Dr. Peter Merjavy, MBChB / MD (UK), serves as Vice-Chair for Part II of the ESRA European Diploma in Regional Anaesthesia (ESRA-DRA). A dedicated anesthesiologist and educator, he has been deeply involved in shaping the ESRA-DRA examination process, workshop accreditation, examiner training, and harmonizing standards across Europe. His leadership and tireless work have helped drive the recent UEMS-CESMA accreditation of the ESRA-DRA diploma. In 2025 he was honored (together with Nuala Lucas) with the Bruce Scott / Recognition in Education Award, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to regional anaesthesia education.
Outside of his ESRA roles, Dr. Merjavy continues to practice clinically (UK) and mentors trainees and exam candidates, with a passion for combining rigorous standards, educational innovation, and accessible excellence in regional anaesthesia.
Q1. You have long been involved with ESRA and the Diploma programme. What first drew you to contribute to regional anaesthesia education, and specifically to the ESRA-DRA?
My interest in regional anaesthesia began early in my career as a junior anaesthesiologist, back in the late 1990s. Under the guidance of my mentors, I first learned paraesthesia techniques, then progressed to nerve stimulation methods. Around the time I moved to the UK, I discovered the precision and elegance of ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia.
In 2006, while preparing for the ESA exam, I came across the newly established European Diploma in Regional Anaesthesia (EDRA). It was an easy decision for me to pursue it, as regional anaesthesia has always been — and continues to be — my greatest passion within anaesthetic practice.
Q2. Can you share a significant challenge or turning point you faced while helping to develop or structure the ESRA-DRA — and how you overcame it?
After successfully completing the ESRA Diploma in Regional Anaesthesia (EDRA) in 2008, I joined the team of examiners in 2015. At that time, the exam still focused primarily on landmark and nerve stimulation techniques. Over the past decade, in my roles as examiner, board member, and later Vice-Chair for Part II, I have been fortunate to contribute to several key developments — including the integration of ultrasound-guided techniques and the creation of online exams for Parts I and IIA.
During the COVID period, we introduced online assessments out of necessity, which turned out to be highly popular and well-received by candidates. Together with my fellow colleagues, Morne Wolmarans (Exam Chair) and Oya Yalcin Cok (Vice-Chair for Part I), we also established a new objective scoring system to enhance fairness and consistency across all evaluations.
In addition, we designed and implemented an accreditation process for ultrasound and cadaveric workshops required for the practical Part IIB of the ESRA-DRA exam. Most recently, we launched an electronic marking system for Parts IIA and IIB — a significant step toward greater transparency and objectivity throughout the entire examination process.
Q3. Which mentors, colleagues or influences shaped your approach to education and examination in regional anesthesia?
Perhaps I inherited my love for education from my mother, who was a primary school teacher. After relocating to the UK, it was Svetlana Galitzine who played a pivotal role in my journey as an educator. She involved me in teaching regional anaesthesia on the Oxford RA courses and, more importantly, helped me believe in myself. That experience was probably the most significant turning point in my teaching career.
During my wonderful years with ESRA, I have been fortunate to meet, work with, and learn from many great teachers and brilliant minds. I’ve also been blessed with mentors and true friends who have guided my growth as an educator. Beyond the ESRA-DRA group, which I mentioned earlier, one of the most influential figures has been Paul Kessler. He recognised my passion for cadaveric workshops and soon became a mentor, colleague, wise advisor and friend. Together, we transformed the way cadaveric workshops are delivered within ESRA — combining focused, applied anatomy teaching with modern ultrasound-guided techniques using soft-embalmed and fresh-frozen cadavers.
More recently, alongside my co-chair Kris Vermeylen, we successfully revitalised the ESRA Instructor Course. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to teach one of the most important skills in our profession — how to be a better educator.
None of these achievements would have been possible without the incredible support of the ESRA Office Team. Their professionalism, dedication, and teamwork — from the ESRA-DRA group (Kalliopi Platsi and Christine Gryparis) to Events (Vivien Penning Titze), Sponsors (Beatrice Tori), and Website (Jeremy Ryckenbush) — ensure that everything we do runs smoothly. I feel truly privileged to work alongside such an outstanding ESRA team.
I have to give special mention to my wife, Lubica, and my children — Hanka, Inka, Matej, and Michal. They’ve been my biggest supporters. Without their love, patience, and countless sacrifices, none of my professional achievements would have been possible. Everything I’ve accomplished, I truly owe to them.
Q4. How do you balance your clinical responsibilities with your educational and administrative commitments within ESRA?
I see my clinical, educational, and administrative activities not as competing interests but as complementary aspects of the same goal — improving patient care through better education and professional standards.
Balancing clinical responsibilities with educational and administrative commitments within ESRA requires good organisation, clear priorities, and, above all, genuine passion for what I do. For me, regional anaesthesia and education have never felt like “work” — they are my hobby and a source of personal fulfilment. When you truly enjoy what you do, finding time and energy for it becomes much easier.
Q5. Reflecting back, what do you consider your proudest moment or most meaningful impact in your ESRA / DRA work so far?
My proudest moments within ESRA-DRA are those when I see our students and successful diplomates, equipped with a wealth of knowledge and unique skills, embarking on their own journeys to become experts and leaders in regional anaesthesia. Watching them grow, contribute, and inspire others in turn fills me with a deep sense of pride and humility. It’s a truly special feeling — knowing that, perhaps in some small way, I was able to contribute to their success and professional growth.
To bring our readers closer to the person behind the professional achievements, we end with a few short and light-hearted questions. Think of them as quickfire answers, no overthinking allowed!
Q6. Coffee or tea — and how many cups power your exam days?
Mostly coffee — I love a small, strong black espresso. However, since moving to the UK, I’ve also developed a real affection for British black tea with just a drop of milk.
Q7. If you weren’t an anesthesiologist, what completely different career would you imagine for yourself?
My wife always says that, because of my personality, I was probably meant to be a surgeon. But my true dream — inspired by my long-standing passion for natural beauty, mountains, and wildlife — has always been to be part of a mountain rescue team.
Q8. Which was the last song you played on repeat — guilty pleasures allowed?
Mark Knopfler – Sailing to Philadelphia and Bruce Springsteen – The River
Q9. You’re stranded in an airport for 12 hours: book, Netflix, or people-watching?
If I were stranded at an airport for 12 hours, I’d probably see it as an adventure -order an Uber, head into the city, and make the most of the unexpected “bonus holiday.” Sitting around has never really been my style
Q10. What’s your secret talent (or quirky habit) your colleagues at ESRA probably don’t know about?
I love speed — that feeling of wind on your face and pure freedom. It doesn’t matter whether I’m flying down a mountain bike trail, skiing, or cruising in a convertible. It’s my little way of feeling alive.
Dr. Peter Merjavy
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