Anesthesia Education in Belgium: Pathways, Processes, and Perspectives

Authors

  • Quinten Tavernier Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University Hospital Brussel https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0524-6322
  • Annelies Scholliers Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University Hospital Brussel https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6935-7433
  • Domien Vanhonacker Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University Hospital Brussel
  • Bas Bruneel Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Ghent University Hospital https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5127-7802

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25751/rspa.36247

Keywords:

anesthesia training, anesthesia residency, anesthesia education in Belgium

Abstract

Anaesthesia education in Belgium is a well-structured and evolving system that emphasizes practical training and patient safety. Medical training begins with a three-year Bachelor of Medicine program, followed by a three-year Master of Medicine program. After obtaining a Master of Medicine, graduates can pursue further postgraduate training to achieve specialisation in specific fields. To become an anaesthesiologist, one must obtain an advanced Master of Medicine in Specialist Medicine - Anaesthesia and Resuscitation while simultaneously completing five years of residency training. 

This article provides an in-depth overview of the anaesthesia education pathway in Belgium, highlighting the unique features of the system and its effectiveness in preparing practitioners for the field. The selection procedure and training process are detailed, emphasizing elements that are integral to the Belgian system. The article also discusses the challenges faced by the system, including the rapid advancement of medical knowledge and technology and the shift towards competency-based medical education and simulation training.

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Author Biography

Quinten Tavernier, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University Hospital Brussel

Dr. Tavernier is an anesthesiology resident affiliated with the Department of Anaesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of the University Hospital Brussel. 

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Published

2024-07-15

How to Cite

Tavernier, Q., Scholliers, A., Vanhonacker, D., & Bruneel, B. (2024). Anesthesia Education in Belgium: Pathways, Processes, and Perspectives. Journal of the Portuguese Society of Anesthesiology, 33(2). https://doi.org/10.25751/rspa.36247