Reasoning GP · SCA · Relating to Others

IMG track: relating to others

For doctors who trained outside the UK and are preparing for the MRCGP SCA. This track is not about medical knowledge. It is about the habits and the UK know-how that the exam rewards, written down plainly so you can practise them. It sits alongside the Conversation Lab (cues, ICE, bridges, shared decisions, negotiation) and the Micro-Drills; it does not repeat them. For the background and the published pass-rate figures, read the public SCA guide for IMGs.

Section 1Habit swaps

These are not national traits. They are habits that are normal in many busy health systems, including plenty of UK hospital wards, and they are sensible where they come from. UK general practice and the SCA simply reward something different. Read the swap, say your own version out loud, then reveal a natural line. Mark a card done once you have used the swap in a practice case.

Section 2UK context you are expected to know

The SCA assumes you know how these work in England. Each card gives the rule, how it tends to appear in a case, and one line you could say. Rules here were checked in October 2026; sources are listed at the bottom of the page. For the fine detail use the site tools linked on each card.

Section 3Explain it plainly

Write or say your explanation first, ideally out loud, in 45 seconds or less. Then compare with the model: two to four short sentences, no jargon, and a check of understanding at the end. The model is a standard, not a script. The Micro-Drills page has a random 45-second explainer on conditions; these twelve focus on results, referrals and UK processes that often come up.

Section 4Four-week plan

About an hour a day, five days a week. Each week builds on the last. If you have less time, keep the order and stretch it to six or eight weeks.
Week 1Notice your habits
  • Work through the habit swaps above. Pick the three that feel least natural and write them on a card.
  • Conversation Lab: cue-spotting, ICE and the shared-decision module.
  • Micro-Drills: ten cue-spotting reps and five golden-minute openings a day.
  • Hot Seat: filter by theme to Ethnicity, culture & diversity and do three cases. Browse the same theme in the case index.
Week 2Learn the UK context
  • Read the UK context cards, two or three a day. Say each "line to say" aloud until it sounds like you.
  • Hot Seat: switch the theme filter to Health disadvantage and do three cases (see also the case index).
  • AI simulator: three telephone cases. On the phone, make your listening audible and check understanding more often.
  • Do six of the explain-it-plainly drills.
Week 3Get real feedback
  • AI simulator: three video cases. Look at the camera when you speak.
  • Examiner Marking: re-mark one of your recorded cases, reading the Relating to others descriptors closely.
  • Live Group Mock with UK-trained colleagues. Ask them one question: "Was there anything I said that sounded unusual or scripted?"
  • Finish the remaining explain-it-plainly drills.
Week 4Make it automatic
  • Record two or three real consultations (with the patients' written consent and following your practice's policy) and review them with your trainer, focusing on the three habits from week 1.
  • A second Live Group Mock, or a full AI mock circuit under time.
  • Mixed Hot Seat cases from both themes, one telephone and one video each day.
  • Re-read the IMG guide and redo any habit swap you have not yet marked done.
Ask for help early. Your training programme director, deanery professional support unit and the GMC's free Welcome to UK practice session are all there for this. Asking is normal in UK training and is not a sign of weakness.
Educational aid for SCA preparation, not legal or clinical advice for a real patient. Rules are for England and were checked in October 2026; always follow current national and local guidance. Main sources:
  • GOV.UK: Statutory Sick Pay and fit note guidance; DVLA Assessing fitness to drive; Working together to safeguard children 2023; information sharing advice; migrant health guide on interpreting; Crime and Policing Act 2026 factsheets.
  • legislation.gov.uk: Mental Capacity Act 2005 (sections 1 to 3); Care Act 2014 (section 42); Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
  • GMC: Decision making and consent (2020); Confidentiality (2017) and its DVLA/DVA supplement; 0–18 years; Intimate examinations and chaperones (2024).
  • NICE: NG84 (sore throat), NG136 (hypertension), NG238 (cardiovascular risk), NG203 (CKD), NG196 (atrial fibrillation), NG28 (type 2 diabetes), NG12 (suspected cancer).
  • NHS England and nhs.uk: Pharmacy First, NHS 111, NHS Talking Therapies, social prescribing, interpreting in primary care, cervical screening.