Preparing for the FRCR 2B exam is no small feat. It's a challenging process that requires not just knowledge but also the ability to present cases effectively and think on your feet. For Dr Shaima Maniyar, a radiologist at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, study groups were the key to her success in passing the FRCR 2B exam. Here’s how she used them effectively, and why you should, too.

Why Study Groups Matter

Study groups are more than just a place to discuss cases; they provide the environment for collaborative learning and help sharpen presentation skills. Dr Maniyar emphasises how critical study groups were for her viva preparation. She found that, while books and practice for long cases and rapids were accessible, it was viva practice—the oral exam component—that required the most attention.

According to Dr Maniyar, vivas are the deciding factor in passing the FRCR 2B exam. She points out that while we often encounter cases in daily practice, it’s the consistent presentation of cases and receiving feedback in study groups that truly makes the difference.

Benefits of Study Groups

Here are the major advantages of joining and actively participating in study groups, according to Dr Maniyar:

1. Focused Feedback from Peers
   In a study group setting, you get feedback from fellow candidates who act as examiners, helping you refine your case presentations. Dr Maniyar stresses how valuable this honest feedback was, as it pinpointed her weaknesses—such as excessive pauses or losing focus during case presentations. This helped her improve presentation skills and better understand what examiners are looking for.

2. Time-Saving and Access to Curated Cases
   One of the challenges of preparing for the FRCR 2B exam is finding relevant cases. Revise Radiology’s study group platform saved her the hassle of searching for cases. With pre-selected cases that are designed to mimic exam scenarios, she could simply log in, present, and get feedback—maximising her study time. She emphasises: "It is extremely time-saving and helpful."

3. Consistency is Key
   Regular, structured practice was a game-changer for Dr Maniyar. She practiced her presentations every day, sometimes in front of a mirror or by making videos of herself. The consistent feedback loop in study groups helped her refine her approach and made her more confident when presenting cases.

4. Learn from Each Other's Expertise
   Every candidate brings their own strengths and experiences to the table. Dr Maniyar points out that working in a study group allowed candidates to learn from one another. For example, her group included an expert in MRI who helped everyone become more confident in interpreting knee and shoulder MRI—modalities that Dr Maniyar was initially less familiar with. Similarly, other candidates contributed knowledge in areas like radiographs, which helped create a comprehensive learning environment.

Key Tips for New Candidates

Dr Maniyar offers valuable advice for candidates who are just starting with study groups:

• Be Open to Feedback: Whether positive or negative, feedback is crucial. It will make you stronger and better prepared for the real exam.

• Join with a Learning Attitude: Maximize the two hours you spend in study groups. This isn’t just practice—this is an opportunity to build exam-day confidence.

• Focus on the Full Case: Always go beyond the diagnosis. In the real exam, you’ll need to discuss management as well. Study groups help you practice this holistic approach.

• Keep Notes and Review Regularly: After each session, jot down key points, diagnoses, and management strategies. Before your day ends, mentally revisit the cases discussed in your study group. This practice reinforces learning and builds long-term retention.

The Power of Repetition and Collaboration

Dr Maniyar’s story highlights the importance of consistent, focused practice in passing the FRCR 2B exam. Through study groups, she found that the more she presented cases, received feedback, and acted as an examiner for others, the more confident and competent she became. Each presentation and interaction added to her understanding of the subject and helped her build a repertoire of presentation strategies that would later impress real examiners.

“The more you present cases, the more feedback you get, and the more you improve. It happens every day, in leaps and bounds,” says Dr Maniyar. This consistent exposure helps build the confidence you need to sit in front of real examiners and pass the exam with ease.

A Final Piece of Advice

Dr Maniyar’s closing advice to all new candidates preparing for the FRCR 2B exam: don’t overdo it. Participating in study groups once or twice a day is enough to make a significant impact. Be sure to keep track of the cases you’ve worked on, and always revisit what you’ve learned at the end of the day. By saving time, leveraging the group’s collective knowledge, and continuously improving through feedback, you can avoid the pitfalls of solo studying and make the most of your time.

Dr Maniyar’s Journey with Revise Radiology

"Hi, everyone. My name is Dr Shaima Maniyar, and I'm a radiologist working in King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for the last six years. I come from India, where I completed my primary education and radiology training before moving to Saudi Arabia for further job opportunities. I passed my FRCR exam last year in September 2023, and I am very, very grateful that I found Revise Radiology as a one-stop platform to prepare for the exam.

I was one of the first candidates to start with the study groups, and I’m so glad they launched this initiative because it saved me so much time. As you know, all of us struggle between family time, work duties, and study time. The study group was like a one-stop solution for me. I would simply log in to Revise Radiology and attend the sessions because I felt my viva preparation was lacking.

It’s easy to prepare for long cases, short cases, and rapids because we encounter them daily, but viva practice is crucial. I believe the viva sessions are the deciding factor for passing the exam. I met many students through the study groups, and each candidate had their own unique style of presenting cases. I would pick up catchwords from different candidates and incorporate them into my presentations, which really helped me build confidence.”

Dr Maniyar’s success story is a testament to the power of study groups in FRCR 2B preparation. With access to structured cases, consistent feedback, and peer learning, study groups offer the perfect platform for boosting your confidence and ensuring you’re ready for the exam. By joining a study group with the right mindset, utilising the resources available, and embracing feedback, you’ll be well on your way to passing the FRCR 2B exam.

Start preparing now and see the difference that structured group practice can make in your revision.
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