Full specialist training in rehabilitation medicine in Iceland is a minimum of five years. The majority of the training is expected to take place in rehabilitation departments, with a smaller portion in other specialties relevant to the training, in accordance with the curriculum and in consultation with the training supervisor, Director of Education, and Education Committee. It is desirable to complete part of the specialist training abroad to ensure that all elements of the curriculum are fulfilled.

An organized educational program is in place for specialist trainees in rehabilitation medicine, covering the main components of the specialty. Approximately half a day per week is allocated to formal teaching during both the autumn and spring semesters. Efforts are made to coordinate parts of the teaching with trainees in other specialties such as family medicine, internal medicine, and psychiatry. Specialist trainees actively participate in teaching, while the Director of Education oversees the educational program. Attendance is mandatory.

In addition, specialist trainees actively participate in weekly joint medical education meetings at Grensás, Reykjalundur, and Kristnes.

Each year, a clinical examination is held for specialist trainees, usually in May. It consists of two stations. At each station, a clinical case is presented and predefined questions are asked regarding problem identification and rehabilitation planning. Participation in the examination is mandatory. Following the exam, trainees receive both oral and written feedback.

The specialist trainee is responsible for their own training and must strive to acquire broad knowledge and competence across all areas of rehabilitation. During training, the trainee follows the curriculum, maintains an electronic portfolio (e-portfolio), and is responsible for meeting minimum requirements for the number of assessment forms in each clinical placement.

Due to the small population of Iceland, it is likely that trainees may not be able to complete all clinical components of the portfolio within Iceland. Some clinical training components may therefore need to be undertaken at foreign institutions.

At annual progress review meetings (ARCP – Annual Review of Competency Progression), the trainee’s progress over the previous year is assessed, and decisions are made regarding how and where remaining clinical training objectives can be achieved. During these annual reviews, the trainee’s performance, knowledge, skills, and level of competence are evaluated. The review also serves to monitor overall progression in specialist training and facilitate improvements where needed.

Assessment of Progress and Performance

The portfolio provides the trainee with an overview of the professional knowledge, skills, and competencies that must be acquired, as well as identifying which training components remain to be completed. The trainee reviews the portfolio regularly with their training supervisor. The portfolio, together with the components listed below, forms the basis for assessment during annual review meetings.

Clinical Examination
A clinical examination is held annually in the spring, usually in May. It consists of two stations. At each station, a clinical case is presented and predefined questions are asked regarding diagnosis, problem identification, and rehabilitation planning. After the examination, trainees receive both oral and written feedback.

Supervisor Assessment and Multisource Feedback
Each year, supervisors complete a standardized evaluation form providing comments on key aspects of the trainee’s clinical work and professional conduct. This assessment is based on discussions between the supervisor, colleagues, and the trainee’s clinical supervisors.