Exam Tips

Differentiating Causes of Dementia

Nov 10, 2020 | 0 comments

Globally, approximately 50 million people have dementia, and there are nearly 10 million new cases every year. Dementia is a syndrome in which there is deterioration in memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday activities. Although dementia...

Understanding the Ventilation-Perfusion Relationship

Oct 10, 2020 | 0 comments

To ensure that enough oxygen is provided by ventilation to saturate the blood fully requires that ventilation and perfusion of the lungs are adequately matched. Ventilation (V) refers to the flow of air into and out of the alveoli, while perfusion (Q) refers to the...

Understanding Acute Coronary Syndromes

Sep 10, 2020 | 1 comment

The term ‘acute coronary syndromes’ describes a group of clinical conditions, all of which usually present with chest pain as a consequence of myocardial ischaemia or infarction. The acute coronary syndromes comprise: Unstable angina Non-ST elevation myocardial...

Hepatitis B Serology and Vaccination

Aug 10, 2020 | 0 comments

Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), a double-stranded DNA virus of the Hepadnaviridae family that replicates by reverse transcription. Hepatitis B is the most common cause of hepatitis globally, and the World Health...

Practice Questions for the PLAB Part 1

Jul 10, 2020 | 1 comment

The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test is the main route by which International Medical Graduates (IMGs) demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to practice medicine in the UK. The PLAB Part 1 is a computer-based exam that...

Consultation Models in General Practice

Jun 10, 2020 | 0 comments

The consultation is the cornerstone of general practice and is a vital part of the doctor-patient relationship. Pendleton described the consultation as ‘the central act of medicine’, which ‘deserves to be understood’. It remains an integral part of most medical school...