TY - JOUR T1 - Paediatric HERMES exam: a recognised certificate of competence JF - Breathe JO - breathe SP - 11 LP - 13 DO - 10.1183/20734735.500112 VL - 9 IS - 1 A2 - , Y1 - 2012/09/01 UR - http://breathe.ersjournals.com/content/9/1/11.abstract N2 - Dr Robert Dinwiddie, former Chair of the cystic fibrosis group in the ERS Paediatric Assembly, and previously a consultant in a tertiary level paediatric respiratory unit in London (UK) talks about the benefits of the HERMES European examination in paediatric respiratory medicine and the incentives for candidates to register. Dr Dinwiddie, who has 20 years experience in preparing, standard setting and quality controlling professional examinations in UK paediatrics, comments on the status and purpose of Europe-wide harmonisation of medical practice. Candidates in countries without a nationally recognised qualification in the sub-specialty of paediatric respiratory medicine will find it very helpful. This applies both in assessing their level of knowledge while training but also in demonstrating a European level of expertise which can be carried from one country to another. Doctors in countries with a small number of specialist trainees who wish to document formally that they have a level of knowledge in the field that is internationally recognised. Also doctors from outside Europe who would like to show that they are suitably qualified to a European standard. Achieving a pass in the exam is an excellent personal goal in this … ER -