Why do Overseas Trainees Fail?

Abstract

Do overseas graduates fail the MRCPsych exam more than indigenous graduates; if so, why? After passing the MRCPsych exam, do overseas graduates do less well in their career: if so, why? A trainees' forum was held at the College Quarterly Meeting in February 1985 to try to provide some answers to these questions. Professor Cawley (Chief Examiner) presented comparative data regarding failure in the MRCPsych. Dr Bhate (Chairman, Overseas Trainees' Sub-Committee, OTSC) gave preliminary results on the OTSC's career survey of all successful MRCPsych candidates from November 1981 and April 1982. Dr Julie Hollyman (Chairman, Collegiate Trainees' Committee, CTC) chaired the forum which was attended by an audience including examiners, consultants and trainees.