How I Passed PLAB 1 first time: Dr Leticia Spangler
If you are a doctor preparing for your GMC UKMLA PLAB 1 exam, this blog is a must to help you pass. We are lucky to have Dr Leticia Spangler – an IMG (International Medical Graduate) doctor from Brazil who passed her PLAB 1 exam at first sitting – share her experience of how she prepared and passed…
– Get PLAB 1 Updates and Teaching Emails here
– Register for next Free PLAB 1 Webinar here
– Pass with PLAB 1 Ultimate Package here
Introduction
Hello all! I recently passed PLAB 1 and was invited by Dr Aman to share my personal experience with preparation for the exam. I hope it helps if you are preparing for PLAB 1 yourself!
Firstly I’d like to highlight that if you are preparing for PLAB 1, it means you’ve already cleared some stages on your UK journey – so well done! My number one piece of advice is to take one day at a time… and one victory at a time. Foresight is fundamental to be well prepared but the whole process can be overwhelming, so if we break it into small pieces and do it one by one, it becomes easier to deal with.
Pre PLAB 1
My preparation began with detailed planning. I graduated during the COVID-19 pandemic and went straight to work on the frontline, so my start was a bit hectic and the delays caused by the pandemic greatly impacted my journey. I did not let that bring me down however, and I sat down with a calendar and took notes of all the important deadlines according to the GMC website and the Foundation Programme guidebook. After having it all mapped out, I started looking into resources to prepare for the PLAB 1 exam.
For full details of the PLAB 1 exam read our blog here.
My PLAB 1 Preparation
There is no doubt that your preparation should be based on the GMC blueprint, however I found it a little vague (naturally it must encompass all medical knowledge from years of medical school, so it cannot be very specific).
I then decided to do some reading to solidify my knowledge from medical school as well as to familiarise myself with the UK guidelines. For that, the NHS website and the NICE resources are very good. Some recommend the Oxford Handbooks, but it is worth keeping in mind that some editions are outdated and may differ from the current guidelines.
If you are like me and thrive with structured studying, I recommend Dr Aman’s PLAB 1 Online Video Course. It helped me focus on high yield information from the guidelines – one can struggle to filter and learn the information without this kind of guidance and structured approach. On top of watching the videos, I also had the Arora PLAB 1 Audio Course on my phone, so I could learn on the go. Be it washing the dishes, going for a walk, driving to work – I always had a lesson playing – and when the exam date arrived, I knew the information by heart. These two courses are concise and help you recall and enhance the knowledge you acquired in medical school years.
I went through the question bank to help me familiarise with the type of questions I would face on the day of the exam. It is important to pick a question bank with updated content, developed in the UK by doctors with knowledge of the guidelines. Dr Aman’s PLAB 1 Mocks are great for the ‘exam feel’ purpose since they provide you with challenging questions in a timed format – so you can learn to manage your time for the day of the exam. Time management is of the utmost importance.
For our most comprehensive PLAB 1 package (containing all of the above and more), see PLAB 1 Ultimate here.
Strategy
My strategy was to read the main guidelines for a topic, then watch Dr Aman’s chapter on that same topic, and then finally go through the question bank. I left the mocks for the last part of my preparation, and had a full week of only mocks close to the exam date – this allowed me to get into “exam mode”.
Since I was working whilst preparing and because I could only book a PLAB 1 seat months away, I had a long time to prepare. I am positive however that preparation can be done in less time, if you can dedicate a big part of your day to it.
Our PLAB 1 Ultimate Package (containing live course, videos, question bank, mocks, audiobook and flashcards) is designed to focus both on knowledge and technique.
Exam Day Tips
Try to rest beforehand and do not stress too much with last minute revision. Check some facts and notes if a doubt comes to mind, but there is no point in trying to read everything you have studied all those weeks the day before the exam. Relax, eat well, and sleep a reasonable amount.
On the day of the exam check your documents before you leave for the exam centre, make sure you have everything you will need with you (pencil, eraser, water and your passport).
During the exam try to mark your answer sheet as you go, for you will not have time to do it afterwards. And remember to breathe.
After the exam, go for a walk, have a nice meal and relax. You deserve it!
And finally...
Everyone will have a different approach to PLAB 1 and of course no tip or method is universal.
This is the strategy that worked for me, and I passed the exam with 80%. Maybe you will feel more confident if you practice more questions, or maybe you will need more reading, and that is why I recommend the Ultimate Package, for it has a bit of everything and you can use the resources as you see fit for your needs.
As my parting words, I would like to wish you all success on your journey. It is common to wish “good luck”, but with the right preparation and dedication there is no need for luck – the results come as a fruit of your hard work. Be strong, keep focused and take care. See you all in the UK (and at the Arora PLAB 2 Academy)!
How Arora Medical Education Can Support You
Clear Teaching Built for Busy Doctors.
If you want a guided path, our PLAB 1 resources help you build confidence at each step. Everything is created by senior UK NHS clinicians and previous PLAB examiners with experience in the exam and in teaching.
You can choose:
– PLAB 1 Ultimate – a full PLAB 1 preparation system with question banks, videos, audios, live teaching, flashcards and mock exams.
– A live PLAB 1 Crammer course held a few weeks before each sitting.
– Individual resources such as audios, videos, question banks or mocks
Each option follows a clear plan that helps you stay organised and focused. Explore these more here.
Also:
– Get PLAB 1 Updates and Teaching Emails here.
– Register for next Free PLAB 1 Webinar here.
PLAB 1 Videos that will help…
Watch my video ‘3 Trends that I see in those who Fail PLAB 1‘ here.
Watch my video ‘3 Things to Pass PLAB 1‘ here.
Lead PLAB 1 Tutor - Dr Aman Arora
Hi! I’m Dr. Aman Arora, a Portfolio GP with over a decade of clinical and teaching experience, dedicated to helping doctors achieve their goals with confidence. Having had the privilege of supporting more than 50,000 doctors worldwide across exams such as MRCGP AKT, SCA, MSRA, PLAB 2 and PLAB 1, I understand the challenges you face and the strategies needed to overcome them. Through personalised face-to-face sessions, engaging online courses, mocks, audio and a vibrant social media community, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Whether you’re looking to pass crucial exams or take the next big step in your medical career, we’re here to help you succeed. Feel free to get in touch with any thoughts, questions, or ideas — I look forward to working with you and being part of your journey.
Senior PLAB 1 Tutor - Dr Pooja Arora
Dr Pooja Arora is a GP with a background in Medical Politics, where she passionately focuses on improving the opportunities and working conditions for junior doctors. She is proud to hold FRCGP (Fellow of Royal College of General Practitioners).
You can find out more about Pooja’s previous roles and qualifications here.
