The EDAIC Pathway: from structured learning to exam success

Dr Carla Isabel Veloso Nogueira Ferreira won the Sir Peter Simpson Prize in 2024. In this article, she is interviewed by Dr Ângela Cristina Carmezim Mota, Scientific Promoter of the Examinations BCSAC Subcommittee, about the preparation strategy that allowed her to achieve this prestigious distinction, and more particularly about the learning path ESAIC offers candidates for a successful preparation.

“What motivated you to pursue the ESAIC learning pathway (OLA, BCSAC, VIVAC), and how did it shape your preparation for the EDAIC exam?” 

My main motivation was the desire for a structured, high-quality preparation for the EDAIC, aligned with European standards in anaesthesia and intensive care. The ESAIC learning pathway provided a clear framework and progressive learning strategy, helping me identify knowledge gaps early and approach the exam in a systematic way. It was not only about exam preparation, but also about consolidating core concepts that are essential in daily clinical practice. The presentations provided during the course sessions greatly facilitated my study and helped me pay attention to details I had previously overlooked. Regarding the OLA exam, it served as a way to identify my weaknesses and determine which topics required more focused study, as well as to review areas I thought I already knew but needed to revisit.

“Can you describe the most valuable aspects of the ESAIC pathway—courses, resources, or mentorship—that supported your growth in anaesthesia and intensive care?”

One of the most valuable aspects was the combination of well-organised theoretical content with exam-focused clinical reasoning. For me, the courses and theoretical resources provided were essential for my growth in anaesthesiology and intensive care. I must confess that the webinars and podcasts helped me develop and better understand the topics discussed, even when the fatigue from clinical work accumulated. Courses such as BCSAC and VIVAC were particularly helpful in developing a structured approach to complex clinical scenarios. The access to experienced faculty, constructive feedback, and exposure to different perspectives across Europe significantly contributed to my professional growth and confidence.

“Were there any particular challenges you faced while balancing clinical duties with the study requirements, and how did you overcome them?”

Balancing full-time clinical work with exam preparation was certainly challenging. Time management was key: setting realistic study goals, maintaining a consistent routine, and making use of shorter study periods whenever possible. The support of family, friends, and colleagues during my residency was invaluable in overcoming these challenges. The fact that the assessments were periodic, with clearly defined objectives and established timelines, also allowed me to organize my time more effectively.

“How has earning the EDAIC influenced your clinical practice, professional confidence, or career opportunities so far?”

Earning the EDAIC reinforced my clinical confidence and validated my training at an international level, which I consider a valuable asset for my hospital and training department. It improved my clinical reasoning, particularly in complex and high-risk situations, and encouraged a more evidence-based approach to patient care. Professionally, I hope that in the future it will open doors to opportunities abroad, as well as increase my involvement in educational and international activities, strengthening my motivation for continuous professional development.

“What advice would you give to other clinicians considering the ESAIC pathway as a route to the EDAIC, especially regarding how to make the most of the experience?”

Absolutely, absolutely, absolutely. I truly encourage clinicians to immerse themselves in the pathway from the very beginning, seeing it not just as exam preparation but as a chance for long-term professional growth. It’s also a wonderful way to acquire essential knowledge for a modern, holistic clinical practice that focuses not only on procedures but also on the patient as a whole. Consistency, active participation in courses, and openness to feedback are key to personal and professional improvement. Often, we learn the most from our mistakes and the obstacles we encounter along the way. I believe we should approach the ESAIC pathway as a rich source of knowledge, and in the end, we emerge stronger, better equipped, and more confident in our ability to continually enhance our clinical practice.

Dr Carla Isabel Veloso Nogueira Ferreira Biography

Dr Carla Isabel Veloso Nogueira Ferreira is an Anaesthesiology Consultant currently working at Unidade Local de Saúde Póvoa de Varzim/Vila do Conde, Portugal. She graduated from the Integrated Master’s Degree in Medicine at the University of Minho in 2018 and completed her Anaesthesiology residency at Unidade Local de Saúde de Braga. She finished the final specialist examination with a score of 19.93/20.

She holds the European Diploma in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (EDAIC) and was awarded the Sir Peter Simpson Prize in 2024. During her residency, she developed broad clinical experience across the full spectrum of anaesthesiology, including perioperative medicine, obstetric anaesthesia, regional anaesthesia, advanced airway management, and critical care. She also undertook dedicated rotations in Intensive Care Medicine, including training in a Burns Intensive Care Unit and in an ECMO referral centre, further strengthening her expertise in the management of critically ill patients.

Her academic work includes peer-reviewed publications and multiple presentations at national and international scientific meetings. She is particularly motivated by continuous professional development, teamwork in high-acuity environments, and the delivery of safe, patient-centred perioperative care. Her main professional interests focus on perioperative medicine, advanced airway management, regional anaesthesia, and critical care.