Viva advice

1. You must have read all of the BSCH guidelines and UKHCDO guidelines to fully prepare for the viva - the questions usually follow the guidelines with some twists and turns.

2. They will expect you to have memorised key diagnostic criteria:

For example:

A. What is the diagnostic criteria for Hereditary Spherocytosis?

B. What is the diagnostic criteria for ET?

3. There are some topics for which there are no BCSH guidelines (such as CML) - make sure you have read a recent How I treat or review article

4. Topical things and recent guidelines right up until the date of the exam when published can be asked - make sure you know of key developments that have made an impact. Anything recently published in the New England Journal, Lancet or other major journals is fair game.

The examiners may appear to be quite persistent and firm with you and even try and put you off something you have said (even if you are right). Be aware of the 'competency question' - which is usually a Yes/No question. Evaluate what you have said because that might be a pass/fail question they are asking if you have got it wrong and they're trying to give you a second chance to get it right.