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The MRCS Part A exam is one of the most important milestones for UK medical students and junior doctors who want to pursue a surgical career. Balancing work and revision can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can prepare effectively and pass with confidence.
This guide explains what MRCS Part A is, how to study efficiently, the key topics you must cover, and how Mediword can support your preparation with accurate, recall-based sample questions aligned with NICE and GMC guidelines.
The Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) is required for entry into higher surgical training in the UK. The exam has two parts:
MRCS Part A – a written exam testing applied basic sciences and principles of surgery.
MRCS Part B – a clinical OSCE examination.
Part A consists of two papers sat on the same day:
Applied Basic Sciences – anatomy, physiology, pathology.
Principles of Surgery in General – surgical practice, peri-operative care, trauma, critical care, and professionalism.
Each paper lasts three hours, making exam stamina just as important as knowledge.
The first step is understanding the syllabus published by the Royal Colleges. You’ll need to revise:
Anatomy (including radiology)
Physiology and biochemistry
Pathology and microbiology
Pharmacology
Principles of surgery in general
Keep a copy of the syllabus and tick topics off as you cover them.
Plan your preparation over six months:
6 months before – cover major topics in rotation.
3 months before – increase question practice and focus on weak areas.
1 month before – sit full timed mocks and revise high-yield topics.
If working full-time, aim for 1–2 hours daily on weekdays and longer sessions on days off.
Practising MRCS Part A sample questions is the most effective way to prepare. Avoid outdated or unreliable sources that may not reflect the exam style.
With Mediword, you’ll get:
Recall-based sample questions.
Content aligned with NICE and GMC guidelines.
A focused, efficient revision experience.
Some subjects are more frequently tested:
Anatomy
Upper and lower limb anatomy
Thorax, abdomen, pelvis
Neuroanatomy and cranial nerves
Radiological anatomy
Physiology
Cardiovascular and respiratory systems
Renal and endocrine physiology
GI physiology
Pathology
Inflammation and wound healing
Tumour biology
Shock and sepsis
Common surgical diseases
Principles of Surgery
ATLS and trauma care
Peri-operative management
Infection and sepsis control
Ethics and professionalism
MRCS Part A requires exam endurance. Improve performance by:
Sitting timed mock exams regularly.
Reviewing all mistakes to strengthen weak areas.
Training yourself to maintain focus over three hours.
Passive reading is less effective. Instead:
Use flashcards and spaced repetition.
Test yourself frequently.
Practise recall-based questions daily.
Mediword’s recall-based approach helps reinforce memory and maximise retention.
Link theory to practice:
Relate anatomy to surgical cases in theatre.
Apply physiology and pathology to patient scenarios.
Discuss surgical principles with senior colleagues.
This approach makes information stick and improves understanding.
Here are examples of the style of questions you’ll encounter:
Example 1 – Single Best Answer
A 68-year-old man has chest pain and ST elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Anterior MI
B. Inferior MI ✅
C. Lateral MI
D. Pericarditis
E. Aortic dissection
Example 2 – Extended Matching Question
Match the type of shock to its cause:
A. Hypovolaemic
B. Cardiogenic
C. Septic
D. Neurogenic
Haemorrhage
Myocardial infarction
Sepsis
Spinal cord injury
✅ Correct answer: 1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D
At Mediword, we know the MRCS exam demands focused, efficient study. That’s why our platform is designed for UK medical students and junior doctors who want:
Accurate, recall-based MRCS Part A sample questions
Content aligned with NICE and GMC guidance
A streamlined, distraction-free revision tool
Mediword helps you prepare smarter, so you enter the exam confident and well-prepared.
Focus on anatomy and surgical principles in the last weeks.
Complete 2–3 timed mocks before the real exam.
Stay well-rested, hydrated, and calm.
Manage time carefully during the exam.
The MRCS Part A exam is tough but achievable with structured preparation and the right resources. Focus on high-yield topics, practise regularly with recall-based questions, and use a trusted resource like Mediword to guide your revision.
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