The Endocrinology section of the RCEM syllabus is often underestimated but plays a vital role in the MRCEM SBA exam. Many endocrine disorders — such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hypoglycaemia, thyroid storm, and adrenal crisis — present as acute medical emergencies that require rapid recognition and targeted treatment in the Emergency Department.
SBAs frequently test your understanding of pathophysiology, interpretation of investigations, and, most importantly, initial stabilisation and prioritisation of these critically ill patients. Expect questions that assess your ability to apply guidelines (e.g., JBDS, NICE, RCEMLearning) and make the “next best step” decisions in real-world ED scenarios.
A solid grasp of endocrinology will not only help you score higher in the exam but also ensure you can identify subtle, life-threatening metabolic derangements with confidence during your shifts.