In June 2026, European Pain Federation EFIC conducted Part 2 of the Exams for the European Diploma in Pain Medicine (EDPM), the European Diploma in Pain Physiotherapy (EDPP) in Ghent, Belgium, followed by the European Diploma in Pain Nursing (EDPN) in Brussels, Belgium in October 2026. These events marked key milestones for healthcare professionals pursuing a specialisation in pain management, physiotherapy and pain nursing.
The exams took place over several intensive days, featuring structured clinical assessments and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs). The EDPM Exam assessed candidates’ clinical reasoning, patient management, and diagnostic skills, while the EDPP and EDPN Exam covered clinical skills and patient case discussions in relation to pain physiotherapy and pain nursing. The examination panels consisted of leading experts from across Europe, ensuring standardised evaluations.
Candidates came from various countries, reflecting the growing international recognition of the diplomas. The event was well-received, with participants praising the organisation, the depth of the cases presented, and the opportunity to demonstrate their clinical expertise in a real-world setting. EFIC is delighted to announce 28 new EDPM, 17 new EDPP and 17 EDPN diplomates, with Laurentiu Dicu winning the Louis Gifford Prize, Ivan Sunara winning the Ulf Lindblom Prize and Vincent Castro winning the Laserina O’Connor Prize as the highest scoring participants in the EDPP, EDPM and EDPN exam respectively.
Laurentiu Dicu on winning the Louis Gifford Prize: “The EDPP was the real test: a chance to measure everything I’d built over years of clinical practice and postgraduate study against a genuinely rigorous European standard. What stayed with me most was Part 2: defending clinical reasoning in real time, in front of experts, on cases that don’t have easy answers. Winning the Louis Gifford Prize means a great deal, but what matters more is what this process confirmed, that pain science deserves a central place in how physiotherapists are trained and how we practice. I hope more of my colleagues take this path.”
Ivan Sunara on winning the Ulf Lindblom Prize: “It was a great honour to receive the Ulf Lindblom Prize. I think pain management is one of the noblest and most rewarding things a physician can do. It is truly a blessing to be able to do this as a profession. EDPM is a wonderful way to empower pain physicians, giving them the knowledge, confidence, and recognition they need to care for their patients anywhere in the world. The EFIC Academy was incredibly supportive and helpful throughout the entire journey, and I am truly grateful for the experience.”
Vincent Castro on winning the Laserina O’Connor Prize: “Being awarded the Laserina O’Connor Prize is a great honour. More than a personal achievement, it highlights the important role nurses play in pain care. As nurses, we are often closest to our patients, putting us in a unique position to recognise pain-related problems early, listen to patients’ concerns and provide timely guidance and support. Our mission is to ensure that pain is recognised, taken seriously and managed with evidence-based, holistic and compassionate care. I am incredibly grateful to my colleagues for their guidance, encouragement and for continuously inspiring me to expand my knowledge and develop professionally. Their support, including encouraging me to take this examination, has meant a great deal to me. Organisations such as EFIC remain essential in advancing pain education, promoting excellence and strengthening the role of specialised pain nurses across Europe. This recognition motivates me to keep learning, sharing knowledge and working towards better pain care for every patient.”
The success of the exams reinforces EFIC’s commitment to advancing pain education and upholding high standards in pain care across Europe. Find out more about our EFIC Pain Exams here: