From the original EM Gurus library
Tips: Nayab
My biggest advice is simple, just relax and don’t panic during the long case.
1 min read
My biggest advice is simple, just relax and don’t panic during the long case.
The most difficult parts of the exam are usually the short case and the long case. The most common mistake I made during my early practice sessions was panicking. That’s what affects performance the most.
How I Managed It
Practise as much as you can with a partner before the exam.
Record yourself while practising, it helps you see where you’re lagging and how to improve your flow.
On the exam day, treat it like another day in the resus room. Don’t let the stress overwhelm you.
Remember: confidence grows with repetition, and familiarity reduces anxiety.
About TOACS
The TOACS part is more or less the same as in IMM. The real challenge lies again in the short and long cases.
If you can control your nerves and stay calm and confident, the examiners will immediately see that you’re ready to be a consultant.
What Examiners Look For
At this stage, they’re not just testing your knowledge; they want to see if you are a safe, confident, and empathetic doctor who remains composed during a crisis.
So act the part:
Be calm and in control, no matter what the case is.
Show empathy and good communication.
Demonstrate safe, structured clinical reasoning.
That’s what truly leaves an impression, and that’s what they evaluate you on.
Contributors
Nayab Chaudhry
Resident, Emergency Medicine, CMH Rawalpindi, Pakistan