What is the path to successful professionals: Training in anesthesiology, resuscitation and intensive care in Serbia and Europe: Dedicated to Nenad Maksimović, MD, anesthesiologist, professional who died of COVID 19

Abstract

Anesthesiology as a specialty is developing in the direction of perioperative medicine. The traditional role of an anesthesiologist that includes preoperative assessment, management of vital functions, delivery of anesthesia and securing amnesia during the operative procedure, has expanded to other areas of patient management that goes beyond the operating theater. There is a large variability in the existing infrastructure, technical and technological capabilities, number of medical personnel, teachers, mentors and educational opportunities between countries, cities and even hospitals. European standards for the specialization of anesthesiology, pain therapy and intensive care define a basic structure of the training program, which can be adapted in different countries according to their educational systems. Recommendations are based on modern pedagogical concepts of outcome or competency-based education. In Serbia, existing law and rule book on specialties and subspecialties of health workers and health associates define the training in anesthesiology, resuscitation and intensive care. The structure of our program is still not harmonized with European standards. As a society, we need to define competences of specialists in anesthesiology and intensive care we want to teach. We should direct our educational programs towards that goal, which should be transparent, fair, reliable and recognizable outside the borders of our country.