In this episode Ibifunke Pegba-Otemolu sits down with Muhammad Haroon Khan and Shahid Khan to discuss their experiences of taking the MRCS examination as overseas participants. Our guests share their personal journeys, highlighting the cultural differences, communication challenges, and nuances they encountered during their exam preparation and taking. This episode aims to provide valuable insights and practical advice for those preparing for the MRCS exam overseas. 

Hosted by: Ibifunke Pegba-Otemolu 

Ibifunke Pegba-Otemolu is a Higher Surgical Trainee in the East of Scotland deanery. She is author of Thriving in the NHS an International Medical Graduates Guide to starting in the NHS and convener of the community by the same name. 

Guest: Muhammad Haroon Khan Muhammad Haroon Khan is a resident orthopaedic surgeon currently working in a busy Level 1 trauma centre. Muhammad has recently navigated the MRCS exam and successfully passed on his second attempt in June 2025. When he is not in theatre or on the wards, he enjoys unwinding by reading, exploring new places through travel, and listening to music.

Guest: Shahid Khan 

Shahid Khan completed his MD degree in Afghanistan and successfully passed the MRCS exam on his first attempt in June 2025. He currently works with the Afghan Red Crescent Society as a medical officer in a busy primary care hospital.

Resources:

• RCS England Intercollegiate MRCS: ⁠https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/exams/search/intercollegiate-mrcs/⁠ 

• Practice MRCS OSCE: Pathology course: ⁠https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/courses/search/practice-mrcs-osce-pathology/⁠ 

• Practice MRCS OSCE: Anatomy course: ⁠https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/courses/search/practice-mrcs-osce-anatomy/⁠ 

• MRCS and DO-HNS Exam Locations and Dates: ⁠https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/exams/search/intercollegiate-mrcs/mrcs-exam-locations-and-dates/⁠ 

• Surgical Exams FAQ: ⁠https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/exams/search/intercollegiate-mrcs/surgical-exams-faq/⁠ 

• Exams Guidance: ⁠https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/exams/exams-guidance/⁠ 

• MRCS  Examinations Intercollegiate Committee for Basic Surgical Examinations (ICBSE): ⁠https://www.intercollegiatemrcsexams.org.uk/⁠ 

• RCS England Anatomy and Pathology Museum MRCS Part B revision sessions ⁠MRCS revision sessions — Royal College of Surgeons⁠ 

• Webinar: Preparing for the MRCS Part B ⁠Preparing for the MRCS Part B⁠ 

• Anatomy eLearning ⁠Applied Anatomy for MRCS Preparation and Surgical Training — Royal College of Surgeons⁠ 

Produced by: Andrea Pearson

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