EDAIC - a guide for overseas anaesthetists

  • November 21, 2022
 

In this article we look in more detail at an alternative route for overseas Anaesthetists looking to work in the UK – the European Diploma of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (EDAIC).

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the EDAIC examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:

What is EDAIC?

EDAIC is a multilingual, end-of-training, two-part examination covering the relevant basic sciences and clinical subjects appropriate for a specialist in anaesthesiology. 

Doctors with full EDAIC will simply require a pass in IELTS or OET for full GMC registration with a license to practice in the UK.

The questions are set against the Syllabus for Anaesthetic and Intensive Care training, set by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS).

The exams aim to assess your knowledge of the following:

  • Basic sciences relevant to anaesthesiology & intensive care
  • Clinical Anaesthesiology inc. obstetrics, anaesthesia & analgesia
  • Resuscitation & emergency medicine 
  • Intensive care 
  • Management of chronic pain

To find out what grade a successful completion of full EDAIC will allow you to work as in the UK contact your IMG consultant for more information. 


Content and structure of EDAIC:

EDAIC comprises two mandatory components: 

  • Part 1 – two multiple choice question papers
  • Part 2 – oral examination

In addition, there are two optional components:

  • On-line Assessment (OLA) – computer based online test
  • In-training Assessment (ITA) – multiple choice question paper

Part 1 Examination:

Pat 1 of EDAIC consists of two multiple-choice papers, each with sixty questions. Each paper is two hours in duration.

Paper A concentrates on the basic sciences of Anaesthesia.

Paper B concentrates on internal and emergency medicine, general, regional & special anaesthesia including pain and intensive care medicine.

Part 2 Examination:

Part 2 is held over one day and consists of four 25-minute oral examinations that each embrace the same range of basic sciences and clinical subjects covered in Part 1.

The oral examinations consist of ‘Guided Questions’ -where candidates are given a brief written presentation 10 minutes before meeting the examiners. 

Two of the examinations will concentrate on basic sciences whilst the other two on clinical topics. 

X-rays, CT Scans, MRI and Ultrasound images are also used during the oral examinations.

Am I eligible?

Eligibility for EDAIC Part 1 simply requires a medical degree. 

Eligibility for Part 2 requires: 

  • a pass in EDAIC Part 1

AND

  • certification in anaesthesia in any country 

OR

Please note the following exceptions:

  • If you graduated as a specialist in Pakistan, you must have the FCPS or equivalent to be eligible for EDAIC Part 2.  

Diplomas in anaesthesiology issued in Pakistan and with a curriculum of a shorter duration than FCPS (such as MCPS) can be accepted for EDAIC Part 1, not Part 2.

Holders of FCPS (or equivalent) are not exempt from EDAIC Part 1.

  • Holders of the FRCA or FCAI / FCARCSI are exempt from Part 1 examination. 

Dates, Fees and Venues for the EDAIC examinations:

Examination

Fees

Exam Dates & Venues

EDAIC Part 1

€340 (inc. 1-year ESA membership)

*Part 1 reduced fee €150 (inc. 1-year ESA membership)

EDAIC Part 1 – full list of dates, venues can be found here

EDAIC Part 2

€550 first attempt

€340 following attempts

(€650 for Part 2 Brazil – Sao Paulo)

EDAIC Part 1 – full list of dates, venues can be found here

On-line Assessment

€50

EDAIC OLA – full list of dates, venues can be found here

In-training Assessment

€100

EDAIC ITA – full list of dates, venues can be found here

Authentication of EDAIC by external institution

€50

n/a

Total (at first attempt)

€1090

€900 reduced fee*

 

Part 1 registration fee will include a free 1-year ESA membership which starts on 1st January of the year following registration for Part 1 Exam. 

Please note, those applying for Part 1 examination in a country where the exam is mandatory or has official recognition (Argentina, Austria, Egypt, Finland, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Switzerland, Netherlands and Turkey) AND who are registered on the national medical register of said country, are entitled to a reduced Part 1 fee. 

This also includes 1-year free ESA membership.

How should I prepare for the examinations and what resources are available?

We have discussed this at length with IMGs who have recently passed the exam. With so much material available for free on the European Society of Anaesthesiology website we suggest the following as a great foundation for your preparations. 

ESA offers several supporting tools to help candidates prepare for the European Diploma in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (EDAIC) Part I and Part II Examinations, including:

Syllabus 

EDAIC aims at covering the Syllabus to Postgraduate Training Programme of the European Board of Anaesthesiology. 

We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a road map for your study plan. 

Diploma Guide

The EDAIC diploma guide includes information on regulations, structure and various sample examination papers and example report forms. 

The Basic Sciences Anaesthetic Course (BSAC): 

This is a 3-day course, aimed at improving your understanding of different areas of basic science. Register here. 

ESA E-Learning Platform: 

This includes helpful E-Learning modules to help you prepare for examinations, go to the ESA Academy to start your learning. 

EDAIC Webinars: 

The ESA have created a series of webinars to support your learning, these can be accessed on the eLearning platform

On-line Assessment (OLA) and In-training Assessment (ITA): 

You can use these helpful tools (On-Line Assessment (OLA) and In-Training Assessment (ITA)) to test your knowledge and identify which subjects require further study. 

Sample questions: 

The ESA have created sample questions in different languages to help you prepare for all sections of the EDAIC exams: 

Part 1

Part 2

Please note, the links above provide these sample questions in English. All other languages can be found here.

Part 2 explainer video: 

This is a useful sample exam video, helping you understand what to expect on the day so you can focus on the task at hand. 

The ESA have also produced a guide to preparing for your exam and a recommended reading list to support the curriculum. 

Passed? What next?

First of all, congratulations! Once you have passed both parts of your EDAIC examination you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK. 


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Get in Touch

Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.

            

 

Relevant Jobs

£50,373 - £91,584

An opportunity for a SAS grade Anaesthetists to work for an established NHS Trust that prides itself on delivering high quality care and services. . 
This is a great opportunity for overseas Anaesthesia specialists who want to establish themselves in the NHS, and grow their consultant career. The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced anaesthetists IMGs looking to complete CESR.

WHAT IS THE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST LIKE? 
The Trust is one of the largest teaching hospital trusts in England, serving a regional, national and international population. In April 2018 the trust now has a turnover of £1.6bn, over 2,700 beds and employs more than 20,000 members of staff. It also provides the city wide vascular service including a vascular emergency service and endovascular service. A dedicated elective paediatric surgical unit for patients over the age of 1 has been set up and offers trauma, ophthalmic, ENT and general surgery.

The trust consist of 4 hospitals covering all sub-specialisms along with excellent support in their CESR pathways to develop their professional careers. 

WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE? 
The anaesthetic department also provides a consultant led acute pain service, a pre- operative assessment service as well as support for anaesthetics in remote areas such as endoscopy and radiology. The pioneering techniques in surgery and pain control that have been developed whilst treating military patients are used for civilian surgery in the UK and elsewhere, and are progressed through the Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre (SRMRC).
With almost 200 Consultants based over the four main hospital sites, the trust currently provide anaesthetic and ICU cover in excess of 400 sessions/week across both the Trust and those hospitals with which we have service level agreements.

WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN THIS AREA?
Fancied by most IMG\'s, the area has an internal airport connected to all major cities in the UK along with excellent road and train routes around the country. With low cost of living compared to all the other cities, the area has vibrant independent restaurants, shops and bars throughout the centre and popular districts. 
New bars and shops open frequently as the city continues to build its youthful and unique identity. There is so much diversity and history within the area that the shops, food and venues reflect this. Old icons such as the Custard Factory host alternative shops and bars, just a short walk from the city center. 

There\'s excellent schooling covering off both private and public schooling around the area with people from different cultures and backgrounds in the area. 

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU?

The Trust have wellbeing groups that organise regular ‘coffee & gas’ meetings, support the trainee buddy system and raises awareness of mental health issues and support systems. They also produce a monthly newsletter featuring department news and colleague profiles and is soon to launch in-house mentoring. The Trust is committed to the development and maintenance of the highest clinical standards through individual appraisal. This will include the audit of personal and clinical practice, as well as involvement in departmental and specialty reviews. It will also involve attention to continuing professional development, in order to meet the requirements for continuing medical education as expected by the relevant Royal College.
The successful applicant would be expected to have an active interest in the areas of both teaching and research. Our junior anaesthetic training has recently been adapted to reflect the new RCOA Anaesthesia curriculum. Due to the number of specialties covered at the Trust, they are able to deliver the vast majority of the curriculum across our four sites except advanced paediatric case. 

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?

EEA Candidates:

  • Experience of working in Anaesthetics
  • Relevant European Qualification (recognised by GMC)
Non-EEA Candidates:
  • FRCA Primary, EDAIC, or equivalent
  • Experience of working in Anaesthetics
UK based applicants
  • Experience of working in Anaesthetics
  • Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
This is a great opportunity for any experienced physicians interested in Anaesthesia working CESR or specialist registration in the UK.
£100,381

An outstanding opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic Consultant in Anaesthetics with an interest in Intensive Care to join a very dynamic department that is supportive of opportunities for their team. The Anaesthetic Deparment offers an active training and research programmes, a strong link across Wales through various clinical networks allowing effective development of areas of subspecialty, managerial and academic interest. The Anaesthethic Department is a team of doctors that are enthusiastic and always aims to deliver high quality Critical Care to the population of Carmarthenshire.

This is a great opportunity for overseas Consultants who want to establish themselves in the NHS, and grow their consultant career. The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced IMGs looking to complete CESR.

WHAT IS THE HEALTH BOARD LIKE? 

The Health Board provides healthcare services to a total population of around 372,320 throughout several areas. It provides Acute, Primary, Community, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities services via General and Community Hospitals, Health Centres, GP\'s, Dentists, Pharmacists and Optometrists and other sites. It also provides a range of services for people living in nearby areas. Integrated health boards are a key first step in creating a world class NHS in Wales.

The Health Board have always aimed to provide safe and timely care for their patients. The Health Board continuously make improvements in order to be better. The Health Board partners with the local government and the third sector to improve local care services and ensure that the right care is provided in the right place, at the right time.

The Health Board shape the identity of their organisation and act as a guiding light for their employees. They aim to be an enjoyable and fulfilling place to work at.

WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE? 

The Department runs the Critical Care Unit and accepts admissions from all the other associated acute specialties in consultation with the on-duty Critical Care Consultant. The team is responsible for the pre-operative assessment unit and provides cover for ECT and X-ray lists, as well as running the acute and chronic pain services. The Department constitute a pivotal component of the trauma team and provide resuscitation services in emergency situations throughout the hospital. It has been the ethos of the department to be progressive and to provide state of the art anaesthetic and ICU services for our patients.

The Department has the highest quality anaesthetics machines, ventilators and monitors available, including Cardiac Output monitoring in all areas. They have a variety of ultrasound machines, with significant interest in regional anaesthesia within the department. There are new blood gas analysers in theatre and ICU as well as a ROTEM machine. They are provide a comprehensive vascular access service and support the efficient delivery of both elective and emergency anaesthesia as well as significantly enhancing the ability to provide high quality training.

The post holder will be expected to undertake their programmed activities split between Intensive Care and Anaesthetics sessions. The post holder will be expected to conduct clinical practice in accordance with contractual requirements within the parameters of the Division’s and Health Board’s agreed objectives. 


WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN THE REGION?

The Health Board is in an area wherein there are excellent choice of schools and very reasonable property prices while having a picturesque countryside view. The area is home to the Brecon Beacons, National Botanic Gardens of Wales and some of the longest and most beautiful beaches. West Wales provides wonderful lifestyle opportunities.

There are other activities such as climbing and mountain biking, as well as walking, surfing, fishing, sailing and hiking. There are also excellent road and rail connections to London and the larger cities. Wales has a low crime rate and is a safe and friendly place to live and work.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU?

The Health Board has University status with strong links to other Universities to develop and strengthen multi-profession teaching. This initiative programme aims to engage and capture the enthusiasm and commitment of their up and coming clinicians in Wales in addressing Prudent Health Cares. 

They have an 8-room Clinical Research Facility in PPH, with state of the art facilities that opened in 2012 and new initiatives involve BioBanking, EU Lead for telemonitoring at scale and new Clinical Research Fellowships.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?

EEA Candidates:

  • Experience of working in General Internal Medicine / Care of the Elderly
  • Board Certified Specialist in General Internal Medicine / Care of the Elderly

Non-EEA Candidates:

  • Experience of working in General Internal Medicine / Care of the Elderly

UK based applicants

  • Experience of working in General Internal Medicine / Care of the Elderly
  • Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
88,364 - 119,113

An opportunity for a Consultant Anaesthetists to work for an established NHS Trust that prides itself on delivering high quality care and services. . 
This is a great opportunity for overseas Anaesthesia specialists who want to establish themselves in the NHS, and grow their consultant career. The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced anaesthetists IMGs looking to complete CESR.

WHAT IS THE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST LIKE? 

The Trust is one of the largest teaching hospital trusts in England, serving a regional, national and international population. In April 2018 the trust now has a turnover of £1.6bn, over 2,700 beds and employs more than 20,000 members of staff. It also provides the city wide vascular service including a vascular emergency service and endovascular service. A dedicated elective paediatric surgical unit for patients over the age of 1 has been set up and offers trauma, ophthalmic, ENT and general surgery.

The trust consist of 4 hospitals covering all sub-specialisms along with excellent support in their CESR pathways to develop their professional careers. 

WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE? 

The anaesthetic department also provides a consultant led acute pain service, a pre- operative assessment service as well as support for anaesthetics in remote areas such as endoscopy and radiology. The pioneering techniques in surgery and pain control that have been developed whilst treating military patients are used for civilian surgery in the UK and elsewhere, and are progressed through the Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre (SRMRC).
With almost 200 Consultants based over the four main hospital sites, the trust currently provide anaesthetic and ICU cover in excess of 400 sessions/week across both the Trust and those hospitals with which we have service level agreements.

WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN THIS AREA?

Fancied by most IMG\'s, the area has an internal airport connected to all major cities in the UK along with excellent road and train routes around the country. With low cost of living compared to all the other cities, the area has vibrant independent restaurants, shops and bars throughout the centre and popular districts. 
New bars and shops open frequently as the city continues to build its youthful and unique identity. There is so much diversity and history within the area that the shops, food and venues reflect this. Old icons such as the Custard Factory host alternative shops and bars, just a short walk from the city center. 

There\'s excellent schooling covering off both private and public schooling around the area with people from different cultures and backgrounds in the area. 

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU?

The Trust have wellbeing groups that organise regular ‘coffee & gas’ meetings, support the trainee buddy system and raises awareness of mental health issues and support systems. They also produce a monthly newsletter featuring department news and colleague profiles and is soon to launch in-house mentoring. The Trust is committed to the development and maintenance of the highest clinical standards through individual appraisal. This will include the audit of personal and clinical practice, as well as involvement in departmental and specialty reviews. It will also involve attention to continuing professional development, in order to meet the requirements for continuing medical education as expected by the relevant Royal College.
The successful applicant would be expected to have an active interest in the areas of both teaching and research. Our junior anaesthetic training has recently been adapted to reflect the new RCOA Anaesthesia curriculum. Due to the number of specialties covered at the Trust, they are able to deliver the vast majority of the curriculum across our four sites except advanced paediatric case. 

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?

EEA Candidates:

  • Experience of working in Anaesthetics
  • European Specialist Qualification in Anaesthetics

Non-EEA Candidates:

  • FRCA Primary or Equivalent 
  • Experience of working in Anaesthetics

UK based applicants

  • Experience of working in Anaesthetics
  • Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
This is a great opportunity for any experienced physicians interested in Anaesthesia working CESR or specialist registration in the UK.
51,000 - 58,000

An opportunity for a SAS grade Anaesthetists to work for an established NHS Trust that prides itself on delivering high quality care and services.

This is a great opportunity for overseas Anaesthesia specialists who want to establish themselves in the NHS, and grow their consultant career. The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced anaesthetists IMGs looking to complete CESR.

WHAT IS THE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST LIKE? 

The Trust is one of the largest teaching hospital trusts in England, serving a regional, national and international population. In April 2018 the trust now has a turnover of £1.6bn, over 2,700 beds and employs more than 20,000 members of staff. It also provides the city wide vascular service including a vascular emergency service and endovascular service. A dedicated elective paediatric surgical unit for patients over the age of 1 has been set up and offers trauma, ophthalmic, ENT and general surgery.

The trust consist of 4 hospitals covering all sub-specialisms along with excellent support in their CESR pathways to develop their professional careers. 

WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE? 

The anaesthetic department also provides a consultant led acute pain service, a pre- operative assessment service as well as support for anaesthetics in remote areas such as endoscopy and radiology. The pioneering techniques in surgery and pain control that have been developed whilst treating military patients are used for civilian surgery in the UK and elsewhere, and are progressed through the Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre (SRMRC).
With almost 200 Consultants based over the four main hospital sites, the trust currently provide anaesthetic and ICU cover in excess of 400 sessions/week across both the Trust and those hospitals with which we have service level agreements.

WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN THIS AREA?

Fancied by most IMG\'s, the area has an internal airport connected to all major cities in the UK along with excellent road and train routes around the country. With low cost of living compared to all the other cities, the area has vibrant independent restaurants, shops and bars throughout the centre and popular districts. 
New bars and shops open frequently as the city continues to build its youthful and unique identity. There is so much diversity and history within the area that the shops, food and venues reflect this. Old icons such as the Custard Factory host alternative shops and bars, just a short walk from the city center. 

There\'s excellent schooling covering off both private and public schooling around the area with people from different cultures and backgrounds in the area. 

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU?

The Trust have wellbeing groups that organise regular ‘coffee & gas’ meetings, support the trainee buddy system and raises awareness of mental health issues and support systems. They also produce a monthly newsletter featuring department news and colleague profiles and is soon to launch in-house mentoring. The Trust is committed to the development and maintenance of the highest clinical standards through individual appraisal. This will include the audit of personal and clinical practice, as well as involvement in departmental and specialty reviews. It will also involve attention to continuing professional development, in order to meet the requirements for continuing medical education as expected by the relevant Royal College.
The successful applicant would be expected to have an active interest in the areas of both teaching and research. Our junior anaesthetic training has recently been adapted to reflect the new RCOA Anaesthesia curriculum. Due to the number of specialties covered at the Trust, they are able to deliver the vast majority of the curriculum across our four sites except advanced paediatric case. 

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?

EEA Candidates:

  • Experience of working in Anaesthetics
  • Relevant European Qualification (recognised by GMC)
Non-EEA Candidates:
  • FRCA Primary, EDAIC, or equivalent
  • Experience of working in Anaesthetics
UK based applicants
  • Experience of working in Anaesthetics
  • Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
This is a great opportunity for any experienced physicians interested in Anaesthesia working CESR or specialist registration in the UK.

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