Newsletter January 2024: Ways the ESAIC Education & Training Committee aims to foster innovation and inclusivity

Congratulations on your chairpersonship, Prof. Berger-Estilita, and as you begin this new venture in 2024, we would like to ask you first about your experience as a medical doctor. Can you share your personal journey in the field of anaesthesiology and your connection with the ESAIC? What drives your passion for professional education, and how does this align with your new role chairing the Education committee at ESAIC? 

Thank you for your congratulations on my appointment as the Education and Training Committee Chair. It’s an honour to be recognised for my dedication to anaesthesiology and education. 

Reflecting on my journey, I began with a deep fascination for the complexities and challenges in anesthesiology. Over the years, my experiences have shaped a keen understanding of education’s critical role in enhancing patient care and advancing the field. My connection with ESAIC has been a pivotal part of this journey, providing a professional growth and collaboration platform. 

My passion for professional education stems from a belief that continuous learning and skill development are crucial for maintaining high standards in anesthesiology. In my new role as Chair of the Education Committee, I am excited to align this passion with my responsibilities. I aim to foster innovative educational strategies that empower current practitioners and inspire the next generation of anaesthesiologists. 

This opportunity allows me to contribute to shaping the future of anaesthesiology education, ensuring that it remains relevant, evidence-based, and patient-centred. 

As the Chair of the Education Committee at ESAIC, what are your top priorities, and what challenges do you anticipate in promoting high-quality professional training and education? How do you plan to ensure the continual improvement of educational systems and provide top-notch training for future anaesthesiologists? 

As the Chair of the Education Committee at ESAIC, my priorities revolve around enhancing the educational curriculum with innovative methods like simulation-based and technology-enhanced learning. This involves fostering inter-committee collaboration and integrating broad-ranging topics for a comprehensive educational experience. Another key focus is recognising and rewarding teaching excellence, particularly in activities related to the European Diploma in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care.  

Collaborations and partnerships with anaesthesiology societies, accrediting bodies, and medical education organisations are essential. This will help us exchange best practices and expand our educational programs internationally. Continuous professional development for educators and trainers is crucial, and I intend to address their needs with relevant training and mentorship programs, including expanding our online Academy. 

Embracing technology and innovation is fundamental. Prioritising technology and e-learning platforms, exploring virtual/augmented reality tools, and integrating AI and data analytics for personalised learning are on the agenda. Ensuring ethical and responsible practices in technology use is vital. 

Lastly, enhancing access and inclusivity in education is of utmost importance. Advocating for increased and inclusive access to technology and collaborating with policymakers will help address challenges faced by minority groups and promote equal educational opportunities. Encouraging research and development in educational technology and supporting pilot projects exploring emerging technologies will keep us at the forefront of educational advancements. 

The challenges I anticipate involve adapting to rapid technological changes and integrating them into our training programs. To promote high-quality education, I plan to collaborate closely with experts in both medical and educational fields, ensuring our programs remain at the forefront of medical education. Continual feedback and assessment will be key in maintaining and improving our educational systems, ensuring they consistently provide top-notch training for future anaesthesiologists. 

How do you plan to integrate your role in Education with the broader ESAIC strategy, particularly in the areas of Training and Professional Development? 

Integrating my role in Education with ESAIC’s broader strategy involves aligning our educational initiatives with the organisation’s goals in Professional Development. This includes developing comprehensive training programs that cater to the evolving needs of anaesthesiologists and ensuring that these programs are in sync with the latest advancements in the field. Additionally, I aim to create opportunities for continuous professional development that are accessible and beneficial for practitioners at different stages of their careers, thereby contributing to the overall mission of ESAIC in promoting excellence in anaesthesiology. 

 Lastly, we’d like to request a personal message addressed to our community. In your role as the new Chair for Education, what message would you like to convey to them? 

As the new Chair for Training and Education, I am deeply honoured to serve and contribute to our mission. We’re in this together – to learn, grow, and push the boundaries of what we can achieve in anaesthesiology education. I believe in making learning engaging, relevant, and fun. Let’s harness education’s incredible potential to empower our profession and make a lasting impact on patient care. I invite you to join me in this exciting journey, where together, we will explore new horizons, challenge the status quo, and redefine excellence in anaesthesiology education. 

Prof. Joana Berger-Estilita (PhD, MMEd, DESA, EDIC, FESAIC) – Chair of the ESAIC Education and Training Committee