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Understanding ERPM: A Guide for Medical Students

Embarking on a medical career in Sri Lanka necessitates a deep understanding of the Examination for Registration to Practice Medicine (ERPM). This pivotal examination plays a significant role in the life of every aspiring medical practitioner in the country. In this guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of ERPM, shedding light on its importance in medical studies and how it shapes the careers of future doctors.

What is ERPM in Medical Studies?

The ERPM is a mandatory examination for all medical graduates who aspire to practice medicine within the confines of Sri Lanka.The exam is conducted by the SriLanka Medical Council (SLMC).  It is designed to evaluate the competence, skills, and knowledge of medical graduates, ensuring they are well-equipped to deliver top-notch healthcare services to the community.

This exam is not applicable to graduates from the Medical Faculties within SriLanka. 

> ERPM stands for Examination for Registration to Practice Medicine.

 
How to pass the ERPM exam?

The Significance of ERPM

Successfully passing the ERPM exam is a clear indication of a candidate’s readiness and capability to plunge into the medical profession, armed with the requisite skills and knowledge to offer invaluable healthcare services.

How MCQ MED Supports ERPM Preparation

For candidates gearing up to face the ERPM, MCQMED emerges as an indispensable ally. This platform is dedicated to offering extensive support to medical graduates in their quest to conquer the ERPM.

Features of MCQMED Include:

– Question Bank – 7000+ MCQ questions with answers and explanations for all five subjects tested in the exam.
– Past Paper modelled MCQ’s: Allows candidates to familiarize themselves with the exam format.
– FREE Study Notes:  Reinforce knowledge and test understanding of the ERPM syllabus.

Understanding ERPM is foundational for any medical graduate aspiring to practice medicine in Sri Lanka. With platforms like MCQMED , candidates are empowered with the resources, support, and guidance they need to navigate through the ERPM syllabus and exam structure efficiently and effectively.

Embark on your ERPM preparation journey with confidence and diligence, and let  MCQMED be your companion in achieving success.

 
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Birth Control Stigmas that should be cancelled

Birth control: A taboo among the Asian community. But why?










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Type 2 DM and Self administered insulin

In Sri Lanka, one in 12 adults suffer from diabetes which gives gives us a total of 1.6 million cases of diabetes across the country

What is insulin therapy for Type II Diabetes?

  • Patients with Type I diabetes are occasionally treated with ‘intensive insulin treatment
  • Intensive insulin treatment often involves multiple insulin injections per da

What is self administered insulin?

Self-administered insulin is when the patient monitors their blood glucose levels and injects their own doses of insulin

What are the benefits of self-administered insulin?

  • Improved timing of insulin doses would improve blood glucose levels
  • Greater convenience

What are the complications with self-administered insulin?

  • Administering the wrong dosage could lead to an insulin overdose
  • Incorrect injection site selection can lead to complications
  • Incorrect injection timings
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What is the “Barbie Syndrome”?

Just like the new Barbie movie captivates us with her flawless charm and stunning beauty, the “Barbie Syndrome” is a fascinating topic that sheds light on societal beauty standards. 💄💅

In the medical world, the term “Barbie Syndrome” refers to a psychological condition where individuals obsessively strive for a perceived “ideal” appearance, just like Barbie’s iconic figure. 🎀👠 This can lead to various body image issues, eating disorders, and low self-esteem.

As future healthcare professionals, understanding the impact of these ideals on mental health is crucial! 🧠💭

Barbie Syndrome

Also known as “Barbie Doll Syndrome,” it is not a recognized medical condition but rather a term used colloquially.

It escribes a psychological phenomenon where individuals, often young women, strive to attain an unrealistic and idealized body image, similar to the proportions of the Barbie doll.

Symptoms

  1. Obsession with Thinness
  2. Extreme Dieting
  3. Excessive Exercise
  4. Dissatisfaction with Appearance
  5. Negative Body Image
  6. Comparison with Unrealistic Standards
  7. Avoiding Social Situations
  8. Psychological Distress
  9. Body Dysmorphia
  10. Unhealthy Weight Management
  11. Distorted Perception of Beauty
  12. Social Media Dependency
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Hormonal Heaven – A New Treatment For Endometriosis

Alright ladies, it’s time to have a heart-to-uterus. We all known that periods can be a pain in the, well, uterus. But what happens when Aunt Flo comes to town and brings more than just a suitcase

Enter edomeriosis. This sneaky little condition causes the lining of your uterus to grow outside of it, leading to all sorts of fun symptoms like excruciating pain, heavy bleeding, and even infertility. But what if we told you there’s a new treatment on the horizon that could help manage those pesky symptoms? 🩸💉

Enter VAY736, a monthly injection that targets the overactive proteins responsible for endometriosis growth and inflammation. Think of it like the bouncer at a club, kicking out the troublemakers and restoring order.

In clinical trials, VAY736 has shown promising results in reducing endometriosis-related pain and improving quality of life for patients. And while it’s still in the early stages of development, it could be a game changer for those living with endometriosis.

So medical students, take note: the more we understand about endometriosis, the closer we get to finding better treatments. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll even find the ultimate cure for this pesky ex. 😜
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Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

Are you preparing for your exams? Here are a few points on Dengue that you may want to know!

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

What are the 3 stages of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever?

  • Febrile Phase
  • Critical Phase
  • Convalescent Phase

The Febrile Phase

SYMPTOMS:

  • High fever for 2-7 days
  • Facial flushing
  • Skin erythema
  • Arthralgia
  • Headache
  • Sore throat

SIGNS:

Tender hepatomegaly (suggestive of DHF)

LAB:

  • Leucopenia (WBC<5000)
  • Mild thrombocytopenia (<150,000)
  • PLT<100,000 indicate entry to the critical phase

The Critical Phase

SYMPTOMS:

  • Usually occurs around the 5-6th day and lasts for 48 hours
  • Also includes petechiae, echymosis, purpura and bleeding from mucosa and injection sites

SIGNS:

Bleeding manifestation (not a must)

LAB:

  • PIt < 100,000
  • Evidence of plasma leakage
  • Increased PCV > 20% rise from base line PVC (M – 40, F-36)
  • Ultrasound Scan (USS) – Free Fluids (FF)
  • CXR (right lateral decubitus film) – Effusion Js. Alb < 3.5 g/di
  • Non-fasting S. Cholesterol < 100mg/dl

The Recovery Phase

SYMPTOMS:

  • Occurs during the last 2-5 days
  • There is improvement of general well being and appetite

SIGNS:

  • Convalescent rash
  • Generalized itching
  • Haemodynamic stability
  • Bradyacrdia (in some pts) diuresis

LAB:

  • Stabilization of HCT (even I due to reabsorption of extravasated fluid)
  • † wBc
  • † PLT

Symptoms of Shock

  • Sweating
  • Abdominal pain
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Restlessness/altered conscious level
  • Postural dizziness
  • Decreased urine output (<0.5 ml/kg/hour)

Signs of Shock

  • Cold extremities
  • Prolonged capillary refill time > 2 seconds
  • Unexplained tachycardia
  • Tender hepatomegaly > 2 cm
  • Increasing diastolic pressure
  • Narrowing of pulse pressure < 20mmHg
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The Long & short case

Short Case and Long Case exams are just another exam medical students have to deal with, sigh!

What is a short case?

In a short case examination, the candidate is expected to examine a body system or anatomical area with a time period of 8-12 minutes

Following the examination, the candidate must give a 3-5 minute summary of:

  • The examination findings
  • The likely differential diagnosis based on the finding
  • The probable causes and severity of the condition in question
  • A general discussion on the points mentioned above

What is long case?

A long case is a form or clinical examination when the candidate discusses a specific case with a professional in the medical field

The examination lasts for around 20 minutes per long case scenario and looks to replicate a consultation with a patient

The examination is broken down into 3 distinct segments

  • History taking
  • Focused examination
  • Discussion with the medical professional to summarize findings

How to ace the exam?

  • Rehearse like an actor
  • Learn to ‘think on your feet’
  • Be organized – have all your equipment ready to go before you start the exam
  • Always be polite – exams like the neurological examination involves a lot of patient co-operation; a script of ambiguous questions would help
  • Take your time – don’t panic if there seems to be a lot of abnormal symptoms. Take it one step at a time
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Passing the ERPM exam

Passing the ERPM exam is essential in order to practice as a medical doctor in Sri Lanka as a foreign graduate.

How do you pass this competitive exam and qualify for provisional registration? How do you rank in the Merit list? What are the pass marks and the requirements? This post will answer all these questions for you 🙂 

Successfully complete Part A of ERPM

To pass Part A of ERPM, which is the Theory Examination, you will have to obtain a minimum of 112.5 of 250 (45%) for :

  • Paper 1 – Medicine 
  • Paper 2 – Paediatrics 
  • Paper 3 – Surgery 
  • Paper 4 – Obstentrics and Gynaecology 
And a 67.5 of 150 in Psychiatry (45%) 
  • Paper 5 – Psychiatry (Child + Adult) 

Successfully complete Part B of ERPM

In Part B : The Clinical Examination, you will have to obtain a minimum of 45 out of 100 (45%) for each station AND score a minimum total mark of 100 out of 200 (50%) for the two stations in each subject. 

  • Medicine 
  • Paediatrics 
  • Surgery
  • Obstetrics & Gynaecology 

Successfully complete Part C of ERPM

In order to pass Part C : The Oral Examination, you will have to score a 50 out of 100 in Emergencies in each of the Medical and Surgical Tracks. 

Successfully complete Part D of ERPM

To pass the final stage of the ERPM examination, you will have to score a pass mark of 67.5 of 150 marks for  each paper. 

  • Paper 6 – Community medicine 
  • Paper 7 – Forensics Medicine 
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