GP ST Stage 2 Entry 2009

General Practice remains one of the most competitive specialties in medicine. Last year there were 17,000 applicants for approximately 4,500 places. A place on a training scheme is awarded following a three stage assessment.


Stage 1 (Long-listing) involves filling in an application form to ensure you are eligible for GP training; almost everyone passes this stage.

Stage 2 is a written exam to help shortlist candidates for the assessment day. The exam is split into two parts:

• Paper 1 - Clinical Problem Solving. This paper consists of approximately 100 questions. These are a combination of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Extended Matching Questions (EMQs) and Best-Of-Five questions. The exact type and mix of questions is kept confidential by the deaneries. The level of knowledge is said to be that expected of a Foundation Year 1 doctor. Whilst the questions do not go into a lot of depth, they expect a wide breadth of knowledge, from General Medicine to Obstetrics to Dermatology!

• Paper 2 – Professional dilemmas. This paper uses Situational Judgment Questions. This often presents more of a challenge, as most doctors will not be familiar with answering this format of question.

Stage 3 involves a selection centre day. During this time there is a prioritisation exercise, a group discussion and a simulated patient interview. About fifty percent of candidates pass this stage and are rewarded with a place on a training scheme.

Stage 4 is the allocation of places to successful candidates.


Our teaching faculty is led by a GP registrar who was amongst the earlier cohorts to have undergone the current selection process to achieve a place on a GP training scheme in the Eastern Deanery. He has taught GP stage 2 entry courses for 123doc.


Our intensive evening course will:

• Create an interactive forum for learning and feedback

• Focus on the exact techniques that will help you achieve a better mark

• Highlight the important areas for you to focus your revision on

• Provide you the same amount of hours as many “full day” teaching sessions


Provisional timetable

19:00-19:10 Course overview

19:10-20:00 Clinical Problem Solving Paper

20:00-21:00 Professional Dilemma Paper – Part 1 (with practice questions)

21:00-21:10 Break with refreshments

21:10-22:15 Professional Dilemmas Paper - Part 2

22:15-22:30 Questions & Course Feedback


The next Stage 2 exam is scheduled for 21st February 2009.