Pursuing advanced training in neuroanaesthesia and critical care: a no-brainer?

Authors:

• Dr Tim Faccini, NACCS Council Resident Representative; SIA Neuroanaesthesia Resident Doctor, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
• Dr Sally Wilson, Past President of NACCS; Consultant in Neuroanaesthesia & Neurocritical Care, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery

If you’re the kind of clinician who’s fascinated by the brain and nervous system, who thrives in high-stakes environments, and who enjoys thinking several steps ahead, then neuroanaesthesia and neurocritical care are probably well-fixed on your career radar.

These subspecialties sit at the cutting edge of anaesthesia and intensive care medicine, and they’re rapidly evolving within the landscape of medical training in the UK.

A combination of clearer training pathways, strong professional support, innovative teaching methods, and growing international recognition is driving this development. Together, they’re making advanced training in neuroanaesthesia and critical care not just appealing but genuinely future-proof.

Clearer training pathways, bigger horizons

Training in neuroanaesthesia and neurocritical care builds on the RCoA’s core and advanced curricula. These frameworks steadily develop expertise across anaesthesia for neurosurgery, neuroradiology, and neurocritical care – while remaining fully integrated within general anaesthetic training.

For those ready to dive deeper, either Special Interest Area training or one of the dedicated fellowship posts across the UK offers a chance to really immerse yourself in neuroanaesthesia and critical care. These roles allow postholders to appreciate the entire patient journey from preoperative assessment through to intensive care.

Some programmes have gained international recognition, with several UK hospitals now running a fellowship accredited by the International Council on Perioperative Neuroscience Training (ICPNT), including neuroscience centres in London, Oxford and Cambridge. The ICPNT programme includes modules in neuroanaesthesia, mechanical thrombectomy, interventional radiology, and neurocritical care, with timetabled exposure to neuroradiology and neurophysiology teaching and attendance at multidisciplinary teams. For many, these fellowships serve as the ideal bridge between training and consultant practice, fostering confidence, independence, and true depth of knowledge.

The role of NACCS

There’s no better companion to a training pathway than a strong professional network, and this is where the Neuroanaesthesia & Critical Care Society of Great Britain and Ireland (NACCS) really shines. What began more than 60 years ago as a travelling club has grown into a vibrant, supportive community focused on education, research, and collaboration.

For doctors early in their careers, the Resident Doctors Hub is particularly valuable. It offers a dedicated study zone, with curriculum-mapped links to papers, webinar talks and study modules to guide resident doctors through their neuroanaesthesia module, exams and beyond.

NACCS operates a regional resident-representative network to help connect resident doctors across the UK, fostering a sense of shared purpose in what could otherwise feel like a niche subspecialty. The NACCS website also highlights opportunities for study grants, UK and travelling fellowships, webinars, and upcoming events run by NACCS and affiliated societies, including the Paediatric Neuroanaesthesia Network (PNAN).

The society’s Annual Scientific Meeting and other educational events showcase the latest research and clinical innovation, keeping members up to speed with rapidly changing practice. The next ASM is in Edinburgh in May 2026 and promises to be an excellent opportunity to hear from local and international speakers, share knowledge, and professionally develop. It also offers the chance to submit research and quality improvement projects for peer review. The ASM is joined by the PNAN meeting on alternate years, with the next joint meeting in 2027.

Learning by doing

An exciting development in recent years has been the growth of simulation-based education. Courses like the One Brain Neurosimulator, designed by senior resident doctors and consultants, focus on the safe management of neurosurgical emergencies in realistic, high-pressure scenarios.

There will be a One Brain simulation session at the upcoming NACCS ASM in May, which can be booked at the time of registering for the event. Early bird registration is already open, along with discounted rates for resident doctors, so don’t miss out!

Simulation allows resident doctors to practise complex decision-making, airway management, resuscitation, and neurological assessment in a controlled environment with cutting-edge technology to ensure a high-fidelity learning experience. The result? Greater confidence, sharper skills, and better preparedness when real emergencies hit.

Beyond the clinical

Modern training isn’t just about technical expertise; it’s also about shaping future leaders. Many neuroanaesthesia fellowships now build research, audit, quality improvement, and teaching directly into their programmes.

These opportunities help develop clinician-scientists and educator-leaders who will influence guidelines, drive innovation, and improve systems of care. For resident doctors with academic or leadership ambitions, this balance can be a major draw.

What’s next?

Looking ahead, the trajectory of training within neuroanaesthesia is encouraging:

• Stronger international alignment – links with other neuroanaesthesia societies worldwide, ICPNT accreditation and global collaboration – enhancing both quality and portability of training.
• More advanced simulation and digital learning – bringing increasingly realistic and immersive education.
• A growing research culture – nurturing the next generation of neuroanaesthesia academics.
• Deeper multidisciplinary working – strengthening collaboration with neurosurgery, neurology, nursing, and allied health professionals.

So, is advanced training in neuroanaesthesia and critical care a ‘no-brainer’? For clinicians drawn to complexity, collaboration, and cutting-edge care, it might just be one of the most rewarding pathways out there.