1 July, 2026
As the global medical landscape becomes increasingly interconnected, the demand for standardized, high-level clinical competency has never been more pressing. In the field of respiratory medicine, the European Respiratory Society (ERS) HERMES (Harmonised Education in Respiratory Medicine for European Specialists) examinations have emerged as the definitive benchmark for professional excellence.
With the registration deadline for the 2026 adult and paediatric respiratory medicine examinations fast approaching on 17 August, a spotlight has been cast on the transformative power of this qualification. For respiratory physicians across the continent and beyond, HERMES is no longer just an exam; it is a career-defining milestone. Two prominent specialists, Dr. Goran Glodić and Dr. Kelechi Ugonna, have stepped forward to share their personal journeys, illustrating how the rigorous process of certification serves as a catalyst for professional growth and clinical confidence.
Main Facts: Setting the European Benchmark
The HERMES examinations were conceived by the ERS with a clear, ambitious mission: to harmonize the standards of respiratory training across Europe. By creating a unified assessment, the ERS ensures that patients—regardless of their location—receive care from specialists who have met a verified, high-level international standard.
The examinations cover the entire spectrum of respiratory medicine. For the adult stream, this encompasses everything from interstitial lung disease and oncology to sleep-disordered breathing and intensive care. The paediatric stream focuses on the unique physiological and diagnostic challenges of childhood respiratory disorders.
Key details for the 2026 cycle include:
- Registration Deadline: 17 August 2026.
- Target Audience: Both in-training fellows looking to solidify their knowledge and established consultants seeking to benchmark their expertise against international standards.
- Accreditation: Recognized as the highest standard of European qualification in the field.
Chronology: A Roadmap to Certification
The journey to becoming HERMES-certified is often described by candidates as an exercise in intellectual rigor. The timeline for a successful candidate typically follows a structured trajectory:
- Preparation Phase (6–12 months prior): Candidates utilize the ERS syllabus, which serves as the blueprint for the exam. This phase is characterized by intensive study, often supplemented by ERS preparation courses and formative mock examinations.
- The Examination Day: Candidates undergo a high-stakes assessment designed to test clinical reasoning, diagnostic accuracy, and evidence-based management strategies.
- The Results and Certification: Upon success, candidates are formally recognized as having achieved the European standard.
- Integration (The "Pay-it-Forward" Stage): As seen with Dr. Glodić and Dr. Ugonna, many successful candidates transition into the exam committees. This ensures that the examination remains contemporary, relevant, and grounded in current clinical practice, creating a self-sustaining cycle of excellence.
Supporting Data: The Impact of Standardized Testing
While the prestige of the HERMES label is widely acknowledged, the practical utility of the exam is what drives enrollment. Data from previous cohorts suggest that candidates who undertake the HERMES exam report a significant increase in self-reported clinical competence.
- Breadth of Knowledge: The exam’s design forces candidates to step outside their "siloed" areas of interest. A pulmonologist who primarily focuses on COPD may find their knowledge of rare cystic lung diseases refreshed and updated during the preparation phase.
- The "Anti-Overspecialization" Effect: By requiring a broad mastery of the syllabus, the exam mitigates the risk of clinicians becoming "too narrow" in their expertise, ensuring that patients receive holistic care.
- Clinical Confidence: Surveys of past participants indicate that the process of preparing for and passing the exam directly correlates with higher confidence levels in managing complex, multi-system cases.
Official Perspectives: Reflections from the Committee
To understand the true value of the HERMES examination, one must look at those who have lived through the process.
Dr. Goran Glodić: The Path to International Benchmarking
Dr. Glodić, a member of the ERS HERMES adult examination committee, recalls his decision to sit the exam immediately following his national board certification. "I wanted to consolidate my knowledge and test it against an international benchmark of excellence," he states.
For Dr. Glodić, the exam served as a diagnostic tool for his own clinical understanding. "Throughout the preparation process, I addressed gaps in my understanding of areas within respiratory medicine that I hadn’t practiced as frequently. Because the exam is well-balanced across all topics, it prevents ‘overspecialization.’ Achieving the status of High Achiever was a pivotal moment in my career; it didn’t just give me confidence—it earned me the respect of my international peers."
Dr. Kelechi Ugonna: A Decade of Experience Revalidated
Dr. Kelechi Ugonna, a member of the paediatric examination committee, offers a different perspective. Having already been a consultant for 10 years when she took the exam in 2021, she viewed the process as an opportunity for continuous professional development.
"I found it an excellent way of bringing my knowledge up to date," Dr. Ugonna notes. "The preparation courses and the formative mock exams were essential. They provided a clear window into the format and expectations of the assessment." For Dr. Ugonna, the decision to join the committee was a natural evolution of her career, allowing her to shape the future of the field by contributing to the very questions that will define the next generation of specialists.
Implications: The Future of Respiratory Medicine
The implications of the HERMES examination extend far beyond the individual physician. By creating a standardized qualification, the ERS is fundamentally altering the landscape of medical practice in Europe.
Improving Patient Outcomes
The most significant implication of the HERMES certification is the impact on patient care. A clinician who has passed the HERMES exam has demonstrated a mastery of the most current, evidence-based practices. In an era where new treatments and diagnostic techniques are emerging rapidly, this validation provides a safety net for patients and a guarantee of quality for healthcare systems.
Mobility and Professional Integration
As European medical professionals increasingly work across borders, the HERMES certification serves as a "common language." It facilitates the mobility of doctors, allowing health systems to recognize the expertise of incoming specialists more easily. It is an essential credential for those looking to advance their careers on an international stage.
The Evolution of the Specialist
The "HERMES effect" is transforming the definition of a respiratory specialist. No longer is it enough to be an expert in one narrow niche; the modern specialist must be a well-rounded practitioner capable of handling the complexities of modern, integrated care. By encouraging both young trainees and seasoned consultants to return to the "classroom," the ERS is fostering a culture of lifelong learning.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
As the 17 August deadline approaches, the ERS is issuing a clear invitation to the respiratory community. Whether you are a trainee looking to solidify your foundation or an experienced consultant looking to validate your expertise, the HERMES examinations represent the pinnacle of professional achievement.
"I would highly encourage all respiratory specialists to take the exam," says Dr. Glodić. "The preparation process will help them expand their knowledge, build confidence, and ultimately make them better pulmonologists for their patients."
Dr. Ugonna echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the rewarding nature of the process: "It is a journey that supports both professional development and clinical confidence."
For those ready to elevate their career and contribute to the highest standards of European respiratory medicine, the path forward is clear. The HERMES examination is not just an assessment—it is the definitive step toward becoming a leader in the field.
To register for the 2026 examinations or to learn more about the preparation process, visit the official ERS HERMES portal.
