Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2025
The 4 Mountains Test: A Short Test of Spatial Memory with High Sensitivity for the Diagnosis of Pre-dementia Alzheimer's Disease
Published on: October 13, 2016
Language of primary medical qualification and differential MRCGP exam attainment: an observational study
Victoria Tzortziou Brown1, Joanne Haviland1, Garima Priyadarshini1
1Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London.
Background:
International medical graduates (IMGs) comprise more than half of GP registrars but are more likely to fail postgraduate assessments than UK graduates.
Aim:
To assess whether there is an association between the language of the primary medical qualification (PMQ) and Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP) results, and whether performance in previous prequalification assessments is correlated.
Design And Setting:
Retrospective observational study in the UK.
Method:
The World Directory of Medical Schools and the UK Medical Education databases were used to obtain data for all candidates who sat the MRCGP exams between October 2013 and July 2021 (n = 28 020). Candidates were split into three cohorts: cohort 1 comprised UK graduates; cohort 2 comprised IMGs with English as the language of the PMQ, who trained in countries with English (cohort 2a) or non-English (cohort 2b) as a first language; and cohort 3 included IMGs with non-English as the language of the PMQ. Logistic and linear regression analyses were used to compare the odds of exam passing and the scores relative to pass. Associations with past Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment (MSRA) scores, International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores, and Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) scores were examined.
Results:
IMGs who trained in countries with non-English as a first language had statistically significantly lower odds of passing the exams and lower exam scores across all exam components. There were statistically significant positive correlations between MRCGP exam scores and MSRA, IELTS, and PLAB scores.
Conclusion:
English being the language of the PMQ and undertaking medical training in a country with English as the native language seemed to result in statistically significantly better chances of passing the exams and better exam scores. Performance in prequalification assessments can help to identify those IMG registrars who may benefit from tailored support.
More Related Videos
15:00A Tablet-Based Curriculum-Based Measurement Protocol for Kindergarten Writing
Published on: February 7, 2025
09:00Author Spotlight: Validation of SICOLE-R for Assessing Cognitive and Reading Skills in Spanish-Speaking Children and Its Role in Personalized Education
Published on: August 16, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:26Methods of Documentation II: POMR
01:30Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
01:20Comparing the Survival Analysis of Two or More Groups
01:21Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
01:27Language and Cognition
01:11Observational Studies
There are three types of observational studies – Prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional.
Prospective Study
Prospective studies, also known as longitudinal or cohort studies, are carried out by collecting future data from groups sharing similar characteristics. One...