Introduction of the Hybrid Examination – A Collaborative Initiative Between ICM and CCM Boards
Following extensive discussions between the Board of Intensive Care Medicine (BOIC) and the Critical Care Medicine Board (CCM), we are pleased to announce a landmark step toward a unified Final Examination. As an interim measure, we will introduce the Hybrid Examination starting in October 2026, consisting of the shared components while retaining College-specific assessments.
Key Features of the Hybrid Examination
- Shared Components (Conducted Jointly by ICM CCM & CCM ICM Boards, attended by both CCM and ICM trainees, and held twice annually)
- OSCE:
- Majority of the stations will be conducted with CCM’s interim exam
- Remaining stations will be examined alongside with CCM trainees sitting for their exit exam.
- Clinical VIVA: will be conducted with the CCM exit exam
- College-Specific Components
- ICM Board: Retains the written exam (annually) and Hot Case examination (twice a year)
- CCM Board: CCM trainee has to attend the Clinical viva and dissertation viva specific for CCM interim and exit exam.
Examination Schedule & Attempts
- Written Exam (ICM): Held once yearly. From 2026 onwards, the written examination will consist of 2 papers of short answer questions (SAQ). Each paper will contain 15 SAQs and will last 150min. There will be no long question paper.
- Clinical Exams (Hot Case, VIVA, OSCE): Conducted twice yearly in collaboration with CCM.
- Those candidates who obtain satisfactory marks at the written paper are qualified to proceed to the clinical exam. If they fail their first attempt at the clinical exam, they can still sit for the second clinical exam.
- If they fail the second attempt at the clinical exam, they will need to sit for the written paper again.
Benefits for Trainees
- Increased flexibility: Twice a year clinical exam can facilitate trainee to complete the Examination requirement within the two years of Higher ICM training.
- Moving towards a valid & reliable assessment: To ensure the consistency and rigor of assessment after introduction of the Competency-Based training curriculum in Jun 2021.
This initiative marks a significant partnership between the ICM and CCM Boards, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in critical care training. Further details will be shared in due course.
ASM 2025 – Connecting
Mark your calendars! The Annual Scientific Meeting in Anaesthesiology 2025 will be held on 22–23 November 2025 at the Hopewell Hotel, Wan Chai.
This year’s theme, “Connecting”, highlights the evolving role of anaesthesiologists in bridging science, technology, and clinical care. The programme will feature exciting developments in artificial intelligence, multi-disciplinary perioperative management, and the future of smart healthcare.
Participants can also sharpen their skills through hands-on workshops in ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia, POCUS, CPEX, and airway management — fundamental tools for every anaesthesiologist.
We look forward to reconnecting with colleagues and sharing ideas that shape the future of our speciality.
Future Leaders in Anaesthesia Conference 2025
Time is running out to join the Hong Kong College of Anaesthesiologists’ Future Leaders in Anaesthesia Conference (FLAC) 2025! This premier event on 24 November 2025 at Beas River Country Club brings together emerging anaesthesia talent from Hong Kong, ANZCA, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Why Attend?
✓ Learn from global leaders
✓ Develop essential leadership skills
✓ Network with peers and mentors
Eligibility:
- Open to all HKCA Fellows (within 5 years of fellowship) and Provisional Fellows (PFY status at time of registration).
- Good news: the deadline has been extended to 4 July 2025! Limited spots remain – don’t miss this chance to empower your career.
Registration and Enquiry:
- Please submit an application by filling in the Google form: link
- Should you have any further queries, please send an email to FLAC 2025 Convenors at 2025FLAC@gmail.com.
2025 ANZCA ASM and ELC
Each year, ANZCA invites the College to nominate a Fellow within five years of attaining fellowship to attend the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) Emerging Leaders Conference (ELC). The ELC is a three-day event designed to cultivate leadership potential among new Fellows identified as future leaders within the profession and the College. Since 2023, the application process has shifted from “nomination by COS” to an “individual application” format. Eligibility and selection criteria are outlined by ANZCA. We are pleased to share that Dr Katherine Liu has been selected to attend the 2025 ELC, alongside the College President, Dr Hing-yu So.
Dr Hing-yu So and Ms Kristy Cheung, CEO of HKCA, attended the ANZCA President’s Dinner and College Ceremony—key international events regularly attended by the HKCA President and CEO to foster closer ties between the two Colleges and build networks with other overseas colleges and societies.
A regular business meeting with ANZCA was also held, during which various avenues for collaboration at the College level were explored.
This year, two HKCA fellows, who are Dr Adrian Leung and Dr Wincy Li, were presented ANZCA Fellowship, and four HKCA Fellows, who are Dr Michelle Cheung, Dr Annie Chu, Dr YC Lau and Dr Aaron Lee, were presented FPM at Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists College Ceremony in Cairns.
A huge congratulations to Dr Henry Wong for receiving 2025 FPM Best Paper Award at Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists ASM 2025. The title of his paper is Intravenous Methadone for Pain Management in Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial with Plasma Concentration Analysis.
An outstanding achievement and well-deserved recognition for his hard work and dedication.
Congratulations to all on this well-earned achievement!
Workplace-based Assessments Train-the-Trainer Workshop
A Workplace-based Assessments (WBAs) Train-the-Trainer (TTT) Workshop was held on 21 June 2025, at the newly established Jockey Club Institute for Medical Education and Development (JCIMED). Sixteen participants comprising year 2 higher trainees, provisional fellows, and fellow joined the workshop, bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm to the WBA training team at our College. Special thanks to Dr. Desmond Lam for his dedication in guiding the workshop—his expertise and enthusiasm truly elevated the learning experience for everyone involved.
Curriculum Review Retreat
We extend our sincere appreciation to the 36 committed participants who joined the Curriculum Review Retreat on 22 June 2025 and contributed their insights and expertise toward shaping the future of our curriculum. Special thanks to Dr Albert Chan for his leadership in coordinating the event, Dr HY So for providing valuable perspectives, and Dr Henry Wong for conducting the WBA survey, which offered important input for curriculum development.
We are also grateful to Mr Richard Newsham-West, Head of Curriculum and Assessment at the ANZCA, for joining virtually and sharing ANZCA’s experiences and recommendations.
Dr HY So’s Final Council Meeting as President
At the June 2025 Council Meeting, Dr HY So presided for the final time as President of the College. With his term concluding at the upcoming Annual General Meeting in August 2025, this meeting marked a significant milestone in his distinguished tenure.
Since assuming the presidency in August 2021, Dr So has exemplified steady leadership, vision, and integrity. Under his guidance, the College navigated challenges and seized new opportunities with resilience and purpose. Council members expressed their heartfelt gratitude for Dr So’s unwavering dedication and steady wisdom. While his presidency nears its close, his impact on the College will resonate for years to come.
Introduction of the Hybrid Examination – A Collaborative Initiative Between ICM and CCM Boards
Following extensive discussions between the Board of Intensive Care Medicine (BOIC) and the Critical Care Medicine Board (CCM), we are pleased to announce a landmark step toward a unified Final Examination. As an interim measure, we will introduce the Hybrid Examination starting in October 2026, consisting of the shared components while retaining College-specific assessments.
