Part 2 is a completely different format to Part 1. Each station consists of a table with two examiners (± an observer). Each station takes 20 minutes, consisting of two 10-minute vivas, one from each examiner.
Each examiner scores you on:
Scores range from 4 (definite fail) to 8 (distinction). You need an average of 6 for each station.
6 points × 16 ten-minute vivas × 3 domains × 2 examiners = 576 pass mark
Most of the knowledge you need you will already have from Part 1. The key references for Part 2 are the same:
The key for Part 2 is practice. It is better to articulate a reasonable plan in a clear and structured fashion than to present poorly an answer filled with relevant evidence. The only way to perfect doing this is practice.
This is best achieved in two ways:
Ideally with a set time every evening or weekend, allowing for people being unable to attend each session due to clinical or personal commitments. These sessions can be used to undertake practice scenarios.
If four of you are studying together and each write two scenarios, you can then practise six scenarios for every two you write. We've compiled a list of suggested scenario themes to help you get started.
This relies on the good faith of your consultant colleagues, but most will be happy to help in some capacity. Ideally, book in an hour with your group where they viva each of you in turn on their area of interest.
By doing this you can get a feel for which consultants you want to book repeat sessions with — some will have done the exam more recently and have a good idea for what is required, some will be specialised in areas where you need more practice.
We were fortunate to have a very supportive group of consultants in our training region who generously gave up time to help — and it was essential. Don't be shy about asking!
You can pass Part 2 without memorising a large number of studies or papers. In fact, just quoting evidence without good reason or without a solid clinical foundation can be detrimental.
It's best to articulate a robust answer and then add in evidence when asked or when appropriate. That being said, if you're aiming for the Keith Yeates Medal and you want to get 8 in every station, then knowing a good breadth of evidence alongside solid clinical acumen is the way to boost your score.
Areas with evidence particularly worth learning include BPH (where there are lots of emerging technologies) and oncology (where key landmark trials underpin management decisions).
We've compiled a comprehensive list of trials and key papers in our Key Evidence Reference Guide.
It can be difficult to re-motivate yourself to revise following success on Part 1. Typically the exam results come out just over a month before the BAUS course, which itself is around 6 weeks prior to the exam.
Vivas are a nerve-wracking thing and there is the potential to spiral. It's key to remember to keep calm and not let a perceived disaster in one station affect the next.
Being polite, calm, and professional goes a long way. Even if you're not sure of the answer, the examiners are looking for a safe and sensible plan articulated in a clear way — which fulfils two of the three marking criteria (higher order thinking and professionalism).
Most importantly — good luck!
Make sure to check out the other parts of our Part 2 guide:
Haven't passed Part 1 yet? Check out our Part 1 Revision Guide.
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