The journey to practising anaesthesia in the United Kingdom is one that demands clarity, strategy, and commitment. In this insightful Q&A session, Dr Dheeraj Masapu, Senior Consultant in Neuro-Anaesthesiology, speaks with Dr Danish Siddiqui, Consultant Anaesthesiologist at the University Hospital North Midlands (UK) and Director of Akamedics, to shed light on the complete roadmap—from postgraduate training to GMC registration and specialist recognition in the UK.

Why EDAIC Is the Gateway to the UK
Dr Siddiqui explains that the European Diploma in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (EDAIC) provides one of the most direct and reliable routes to GMC registration. Unlike other routes such as PLAB or the Medical Training Initiative (MTI), passing EDAIC Parts 1 & 2—along with an English proficiency test (IELTS or OET)—grants doctors the eligibility to apply for anaesthesia posts in the UK. While EDAIC doesn’t drastically affect employability in the Middle East, it adds international credibility to one’s profile and reflects solid academic preparation.

Eligibility and Preparation Strategy
Candidates who have completed postgraduate training (MD, DNB, FCPS, or equivalent) are eligible to sit for EDAIC Part 2, while Part 1 can be attempted earlier. Dr Siddiqui recommends beginning preparation soon after completing postgraduate studies—when theoretical knowledge is still fresh. For EDAIC Part 1, a 3- to 6-month preparation window is usually sufficient. Success lies in early exposure to MCQs, developing pattern recognition, and regularly practising recall. Candidates should use updated question banks and resources, ideally published within the last 5–7 years. A combination of books and online content—which gets updated more frequently—is most effective.

EDAIC Part 2 and the Importance of Practice
Part 2, the viva (oral) exam, is the real test of composure and applied knowledge. Even highly knowledgeable candidates can struggle with recall and structure under time pressure. Dr Siddiqui emphasizes that mock viva sessions and interactive discussions are vital for success.
Akamedics offers structured programs that include:
Recorded vivas and lectures
Observer viva sessions to watch others and practise recall
Live interactive mock vivas to simulate exam pressure
These training sessions help candidates sharpen recall speed, refine communication, and build exam-day confidence.

Moving Beyond EDAIC: Fellowship Pathways
After completing EDAIC, candidates can pursue advanced fellowships such as the Fellowship of the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland (FCAI) or the Fellowship of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FRCA).
While FCAI is open to international candidates and offers exemptions for EDAIC holders, FRCA typically requires work experience in the UK. Both fellowships significantly strengthen a candidate’s application for specialist registration and consultant positions.
Dr Siddiqui notes that fellowships carry higher academic and professional weight than diplomas and are invaluable for long-term career progression, particularly when applying for CESR (Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration) or CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training) routes.

Building the Right Roadmap
Dr Masapu and Dr Siddiqui outline a realistic roadmap:
Begin early exposure to EDAIC content during postgraduate training.
Attempt EDAIC Part 1 soon after completing your degree.
Prepare for EDAIC Part 2 using structured mock sessions and observer vivas.
Apply for GMC registration after clearing both parts and English exams.
Once in the UK, choose between the training route (leading to CCT) or the CESR route based on your career stage.
Pursue fellowship qualifications (FCAI / FRCA) for consultant-level recognition.
Dr Siddiqui reminds aspiring anaesthetists not to get overwhelmed by long-term goals like consultancy or specialist registration. Instead, he encourages focusing on one step at a time—“Finish your exams, get registered, and the rest will follow.”

Final Thoughts
This conversation offers a comprehensive roadmap for anaesthetists planning to practise in the UK or seeking international career growth. From exam strategy to specialist recognition, the insights shared highlight how structured preparation, mentorship, and consistent effort can transform aspirations into reality.