Domain 6: Conditions

This domain outlines the pathophysiological diseases and clinical diagnoses that candidates are expected to understand. The application of this knowledge is set at the level expected of a doctor in training in the UK Foundation Programme.

While the list is not exhaustive, it identifies core conditions. Some are common and form the foundation of everyday medical practice, while others are rare but critical—requiring urgent recognition and intervention to prevent patient harm.

Candidates must recognise that conditions evolve over time, and early-stage presentations may differ significantly from later stage presentations or complications. They should be able to identify key clinical features, including warning signs (‘red flags’), to ensure timely recognition of serious illness and appropriate escalation of care.

Understanding the patient’s context - including epidemiology, risk factors, and comorbidities - is essential for assessing clinical risk and guiding decision making.