[The Austrian specialist examination for anaesthesiology and intensive care medicine. Basic structure and experiences].

In parallel with Austria's entry into the European Union, the examination system for both general practitioners and specialists at the end of their training was changed from voluntary to mandatory. Subsequent changes in laws and directives in Austria constituted the basis for the development of specific examination guidelines for each medical sub-specialty. For "Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine" the decision was made for a structured oral examination after successful completion of the part 1 examination of the European Diploma of Anaesthesiology. Because of transitional regulations the actual number of candidates for the oral examination currently lies way below the expected number of 80-100. The decision to demand positive performance in the part 1 examination for the European Diploma of Anaesthesiology has, however, already proven that this type of combined examination system is of a high standard and will produce properly qualified specialists in anaesthesiology.