Intensive care medicine: Finding its way in the "european labyrinth"

Introduction: The European Union (EU) has created recent directives to facilitate the free movement of medical specialists in its member states. Methods: Analysis of two recent surveys performed in European countries. Results: Intensive Care Medicine training and accreditation have changed quickly over time. There is no harmonisation among European countries. Young specialists might face several difficulties in the future. Discussion: Nations providing a national examination for intensive care medicine and a national register for specialists in intensive care medicine facilitate the free movement of specialists, regardless of European regulations and directives. Conclusion: Intensive care medicine is currently not a mother speciality. A long process needs to occur before complete harmonization of training and accreditation and free movement of specialists in Europe will happen. © 2011 Copyright jointly held by Springer and ESICM.