JOHN JOHN FRY FRY All All examinations examinations create create
problems problems and and stresses stresses in in examinees. examinees.
The The examination examination for for the the Membership Membership of
of the the Royal Royal College College of of General General
Practitioners Practitioners is is no no exception. exception. Although
Although the the examiners examiners state state that that their their
objectives objectives are are to to pass pass candidates candidates
wherever wherever and and whenever whenever possible, possible,
nevertheless nevertheless the the failure failure rate rate remains
remains con- sistently sistently at at 30% 30% plus plus of of those
those taking taking the the examination. examination. The The reasons
reasons for for failure failure fall fall into into a a number number of
of groups. groups. The The candidate candidate may, may, through through
over-confidence, over-confidence, not not have have prepared prepared
for for the the examination. examination. He He may may have have
assumed assumed that that it it is is not not necessary necessary to to
read, read, learn learn and and digest digest data, data, facts facts
and and experience experience on on general general practice. practice.
How How wrong wrong that that is, is, he he will will discover discover
when when he he sits sits the the exam. exam.