Clinical Radiology Application Episode 1: The MSRA Menace
When to expect MSRA results, access to our 1-to-1 mock interview booking group and changes to the FRCR 2B exam!
Breathe.
It’s done.
That’s right. The MSRA window is now closed. That means you’ve now all sat the MSRA and as Yoda once said “Do or do not, there is no try”.
Whatever the outcome of your MSRA, take the time to give yourself a pat on the back for having the resilience to turn up every day, put in the revision hours and then give it your all on exam day. We’re immensely proud of you since we know how tough it is balancing so many spinning plates as a doctor. Remember, take every victory when you can.
So now what?
The Post-MSRA Blues & Free Invite To Interview Booking Group
Firstly, between now and MSRA results day, your nails are going to have a rough time as after months of slogging your butt off, the fruits of your labour will now be revealed; definitely treat yourself to a mani-and-pedicure. Of course, at RadCast HQ, all of our fingers/toes/whatever you can think of are crossed for you and we wish you all the best of the luck.
In terms of when you get your result, the only thing “official” is that it’s “to be confirmed”. Yes, we’re absolutely as clueless as you. Last year it was the week beginning the 5th of February. Will it be the same? *Shrugs*, your guess is as good as ours. But last year, the MSRA results were released prior to candidates being invited to upload their portfolio evidence for verification. Plus, and this is a big plus, only candidates who were shortlisted for an interview were allowed to upload their portfolio evidence. So all in all, keep reviewing your Oriel account between now and the 13th of February. Sorry we can’t be more specific :(
Now, with regards to how you interpret your MSRA result, the key metric is how close you are to the ‘cut-off’ score. Basically, are you above or below the MSRA score used to shortlist candidates for an interview? Last year (2023-2024), the MSRA cut-off score required to be shortlisted for an interview was 555/556. This score was higher than the year before that i.e. 2022-2023 where it was 541/542. What do we expect this year? Honestly, we expect the cut-off score to go up again. By how much? We can’t say but we think just based off trends, it will go up to reflect the ever growing number of candidates applying for radiology (and specialty training as a whole).
So you may be asking, “what do I do in-between getting my MSRA score and the final shortlisting of candidates for a radiology interview”. Fantastic question and the answer is simple, work on your interview technique. Listen, whatever the MSRA cut-off score is, that’s not for you to decide. It’s out of your control. So, you can either wait till you’re invited for an interview (on the 26th of February) or you can work on what you have control over i.e. your interview prep. In fact, we’ve already started supporting a handful of candidates this week with their interview technique. Whilst it’s awesome getting to speak to you face-to-face, it’s clear that some of you are rustyyyyyyy and need to put in the graft for your interview. That’s not surprising since the majority of you haven’t been interviewed since medical school where you had to explain how you “always wanted to save lives and loved speaking to people”. Now here you are applying for radiology so you can have your coffee in peace and speak to as few patients possible. Ah, how the tables turn!
Remember, smashing your interview technique is going to be mission critical this year since it’s worth a whooping 60% of your final rank (that’s one spicy meatball)!
To help those of you looking to get some early practice, we’ve made a specific free-to-access group where we will be sharing our available 1-to-1 interview slots between now and the 26th of Feb which you can join via the button below:
For those of you that want wait till shortlisting happens, that’s perfectly fine too. But please, do use this time wisely and actively read around the specialty. Like we said, the interview format has changed with more emphasis on not just radiology as a career but also, applying radiological findings clinically.
Now, during the 1-to-1 interview mocks we’ve done, some of you have told us of the resources you’ve come across. We are pretty much aware of the books or certain websites you may have used but we want to just give you a heads up: they may be based on the old format. Relying on such resources could really screw your prep and tank your interview performance. So please, take these resources with a pinch of salt.
Of course, being the cool kids that we are, we prepared for this back in 2018 when TikTok wasn’t a thing. Specifically, we condensed all this technical knowledge into our signature Clinical Radiology Application & Interview Course (CRAIC) which covers the application from A-to-Z. Not only is it addictive but also, it has everything included ranging from the impact of COVID on radiology to the new figures on the workforce crisis. Plus, as we built the platform year-after-year, we added additional content to cover the ethical and skill based questions. Genuinely, we think the course works perfectly in tandem with our 1-to-1 interview mocks and you can sign up using the button below.
Changes To The FRCR 2B Exam
Huh, the 2B? You mean the 2A right? From modular exams to two synoptic papers?
No. We mean the 2B.
Yes, you heard that right. The Royal College of Radiologist’s have finalised changes to the FRCR 2B exam that are due to come into play come June 2025.
“Yeah but why you telling me? I haven’t even got into radiology yet” (flicks hair). Alright jeez. Don’t shoot the messenger! The main reason we’re telling you is because this now becomes prime interview material! Why? Because it identifies applicants who are actively engaged with the “radiology community” i.e. who is down with the kids and knows all the goss. So without further ado, let’s go through the key changes:
“Rapid Reporting” to become “Short Case Reporting” - in it’s current format, you were expected to review 35 plain films (X-Rays) over 30 minutes and identify it was normal or abnormal. If it was abnormal, you were then meant to identify the pathology. Classically, these were fractures on peripheral limb plain films. In the new format, you will review 25 plain films over 2 hours. Plus instead of just identifying if it was normal or abnormal, you now will have to write a short report, like you do in real life, that includes management. The pathologies won’t necessarily just be fractures anymore and will likely be more complicated e.g. lung masses, bone lesions etc.
“Long Case” reporting format to stay the same - candidates will continue to write a short report for six cases.
“Oral” component changes - candidates will continue to have 2 x 30 minute vivas. The big change here is the standardisation of cases you will encounter. Specifically, the Royal College now have a central bank of cases which the candidate will be expected to review (6 cases per oral viva so a total of 12 cases).
Honestly, we don’t think you’ll be asked this but it doesn’t take much time to get to grips with the new changes (plus it’s impressive if you intertwine this knowledge into relevant answers). If you want to see a thorough review of the changes, you can have a read through the official FRCR 2B exam overview website via the link below:
Parting Words Of Wisdom About Your MSRA Score
Before we say au revoir, we know that some of you won’t receive the news you were hoping for when it comes to your MSRA score. As doctors, we all desire to be beyond excellent. Heck, we aim to be perfect. It’s in our blood and explains why you’ve achieved the successes you have so far. That’s why we know how painful it can be when your marks don’t reflect the effort you put in. Rejection is something we aren’t used to. Remember, the MSRA is not, we repeat not, a reflection of who you are. Don’t let the MSRA or rejection define you. It isn’t worth the headache. That’s why we are emphasising right now that we will be there for you. Just reach out to us and we will guide you forward.
From your “can the radiologists skip the induction talk on blood transfusions” friends,
Uzoma, Jamie and Muhammad
RadCast Co-Founders