The FRCS Section 2 is a verbal exam. You must practice speaking your answers clearly, confidently, and concisely.
If you're preparing for the Intercollegiate Exam in General Surgery, here are some tips:
Most viva stations use a single case split into rapid-fire progression points. Practice answering the initial presentation within 60 seconds using a strict ABCDE format if the patient is unwell.
It mirrors the viva voce (oral exam) format by using clinical scenarios as starting points for deeper discussion on pathology, physiology, and management . The FRCS Section 2 is a verbal exam
Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), acute limb ischemia, and carotid artery disease basics. How to Maximize the Value of Case-Based PDF Resources
Focusing deeply on your declared interest (e.g., Colorectal, Upper GI, Vascular, Breast, Transplant, or Endocrine).
FRCS: Companion Cases for the Intercollegiate Exam in General Surgery is a leading revision guide authored by Alexander Phillips Bhaskar Kumar How to Maximize the Value of Case-Based PDF
New cases have been added to reflect current surgical practice, including scenarios relevant to COVID-19 experiences .
: Websites like PassMedicine, Surgical Masterclass, and others offer case studies and practice questions specifically designed for surgical exams.
The FRCS Section 2 viva is notoriously intense. Examiners are not testing your ability to memorize textbooks; they are assessing how you think under pressure, manage complications, and prioritize patient safety. Using a structured companion case approach helps you: acute limb ischemia
Systematically evaluating pre-renal, renal, and post-renal causes in a fresh laparotomy patient. How to Effectively Use Companion Cases for Revision
Unlike junior exams, the answers guide you to stop listing "options" and instead state a definitive management plan.