Training in anaesthetics is highly structured and competency based. During the first 2 years trainees gain a thorough grounding in anaesthesia and intensive care, acquiring the core basic competencies and the primary FRCA exam before progressing to the next stage of training.
During the next 2 years training follows a fixed curriculum encompassing experience in all the main sub-specialities such as paediatric anaesthesia, obstetric anaesthesia, neuroanaesthesia, cardiac anaesthesia, intensive care and chronic pain. During these 2 years trainees pass their final FRCA exam.
The final 3 years are more flexible allowing trainees to develop special interests, become involved in research or spend time abroad.
