What to Expect in FRCPath Part 2 Medical Microbiology: Format, Cases, OSPEs

FRCPath Prep Medical Microbiology Consultants
Jul 20
2 min read

🧠 Overview of the FRCPath Part 2 Medical Microbiology Exam

The FRCPath Part 2 in Medical Microbiology is designed to assess your ability to practice safely as a consultant microbiologist. It tests real-world diagnostic, clinical, and infection control skills across various exam formats.

Unlike the MCQ-style Part 1, this is a practical, in-depth assessment that simulates the real responsibilities of a microbiology consultant in the UK.

📝 Exam Format at a Glance

The FRCPath Part 2 comprises three major components:

Component	Description	What It Assesses
🧪 Long Structured Cases	4-6 complex clinical scenarios	Clinical decision-making, diagnostic approach, antimicrobial strategy
🔬 OSPE (Objective Structured Practical Examination)	Series of short stations (~8–10)	Hands-on lab interpretation, communication skills, report evaluation
📑 SAQs (Short Answer Questions)	Applied clinical/lab questions	Quick-thinking, factual accuracy, infection control

🔍 What Is the FRCPath Part 2 OSPE?

OSPE (Objective Structured Practical Examination) is one of the most crucial parts of the exam and heavily searched by candidates under terms like “FRCPath Part 2 OSPE”.

What to Expect:

~8–10 stations, each lasting 10 minutes.
Tasks may include:
- Interpretation of Gram stains, CSF results, serologies, or AST data.
- Writing or critiquing microbiology reports.
- Communicating with a clinician via written or spoken notes.
- Outbreak management or guideline critique.

How to Prepare:

Practice with RCPath sample OSPE questions (available online).
Simulate stations with a mentor or peer group.
Develop a clear format for report writing and AST interpretation.

🧾 What Are Long Structured Cases Like?

Candidates are expected to manage realistic clinical microbiology scenarios involving:

Antimicrobial stewardship
Diagnostic strategies
Interpretation of laboratory results
Infection control implications
Communication with medical teams

Example Scenario:

A 65-year-old diabetic patient with recurrent UTIs grows carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Your tasks might include: Antibiotic strategy (include newer agents) Alert organism reporting Infection control advice Lab test recommendations

How to Prepare:

Practice case-based SAQs with model answers.
Stay updated with UKHSA, NICE, BSAC, and PHE guidelines.
Learn to integrate lab and clinical findings quickly.

📘 Tips to Succeed

Master OSPE Strategy: Time yourself during practice to simulate exam pressure.
Use UK Guidelines: Always refer to UKHSA, BIA, or IDSA when justifying answers.
Join FRCPath Mock Groups: Interactive learning helps with case thinking.
Review Sample Papers: Use the official RCPath sample questions regularly.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Understanding the FRCPath Part 2 OSPE format and getting comfortable with the structured case scenarios is key to success. Don’t just study—practice actively, get feedback, and align your answers with UK standards.