ureters, Bladder and Urethra
- Cancers of the Urinary Bladder
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia – Medical and Surgical Management
- TURP Syndrome
- Cancers of the Prostate – Surveillance and Management
- Uterus and Cervix – Supports and Relations
- Anatomy of Male and Female External Genitalia
- Pelvis and Perineum
- Fascia of the Perineum and Deep Space Infections
- Management of Pelvic Fractures and Managing Urethral Injuries
- Lumbar Plexus
- Sacral Plexus
- Gluteal Region – Greater and the Lesser Sciatic Foramen
- Hip Joint and Femur; Blood Supply and Nerve Supply
- Principles of Management of the Fracture Neck of the Femur
- Femoral Triangle, Adductor Canal and Thigh
- Knee Joint and Popliteal Fossa – Anatomy, Contents and Relations
- Management of Knee Injuries
- Lower Leg and Compartments
- Pathophysiology and Management of Compartment Syndrome
- Ankle Joint and Ligaments
- Management of Ankle Fracture and Injuries
- Foot – Layers and Arches
- Femoral Nerve Injury
- Sciatic Nerve Injury
- Common Peroneal Nerve Injury
- Key Lower Limb Osteology
- Management of Fractures of the Lower Limb
Wednesday 17th April 2024 (1800-2200 hours)
Breast, Thyroid and Adrenal Pathologies; Cutaneous Malignancies; General Pathology
- Basic and General Pathology
- Tumour Markers
- Screening for Breast Cancers and Cancer Genetics
- Management of Benign Pathologies of the Breast
- Management of Breast Cancers
- Management of Benign Thyroid Disorders
- Management of Thyroid Cancers
- Management of Lumps and Benign Cutaneous Lesions
- Management of Common Skin Conditions and Cutaneous Malignancies
- Melanoma and its Management
- MEN Syndromes
- Endocrine System
- Calcium Metabolism and Hyperparathyroidism
- Cushing’s Disease and Cushing’s Syndrome: Screening Tests and Management
- Disorders of the Adrenal Cortex, Adrenal Medulla, Pheochromocytoma and Neuroblastoma
- Principles of Dexamethasone Suppression and Synacthen Tests
- Adrenal Incidentalomas
- Carcinoid Tumours and Carcinoid Syndrome
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis) – Management Principles
- Osteoporosis, Osteomalacia and Paget’s Disease
- Gout, Pseudogout, Septic Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Management of Bone Cancers
Thursday 18th April 2024 (0900-1300 hours)
Trauma, Head Injuries; Cardiorespiratory, Renal and Acid Base Physiology; Principles of Surgery
- Management of Trauma; ATLS Principles
- Types of Shock and Classes of Hypovolemic Shock
- Major Haemorrhage Protocol
- Massive Blood Transfusion
- Neurophysiology and Raised ICP
- Constituents of CSF
- Management of Raised ICP
- Management of Head Injuries
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Respiratory Physiology
- Oxy-Haemoglobin Dissociation Curve
- Renal Physiology
- Applied Acid-Base Balance
- Bilirubin Metabolism and Jaundice
- Management of Fluids and Electrolytes in the Peri-Operative Period and in Trauma
- Pre-Operative Assessment
- Nutrition, Feeding and TPN
- Common Anaesthetic Drugs and Peri-Operative Care
- Post-Operative Complications and Management
- Management of Hypothermia in Surgical Patients
- Pharmacology of Key Anti-Platelets, Anti-Coagulants and Anti-Cancer Drugs
- Principles of Local Anaesthetics; Tourniquets; Diathermy
- Essential Principles in Laparoscopic Surgery
- Sutures, Suture Materials and Needles
Friday 19th April 2024 (0900-1300 hours)
Trauma, Head Injuries; Cardiorespiratory, Renal and Acid Base Physiology; Principles of Surgery
- Fundamentals of Wound Healing
- Reconstructive Ladder
- Skin Grafts, Flaps and Basics of Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery
- Burns and Scalds – Assessment and Management
- Venous Ulcers, Arterial Ulcers, Diabetic Foot Ulcers, Pressure Ulcers, and Their Management
- Peripheral Arterial Disease, Vascular Pathologies, and the Core Principles in Vascular Surgery
- Carotid Artery Disease and Carotid Endarterectomy
- AAA: Screening; Elective vs. Emergency; Open vs. EVAR; TEVAR; FEVAR; REBOA
- Tuberculosis
- Necrotising Fasciitis – Assessment, LRINEC score, Management
- Other Surgical Infections, Animal and Human Bites
- Statistics – Types of Studies, Bias, Relative Risk, Odds Ratio
- Statistics – Sensitivity, Specificity, PPV and NPV
- Types of Statistical Tests and Their Surgical Application
- Genetics and Inheritance Patterns
Quick Information
| Places are currently available | |
|---|---|
| Dates | Tuesday 2nd April 2024 (0900-1300 hours) Wednesday 3rd April 2024 (0900-1300 hours) Thursday 4th April 2024 (1800-2200 hours) Friday 5th April 2024 (1800-2200 hours) Tuesday 16th April 2024 (1800-2200 hours) Wednesday 17th April 2024 (1800-2200 hours) Thursday 18th April 2024 (0900-1300 hours) Friday 19th April 2024 (0900-1300 hours) |
| Venue Google Maps |
Live Online Teaching Held via Zoom |
| Course Fee | Week 1 and Week 2 (Full Course): £ 460.00 Week 1 Only: £240.00 (4 sessions) Week 2 Only: £240.00 (4 sessions) |
| Closing Date | Places will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis and therefore we are unable to provide a precise closing date. |
| No of Places | 20 |
| Dress code | Professional/Semi-formal |
