FRCR Long Cases

Long Cases

Long Case section of the examination contains 6 cases (check your candidate guidence notes). 

This is the hardest part, and time is your biggest enemy. 

Make sure you do not spend more than 10 minute per case on first go, stop writing after 10 minutes on one case and go to the next case.

Each case is marked to 8:     4 = fail     5 = borderline     6 = pass     7 = good pass     8 = excellent 

Average score for a pass is 6.

In long-cases, you will definitely fail if you do not answer one of the six cases, as even if you score 7 in all 5 cases, you only end up with 35 points (avg <6) which is a fail. A pursuit to perfection of score 8 will only land you into trouble ! 

So attempt all cases, even if you don't have a clue (can't be more than one case though), just be sensible enough to fill in some basic details in each section of the answer book !

The answer book is divided into: Observations, Interpretation, Principle Diagnosis, Differential Diagnosis and Further Management. 

Make sure you write something in each section. I have published a template of the answer book similar to the one you can expect to be provided at the real exam.

The preparation for both VIVA and LC are the same in terms of knowledge, the only difference being is in what you are tested for in the exam: 

How well can you format a report (tested in Long Cases) 

How well can you communicate the findings as a Consultant Radiologist (tested in VIVA) 

Below are practice sets of long cases with answers, so practice with the timer on and write your answers in the answer book template.

If you manage your time, be sensible in working up the cases and attempt all 6 cases, you will sail through !!!

The VIVA sets can be used as long-cases if you want more written practice