PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - R. Loddenkemper AU - T. Séverin AU - J-L. Eiselé AU - A. Chuchalin AU - C.F. Donner AU - G. Di Maria AU - P. Magyar AU - M. Muers AU - J-F. Muir AU - B. Nybo AU - G. Phillips AU - G. Riddell AU - R. Stevenson AU - M. Zach AU - P.L. Haslam TI - HERMES: a European Core Syllabus in Respiratory Medicine AID - 10.1183/18106838.0301.59 DP - 2006 Sep 01 TA - Breathe PG - 59--69 VI - 3 IP - 1 4099 - http://breathe.ersjournals.com/content/3/1/59.short 4100 - http://breathe.ersjournals.com/content/3/1/59.full SO - Breathe2006 Sep 01; 3 AB - HERMES is a project to promote better “Harmonised education and training in Respiratory Medicine for European Specialists”. The first aim of the project was to develop a European core syllabus listing core competencies that all respiratory specialists should possess. This report presents the resulting consensus-based document. A total of 50 experts in respiratory medicine from 29 countries took part in its development. Moreover, over 400 qualified respiratory physicians and over 100 trainees provided further feedback throughout the project.Competencies were identified and ranked through a three-round Delphi consensus process. Some 229 competencies were selected and split into nine sections and 51 modules. Of these, 14 were ranked as optional, 215 as mandatory. Items were further ranked into three different levels, according to the level of knowledge and competence expected. The Delphi process proved an effective tool for creating expert consensus and to enable “group” ownership of the project outcomes.