EDAIC Part II Examiners

Download the PDF

1. Introduction

• The European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC) is always looking for good candidates for the role of EDAIC Part II examiners.
• This document applies to the selection process of new examiners for the EDAIC part II pool of examiners.

2. Duties of EDAIC Part II examiners

• Be familiar with and apply the examination procedures.
• Study and prepare the examination questions provided by the ESAIC.
• Strive to maintain the high standard of the EDAIC.
• Thoroughly read and become familiar to the exam regulations and guidance pertaining to examiners but also to candidates.
• Strive to conduct a fair and impartial interview of the candidates according to the regulations (Guidance notes for EDAIC Part II examiners).
• Assess whether the candidate demonstrated an adequate breadth and depth of knowledge over a range of topics as well as sound clinical judgement, and award marks accordingly.

3. Selection process

• The ESAIC Examinations Committee (EC) has the responsibility of selecting new examiners for the EDAIC Part II.
• The selection period will vary over time, depending on the needs and priorities as determined by the ESAIC EC in the prevailing circumstances. This implies that eventually not every year there will be an active selection process.
• On some rare occasions, outstanding EDAIC Part II approved candidates may be invited directly to apply to become examiners, provided that at least 3 or more full years working as a specialist is attained. The Examinations Committee will nonetheless confirm that these candidates meet the criteria mentioned below (4- “Criteria for applications”, page 3).
• The Examinations Committee will strive to achieve a balance between the different interests and competencies in the Examiners´ group.
• The Committee will discuss the current needs of the exam and define which competencies are needed in terms of spoken languages, specific clinical competencies and number of new examiners needed. Factors that may influence the selection of examiners may include:
  • Geographic distribution
  • Linguistic need and skills
  • Special interests and competencies relevant to the EDAIC.
• Complete applications will be reviewed by members of the Examinations Committee and Subcommittees and the outcome will be communicated at the earliest.

4. Criteria for applications

4.1 Major criteria

• Be an Active Member or Affiliate Member of the ESAIC or ready to become one upon appointment as EDAIC examiner
• Be a physician that has completed an accredited anaesthesiology training programme in a European(1) country and who practiced or has been practicing anaesthesiology in Europe1 for at least 3 years as a certified specialist anaesthesiologist,
• (OR) be a physician that has completed an accredited anaesthesiology training programme outside Europe(1) and has been practicing anaesthesiology in Europe1 for at least 3 years as a certified specialist anaesthesiologist,
• (OR) be a physician that has completed an accredited anaesthesiology training programme outside Europe(1), and has been practicing anaesthesiology outside Europe1 for at least 3 years as a certified specialist anaesthesiologist in a country(2) where ESAIC has special agreements for mutual recognition of educational diplomas.

1. As per the ESAIC by-laws: ““Europe”, “European countries” and “European” shall be construed as referring to the countries included in the definition of the “European Region” of the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of North Macedonia.”
2. As of the year 2024, República Federativa do Brasil

4.2 Other relevant criteria

• DESAIC or FRCA titles will greatly increase the chances of becoming a provisional examiner.
• Be of good standing with the profession.
• Demonstrate active involvement in the education of trainees and/or specialists.
• Have good communication skills.
• Display a long-term commitment to the role of examiner and be willing to attend at least six exam days, including the examiners meetings, over a three-year period. This attendance may be done, depending on the needs from the ESAIC office, in different types of examinations (online and/or face-to-face), and if in face-to-face exams, in different countries.
• Demonstrate proficiency of the English language as exam language, both written and oral (possession of a language diploma or certification will be valued).
• Examination-related experience, preferably similar or familiar with the EDAIC and/or with the National Board examination (where applicable).
• Have the competence, confidence and credibility to assess the next generation of anaesthesiologists.
• Have support from his/her Head of Department (where applicable), national authorities (e.g. national society or medical board). A letter from an experienced Part II examiner demonstrating support would also be valued.

5. Selection procedure

5.1. How to apply

Complete the online application form.

5.2. Criteria for scoring

Scoring of applications:

• Diplomas: EDAIC 4 points, FRCA/FCAI 3 points, EDIC/EDRA/Pain Qualification 2 points, TSA/FANZCA 1 point. Maximum 5 points.
• Language skills: 1 point for English and 2 points for any other Part II exam language. Maximum 6 points.
• Formal pedagogical training last five years: Maximum 1 point.
• Publications/research activity last five years: Maximum 1 point.
• Implication with the teaching of trainees: depending on the involvement level, Maximum 5 points.
• Examination related experience: depending on the involvement level, 1 to 3 points for active role in the national exam, 1 to 3 points for active role in the organisation of the EDAIC. Maximum 3 points.
• ESAIC activity: depending on the involvement level Maximum 3 points.
• Motivation: reviewer should evaluate the motivation from the candidate giving Maximum 5 points (argumentation, thought-through application).
• Open questions about strengths, weaknesses, coping and keeping up-to date. Mature and well processed reasoning Maximum 1 point per question.
  • What will be your greatest strengths as an examiner?
  • What do you think will be most challenging for you as an examiner?
  • How do you plan to cope with those challenges?
  • How do you keep up to date with new knowledge in anaesthesia and intensive care?
• Recommendation letter: Must be two; for example, from National Society, ESAIC Examinations Committee/Subcommittee member, or Head of Department/Medical Director. One recommendation letter, but not both, can be from any other ESAIC volunteer or EDAIC part II examiner or in special cases any other relevant recommendation. Application will not be processed without the recommendation letters. Maximum 5 points

5.3. Application scoring outcome

• Applications scoring at least 23 points will automatically be deemed successful.
• Applications scoring between 20 and 22 points will be subject to the approval of the Committee.
• Applications scoring below 20 points will be deemed unsuccessful. The rejection of a candidate by the Examinations Committee is a final decision. The Committee will not explain reasons for acceptance or rejection of candidates but reserves the right to give (at its discretion) feedback to unsuccessful candidates.

6. New examiners

6.1 Probationary period

• Non-DESAIC new examiners must observe one EDAIC Part II (minimum of two examination days, including participation in the Examiners Meeting) before they may examine.
• DESAIC new examiners must observe at least one exam day of EDAIC Part II (including participation in the Examiners Meeting) before they may examine.
• For the above-mentioned observation, online exams should be preferred to face-to-face exams (F2F). If observing at a F2F exam, new examiner should be local to the examination city, as any costs for travelling to the exam site and for accommodation will be at the examiner’s expense.
• New examiners are appointed subject to a probationary period. The probationary period will consist of four whole examination days. During the probationary period examiners, assigned to the task and representing the Committee will assess each new examiner´s performance and recommend to the Examinations Committee whether the candidate should either:
  • be confirmed as an EDAIC examiner.
  • continue under probation for a specific number of exams, or
  • be deemed not suitable to perform examiner duties.

7. Routine review of examiners

• The Examinations Committee shall review the performance of all examiners at regular intervals.
• Examiners whose performance is unsatisfactory, may be:
  • Reviewed again after a further period determined by the Examinations Committee, possibly with a requirement of what must be improved and a recommendation of further training.
  • Asked to resign, or
  • Dismissed.
• The ESAIC reserves the right to stop inviting examiners who refuse invitations to participate in the EDAIC Part II examination for several years.

8. Confidentiality of examiners

• Examiners of the EDAIC Part II must strive to avoid compromises of the fairness and impartiality of the examination.
• Examiners of the EDAIC Part II will receive the questions digitally shortly in advance before each exam. The regulations of how to handle these questions must be followed in every detail according to the examination rules that apply.
• Examiners are expected to support the EDAIC by developing questions for both the EDAIC Part I and Part II and sending these to the Examinations Committee. Such questions are to be kept strictly confidential and should not be used in other examinations or books.