Allergy and immunology Understanding of immune system function and dysfunction, including hypersensitivity reactions (Types I-IV), anaphylaxis recognition and management, and common allergic cond…
Allergy and immunology
Understanding of immune system function and dysfunction, including hypersensitivity reactions (Types I-IV), anaphylaxis recognition and management, and common allergic conditions such as urticaria and angioedema. Awareness of primary and secondary immunodeficiency, autoimmune disease mechanisms, and principles of allergy testing including specific IgE and skin prick tests.
Biomedical sciences
Application of core anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry to clinical reasoning. Understanding of normal structure and function as the basis for recognising pathological processes, and integration of basic science knowledge with clinical presentation and investigation findings.
Clinical biochemistry
Interpretation of common biochemical investigations including electrolytes, renal function, liver function tests, bone profile, and glucose. Understanding of acid-base balance, metabolic emergencies, and the clinical significance of abnormal results in context. Appropriate test selection and recognition of spurious results.
Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics
Principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, safe prescribing practices, drug interactions, and adverse drug reactions. Understanding of therapeutic drug monitoring, dose adjustment in renal and hepatic impairment, prescribing in special populations (pregnancy, elderly, children), and awareness of high-risk medications.
Genetics and genomics
Understanding of chromosomal and single-gene disorders, inheritance patterns, and indications for genetic testing. Awareness of pharmacogenomics and its implications for prescribing, prenatal and preimplantation genetic diagnosis, and the increasing role of genomic medicine in diagnosis and treatment stratification.
Histopathology
Understanding the role of tissue diagnosis in clinical decision-making, including biopsy indications and limitations. Awareness of tumour grading and staging systems, interpretation of pathology reports, and how histological findings guide management, particularly in oncology.
Human factors and quality improvement
Understanding of how system design, teamwork, and communication affect patient safety. Recognition of cognitive biases and error types, principles of quality improvement methodology (PDSA cycles, root cause analysis), incident reporting, and creating a culture of safety. Awareness of fatigue, stress, and workload on clinical performance.
Laboratory haematology
Interpretation of full blood count parameters, blood film findings, and coagulation studies. Understanding of the laboratory diagnosis of anaemias, haematological malignancies, and bleeding or thrombotic disorders. Appropriate test selection and recognition of pre-analytical variables affecting results.
Medical ethics and law
Application of the four principles (autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice), valid consent, assessment of mental capacity under the Mental Capacity Act, confidentiality and its exceptions, and GMC guidance on professional duties. Understanding of the Mental Health Act, safeguarding responsibilities, DNACPR decisions, and medico-legal frameworks including the role of the coroner.
Microbiology
Knowledge of common pathogenic organisms and their clinical syndromes, interpretation of culture and sensitivity results, and principles of antimicrobial selection. Understanding of antimicrobial resistance, stewardship principles, infection prevention and control measures, and appropriate specimen collection.
Psychological principles
Understanding of health behaviour models, psychological responses to illness, and factors affecting adherence. Communication skills including breaking bad news, motivational interviewing, and shared decision-making. Awareness of the biopsychosocial model and how psychological factors influence health outcomes and the doctor-patient relationship.
Social and population health
Principles of epidemiology including incidence, prevalence, and measures of risk. Understanding of health inequalities, social determinants of health, and their impact on outcomes. Knowledge of screening programme criteria, health promotion strategies, public health interventions, and the organisation of healthcare systems including resource allocation.
12 subtopics · 550 questions