My name is Assem, an internal medicine doctor based in Alexandria, Egypt. I recently passed MRCP Part 1 and ranked in the top 1% of candidates. Preparing for this exam was a demanding journey, and I’d like to share what worked for me in a practical and honest way.
I work in a busy internal medicine department with a high patient load and frequent long shifts. Despite these challenges, I was able to successfully prepare for MRCP Part 1 over a period of 9 months and achieve a top percentile score.
The Challenge
MRCP Part 1 is challenging not only because of the depth of knowledge required, but also the breadth. The main difficulty I faced was not understanding concepts, but managing time and maintaining consistency. Long shifts, sometimes up to 54 continuous hours, meant that traditional study plans were not realistic. I had to adapt and make my preparation efficient and focused.
Study Approach
Timeline
I studied over 9 months, which I found to be ideal:
- Enough time to build a strong foundation
- Enough pressure to stay consistent
Daily Routine
- On off days: focused, longer study sessions
- On working days: shorter, high-yield revision whenever possible
The key was consistency rather than long hours.
Key Method
My preparation was heavily based on question-based learning, supported by active recall and continuous self-assessment.
How Pastest Helped
Pastest was the main resource I relied on throughout my preparation. I used it in three phases:
1. Chapter-Based Learning: I started by solving questions system by system. This helped me identify weak areas early. The performance tracking feature was particularly useful in highlighting gaps. For example, Rheumatology was initially one of my weakest areas; by focusing on it through repeated practice, it became one of my strongest.
2. Random Question Mode: After completing the chapters, I switched to random questions. This was a key turning point. It forced me to think across topics rather than within isolated systems, which better reflects the real exam.
3. Mock Exams & Past Papers: Towards the end, I used mock exams to simulate real conditions. This helped me improve timing, decision-making, and confidence.
Why I Would Recommend Pastest
- Questions closely reflect exam style
- Clear and focused explanations
- Strong performance tracking to guide study
It functioned not just as a question bank, but as a structured learning tool.
Key Tips for Others
- Start early and plan a realistic timeline (around 9 months worked well for me).
- Focus on weak areas instead of avoiding them.
- Move to random questions once you build your base.
- Prioritise active recall over passive reading.
- Track your progress and adjust your strategy accordingly.
- Consistency is more important than long study hours.
MRCP Part 1 is a demanding exam, but it is absolutely achievable with the right strategy and consistency. For anyone preparing; whether in Egypt, the Middle East, or elsewhere... stay disciplined, trust your process, and use resources that actively improve your performance. For me, Pastest played a central role in shaping both my preparation and exam approach, and it was a key factor in my success.