Aid to the MRCP Paces: Volume 1: Stations 1, 3 and 5 v. 1

"The problem with MRCP Paces is that there aren't that many books out there to read. The main texts are this book, the Tim Hall book and the Baliga book.

In my opinion the Hall text the two Ryder books. The Ryder books tend to jump from one topic to another, almost as though you are reading what came into Ryder's head next! The Hall book, by contrast treats each station comprehensively and in a logical format.

Baliga doesn't have many pictures (as noted in many of the reviews under that book) and is far more theoretical than either the Hall and Ryder books.

Ryder doesn't appear to give much emphasis to the communication and ethics stations - certainly not in as comprehensive a manner as Hall.

Having said all this, it's slightly unfair to compare the Hall book to Ryder and Baliga as Hall has the definite advantage of having been published later and so can respond to how the Paces exam has developed.

My advice is to buy all four books (this, the second Ryder book, Hall and Baliga). They all have different detailed examples in them and it's important that you get as wide a variety of examples before taking the Paces. As noted above, there aren't enough books out there currently for Paces candidates to pick and choose books.

Anyone want to write one?"
~ Written on 2007-03-03

"An absolute essential book while preparing for the PACES.There is an intial introduction about systematic examination of various systems and then it plunges headlong into the most common possibilities under station 1,3,5.Its does not give diffrentails for every station but what it mentions on the 'findings delivery' bit is pure gold!."This exam is passes on how well you can sell your findings".The various anecdotes and experiences of past candidates are excellent and a great reminder of how unpredicatble this exam can be.whatever it is,it teaches you the correct things to say when faced with the typical exam patient[which is something you would otherwise bump into once in 2years!].Use it in conjuction with baliga and a good clinical course -it 'll make the exam easily passable.I did-and passed in the first attempt!."
~ Written on 2004-12-13

"An aid to the MRCP PACES by Ryder/Mir is just a continuation of the 2nd edition of an aid to the MRCP short cases by Ryder/Mir(Which was aimed at the clinical part of old MRCP)and so does not fully conform to the new MRCP PACES EXam; the book covers only the clinical diagnosis of individual diseases without any discussion of their management and other relevant issues"
~ Written on 2004-09-19

"Ryder has provided many MRCP candidates to fall on with the first and second editions of his MRCP bible. It's clear and no-nonsense approach, right to the point analysis of a clinical problem has allowed candidates to crystalise their thoughts before presenting their final answers to examiners. Read through the pages to understand the magical impact of this book."
~ Written on 2003-09-11