If one word could capture the vibe of the 42nd Annual ESRA Congress in Oslo, it would be buzzing. This year, more than 2,000 participants came together for a scientific feast — with groundbreaking keynote lectures, expert opinion discussion, and hands-on workshops. But within that vibrant mix, one corner stood out: the Trainees’ Corner.
Over 400 residents and trainees joined the congress, and they weren’t just there to listen. They were at the heart of the action, creating their own space, their own vibe, and their own opportunities to learn, laugh, and connect.
A Corner That Wasn’t Just a Corner
Forget quiet study rooms or dry poster halls — the Trainees’ Corner was the place to be. It was buzzing with conversations, packed with people, and full of the kind of energy that only comes when you put hundreds of young professionals together with shared passion and maybe a little competitive spirit!
Networking happened naturally — over games, challenges, and scanning sessions! The best spot for making new friends and creating future collaborators.
Scanning tips, you won’t find in a textbook
One of the highlights was undoubtedly the Ultrasound Scanning Sessions. Under the expert guidance of Prof. Amit Pawa, Dr. Rosie Hogg, and Dr. Steve Coppens, trainees lined up to sharpen their regional anesthesia skills. These weren’t just demos — they were interactive, hands-on, and filled with tips you won’t find in a textbook.
The enthusiasm was palpable. Laughter mixed with concentration, and the hum of conversation was punctuated by those satisfying “aha!” moments. For many, it was their first chance to learn directly from some of the most respected names in the field — a memory to take home and a skill to keep building.
Science Meets Competition: RAPM Olympiad
The RAPM Olympiad brought together sharp minds and quick reflexes as teams battled it out through the preliminary rounds, fighting for a spot in the grand finale at the Trainees’ Reception.
The atmosphere was electric — a mix of quiz-show intensity and trainee camaraderie. The winners didn’t just get bragging rights; they earned tickets to the Residents and Trainees Workshop, and of course, the loudest cheers from the crowd.
Escape the Routine
After the global hit of the Escape Game during the 2nd World Day of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, the revised version of Oslo Congress was another runaway success! Imagine solving puzzles, cracking codes, and racing against time — but with an anesthesiology twist. A CEO of a major pharmaceutical company, sabotaged by a rogue researcher, a next-generation local anaesthetic and a lifesaving block! 30 minutes on the clock to save the world! Trainees teamed up, brains whirring, adrenaline pumping, and laughter echoing across the room. It wasn’t just fun; it was a brilliant exercise in teamwork, communication, and thinking under pressure.
Double prize: Lisbon Congress Registration and a “Block It Like It’s Hot” podcast
Adding a twist to the free ticket for the upcoming ESRA Congress in Lisbon, the Escape Game was supported by GE and even featured a “Block It Like It’s Hot” podcast interview. It was a perfect example of how ESRA trainees are blending traditional science with contemporary platforms — making anesthesia education not only informative but also accessible, engaging, and shareable.
SimWars: The Ultimate Test
For those who like their challenges a little more hands-on, the SimWars competition provided the perfect arena. Teams faced simulated scenarios that tested not only their knowledge but also their ability to think on their feet and perform under stress. It was fast, it was fierce, and it was unforgettable.
Drawing Blocks, Playing Science
And then there was the lighter side: RA Taboo and Pictionary. Picture this: a trainee trying desperately to draw a nerve block while their teammates shout increasingly creative guesses. Or someone acting out regional anesthesia terms with the passion of a Broadway star.
The games were hilarious, but also surprisingly educational. What better way to cement your knowledge of anatomy and blocks than by sketching them out under pressure? Proof that learning doesn’t always have to be serious!
More Than Just Events
What tied it all together wasn’t just the activities themselves, but the sense of community. The Trainees’ Corner was a space where hierarchies melted away. First-year residents stood shoulder-to-shoulder with senior trainees, all learning, laughing, and cheering each other on.
A place where science met friendship, and where the future of anesthesiology looked not only skilled but also united, collaborative, and full of energy.
Looking Ahead
The 42nd Annual ESRA Congress proved that trainees aren’t just the future — they’re already shaping the present. By organizing, leading, and owning their corner of the congress, they showed what’s possible when young professionals are given the platform to shine.
“Who said science can’t be fun?”
🏆 Trainees Individual Quiz – Top 3 winners Prize: 2026 ESRA Trainees Membership – Hamish Louis – Hywel Rawlins – Mohamad Kedan
🏆 RAPM Olympiad – 1st winning team (3 trainees) Prize: Complimentary registration for the 8th Residents and Trainees Workshop, Porto 2026 – Beatriz Soares – Francisco Pereira – João Moniz
🏆 Escape Game – 1st winning team (max 5 members) Prize: Complimentary registration for the Lisbon Congress 2026 & Interview arranged by GE – “Block it like it is hot” Podcast – Claudia Izgiurlo – Andrea Calderon – Veronica Diaz – Francisco Anez
🏆 RA Taboo and Pictionary Competition (3 trainees) Prize: Ticket to the Networking Event during the Lisbon Congress 2026 – Abdulhafez Swilam – Ranil Razak – Maya Omran
🏆 Ultrasound Guidance ESRA Booklets Giveaway Prize: Booklets awarded to 2 lucky registered trainees – No. 81 – Zhia Hao Chua – No. 332 – Nazeefa Tasneem Zaman
🏆 SimWars – 1st winning team Prize: Ticket to the Networking Event during the Oslo Congress 2025 – Divya Mahajan – Giulia Paris – Cornel Vermaak – Hasan Guzu – Santhosh Arulprakasam
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