21/05/2023
Part 2 MRCPI OB/GYNEC Syllabus
1. Introduction
The Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (MRCPI) Part II Obstetrics and
Gynaecology Examination is available to candidates who meet the criteria detailed in the
Examination Regulations.
2. MRCPI Part II Obstetrics & Gynaecology
2.1 Entry requirements
Candidates are eligible to enter for the Part II Written Examination leading to Membership when:
(i) they have succeeded in MRCPI Part I, or have obtained exemption from this requirement through possession of one of the exempting qualifications listed separately (see 2.3 Exemptions).
(ii) they have completed a period of postgraduate training in posts recognised by the
Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. At present, candidates are required to
have completed two years of post -registration training in recognised posts, one year in
Obstetrics and one year in Gynaecology (or two years in combined posts). Each
recognised post will be for a minimum period of six months. Any application for
modification of any of these requirements will only be considered on an individual basis.
(iii) they provide testimonials from two referees who being medical practitioners are willing to testify to the above and to the professional and personal character of the applicant, before being allowed to sit the examination. The College reserves the right to take up additional references without reference to the candidate, and to refuse permission
for any candidate to attempt either part of the examination.
Prospective candidates who are working in Ireland are encouraged to discuss their training
requirements with the appropriate Institute postgraduate adviser. Those who apply from overseas
should write to the Chairman of the Institute’s Examination Committee for advice. Training should be completed by 1st January preceding the March examination, and by 7th August prior to the September examination.
Candidates are eligible to enter for the Part II OSCE/Clinical Examination leading to Membership when:
(i) They have succeeded in passing the MRCPI Part II O&G Written Examination.
(ii) Are within the 2 year time limit.
2.2 MRCPI Qualification
The Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (MRCPI) examination in O&G Written and OSCE/Clinical has now been de-coupled. This is effective from March 2014 whereby the Written and OSCE/Clinical examinations will be held independently of each other.
Candidates must now apply separately for each exam and opening and closing dates along with fees can be found on the exam calendar.
A candidate must still pass the MRCPI Part II Written exam in order to be eligible to sit the MRCPI Part II OSCE/Clinical exam. Should a candidate fail the OSCE/Clinical exam they will not, as previously, have to repeat the written exam, they can re-apply for the OSCE/Clinical exam as long as the 2 year time limit has not expired. Candidates can now choose which diet of the clinical examination they wish to sit. Candidates will be given a time limit of 2 years within which to pass the OSCE/Clinical exam. On expiry of the 2 year limit, candidates will have to re
- sit both the Written and OSCE/Clinical components of the examination again.
For those candidates who were unsuccessful in the MRCPI Part II OSCE/Clinical O&G exam in 2013 or before you must re-sit the Written exam. However if you re-sit the Written exam in 2014 onwards and pass this can be banked and you will not have to re-sit the Written unless the two year limit has expired.
Candidates must complete all their attempts at Part II Written and OSCE/Clinical within seven years of the date of their success in, or exemption from, Part I MRCPI. There will be no extensions to this seven year period. However, if more than seven years have elapsed since passing Part I, that Part can be retaken. Please note that exemption comes into effect from the 1st sitting of the MRCPI Part II examination.
Exemptions
Applications claiming exemption must be accompanied by adequate documentary evidence.
If you have passed MRCPI Part I General Medicine or Medicine of Childhood you are eligible for exemption.
The following qualifications are also recognised for exemption from MRCPI Part I for Obstetrics
& Gynaecology:
• MRCOG Part I (Please note
– exemption from MRCOG Part 1 is not accepted)
• MRACOG (Australia)
• MRNZCOG (New Zealand)
• FCOG (SA)
• FCPS (O&G) (Pakistan)
• MRANZCOG
• M. Med Malaysia (O&G)
– Applies only to candidates awarded this qualification from 2008
onwards.
Preparation for MRCPI Examinations
All MRCPI examinations are conducted in the English language. The Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists runs a preparatory course for the MRCPI O&G Examination in advance of each sitting of the exam. For further information please check our website www.rcpi.ie.
2.6
Part II Guideline Syllabus
There is a guideline syllabus to assist with the preparation for the MRCPI Part II Obstetrics &
Gynaecology. The guidelines present a framework of topics which should be covered, but it is not intended to be inclusive and candidates should not limit their studies solely to these topics.
Syllabus for Part II MRCPI (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) Examination
Candidates are expected to have a comprehensive knowledge of obstetrics and gynaecology,
together with those aspects of other medical disciplines relevant to the practice of both. Although
already tested in the Part I Examination (or its equivalent exempting Examinations) on their
knowledge of the scientific foundations of the specialty, candidates are expected to show an ability to apply this knowledge to the management of clinical problems, in addition to their knowledge of practical procedures.
Genetics and Embryology
Comprehensive knowledge of normal and abnormal karyotypes, the inheritance of genetic disorders, the genetic causes of infertility and early abortion, as well as the ability to transmit this knowledge to patients, to discuss its implications as well as any ethical dilemmas.
Anatomy
Comprehensive knowledge of anatomy particularly relevant to surgical procedures undertaken by the obstetrician and gynaecologist.
Pathology, Biochemistry and Endocrinology
Thorough knowledge of the pathology of the female ge***al tract and associated structures. Sound understanding of biochemistry of mother and fetus. Whilst knowledge of all endocrine
organs is required, extensive knowledge is expected of endocrine organs relevant to reproductive medicine.
Pharmacology
Comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of pharmacology with particular reference to those drugs used in obstetrics and gynaecology.
Immunology
Candidates should be expected to understand basic immunology and how this may be changed in
pregnancy; development of the immune system in the fetus, with particular knowledge of rhesus
and other isoimmunisations.
Infectious disease
Comprehensive knowledge of infectious diseases which may affect pregnant and non
-pregnant
women, including the fetus in utero. Knowledge of epidemiology, diagnostic techniques, prophylaxis,and immunisation, including the use of antibiotics and antiviral agents.
Obstetrics
Proficiency in history taking and physical examination in obstetrics. Detailed knowledge of common obstetric procedures.
Normal pregnancy labour and puerperium
Knowledge of all maternal and fetal systems. Comprehensiveknowledge of antenatal care, its aims and method of implementation. Knowledge of intrapartum care should include in
-depth knowledge of obstetric analgesia and anaesthesia.
Abnormal pregnancy, labour and puerperium
Clear knowledge of all aspects of abnormality in pregnancy, labour and puerperium is expected,
together with their management. Detailed knowledge of neonatal resuscitation is mandatory.
Pre- and post-pregnancy counselling
Candidates should demonstrate their ability to advise patients regarding
any aspect of obstetric or gynaecological disease.
Maternal and Fetal Medicine
Candidates are expected to be familiar with definitions and concepts, and to be conversant with
confidential enquiries and other reports/guidelines relevant to obstetric practice.
Gynaecology
Proficiency in history taking and physical examination in gynaecology. Detailed knowledge of all basic gynaecological procedures is required. Candidates will be expected to have knowledge of more complicated procedures, e.g. in oncology or reproductive medicine, but proficiency in these areas will not be expected.
Prepubertal gynaecology
Thorough knowledge of normal and abnormal sexual development, paediatric pathology and its
management, normal puberty and its disorders.
Disorders of menstruation and the menopause
In-depth understanding of pathophysiology of menstrual disorders, their investigation and
management. The menopause.
Infertility
Causes, investigation and management of infertility together with basic knowledge in the techniques involved in assisted human reproduction.
Family Planning
All methods of contraception should be thoroughly understood.
Psychosexual Medicine
A thorough understanding of the principles of psychosexual medicine is required.
Gynaecological Oncology
The epidemiology and aetiology of gynaecological tumours. The principles of carcinogenesis, tumour immunology and pathology together with diagnostic techniques and staging of gynaecological tumours is essential. Basic principles of treatment, both surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy together with knowledge of terminal care of patients dying from gynaecological malignancy.
Screening for malignant disease in gynaecology, including cervical cytology and colposcopy.
Urogynaecology
Knowledge of normal and abnormal bladder function, including urodynamics and the common
urogynaecological procedures.
Statistics and Epidemiology
Candidates will be expected to be familiar with common statistical methods used in clinical research and of epidemiological investigations relevant to the specialties of obstetrics, gynaecology, family planning and neonat
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