Hywel Dda hosts distinguished clinical examination

01 December 2023

Hywel Dda University Health Board was proud to have successfully hosted the distinguished Member of Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH) clinical examination on behalf of Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).

The RCPCH is responsible for setting the standards of paediatric training in the UK including producing the paediatric curriculum and assessment pathway.

Paediatric trainees were welcomed to Glangwili Hospital, the only Welsh test centre for 2023, to complete their final MRCPCH examination. This practical examination involves a series of ten scenarios some using real patients, whilst being assessed by trainers with extensive experience of working in paediatrics.

Dr Prem Kumar Pitchaikani, Consultant Paediatrician and Clinical Director said “The education and training of medical professionals is an on-going and continuous process and is of greatest value, when taking place in the real world dealing with genuine concerns, conditions and challenges.  The MRCPCH clinical examination strives to do this. 

“This process showcases our health board’s commitment towards the education and training of future paediatricians, and I would like to convey my thanks to all the members of the paediatric department and the senior management for supporting this event.”

After the successful clinical examination, Dr Prem Kumar Pitchaikani was honoured to have been chosen by Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health to represent them in India in 2024 to assess paediatrics trainees and others during their MRCPCH clinical examination.

As a token of appreciation for hosting the examination, the Royal College presented a computer monitor to the paediatric team to facilitate virtual education and training.