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The Ulster Medical Journal logoLink to The Ulster Medical Journal
. 2006 May;75(2):171.

Birmingham PLAB Course Teaching DVD for PLAB (OSCE) Series 2. Medical Examination

Reviewed by: Raeburn Forbes
Birmingham PLAB Course Teaching DVD for PLAB (OSCE) Series 2. Medical Examination:  Arvind Babu Rajesekaran..  Royal Society of Medicine Press Ltd.  2005. £24.95. ISBN  1-85315-642-6. Inline graphic
PMCID: PMC1891730

The PLAB is a daunting examination for candidates, and any assistance is undoubtedly welcome. This DVD is a series of videos to take a candidate through clinical examination as required of the Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE). The video quality is clear and Dr Rajesekaran's delivery is deliberate, if not rather laborious.

As a neurologist it is tempting to say that the neurology videos perpetuate myths of little benefit in a real clinical setting. Overall, a safe, traditional method of assessment is portrayed, which is far removed from working practice. To be generous, the examination technique is accurate, but does not suggest smart short cuts to make a budding candidate shine above the rest.

For PLAB candidates, this DVD is worth viewing, but it is not a substitute for that increasingly rare experience – clinical demonstration at the bedside with an expert.


Articles from The Ulster medical journal are provided here courtesy of Ulster Medical Society

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