For medical professionals preparing for the EDIC Part I or other critical care exams, the journey can be intense—but the rewards are worth it. Success in critical care MCQs isn’t just about studying hard; it’s about studying smart.

Meet Dr Symen Ligthart, who achieved the highest score of 87/92 (94.6%) in the EDIC Part I (Spring 2021). How did he do it? What strategies set him apart? We dive into his study techniques, resources, and game-changing approach that helped him dominate the exam.

Go the Extra Mile MCQ in Critical Care Interviews Dr Symen Ligthart

Dear Friends,

Go The Extra Mile MCQ in Critical Care would like to introduce Dr Symen Ligthart who scored the highest marks in EDIC Part I in April 2021. His score was 87 out of 92 (94.6%). It is an extraordinary achievement. Dr Ligthart trained at Erasmus MC, The Netherlands. Dr Ligthart participated in Go

the Extra Mile’s ‘Orange Study Group’ for EDIC Part I.

I, Sumesh Arora, on behalf of Go The Extra Mile, had the pleasure of discussing with Dr Ligthart, the things that helped him achieve success. Here is a transcript of my chat with Dr Ligthart.

GOTHEEXTRAMILE

Please tell us a little more about yourself

SYMEN LIGTHART

As a father of two lovely children, I am currently a fellow Intensive Care Medicine at the Erasmus University Medical Hospital in Rotterdam in the Netherlands. After finishing medical school at the University of Leuvenin Belgium, I moved to Rotterdam to start a PhD in epidemiology focusing on the genetics of inflammation and also finished a master in Clinical Epidemiology. After three years of research, I commenced my training in internal medicine and since begin 2020 I am a fellow Intensive Care. My main interest with regard to research is personalized medicine. I also strongly believe in collaboration in both research and clinical practice, something I try to advocate. With regards to ICU clinical care, I am fond of complex hemodynamics and its monitoring as well as complex respiratory mechanics.

GOTHEEXTRAMILE

How did you prepare for the EDIC Part I exam?

SYMEN LIGTHART

I started reading the EDIC modules on the ESICM webpage and after each module, I completed the accompanying GTEM questions and read the answer explanations. Furthermore, I spend there rather quiet nightshifts reading some “question books”, but I think those are of limited value. I believe the webpage of “Deranged Physiology” is extremely helpful, this website explains everything in depth. I did not read the1000+ pages intensive care books, I believe these may be used as a reference, but not for studying. Also, the LITFL webpage is very concise and helpful. The small book “revision notes in intensive care” includes most of what you need to know, but I discovered this book after the exam.

GOTHEEXTRAMILE

You scored the highest score in the world in EDIC part I (summeredition2021).You must get asked this question by many – What is the secret of your success? What did you do differently from your peers?

SYMEN LIGTHART

I think it is all about reading the questions carefully and understanding what they want you to know about intensive care medicine. Also, the topics are similar compared to other years, only the questions are a bit different. For sure you get some hemodynamics and respiratory mechanics questions, so know all those details by heart. And just think about what you would do in your clinic, then that’s highly likely the correct answer. It is a bit of a game, and I think you should just play this game. And don’t look at the answers before reading the question, but first, think what you would do in your practice after reading the question. And don’t stress.

GOTHEEXTRAMILE

It must have been very challenging to prepare for the exam while we are struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic. It is not easy to concentrate. How did you manage to keep the distractions away while you prepare?

SYMEN LIGTHART

Haha, well, I think my two lovely children were more distracting! But thanks to my wife I could study for the exam in the evening and some weekend days. Fortunately, I have never had difficulties concentrating when studying. COVID even helped me because I got infected with COVID in February 2021 and had to go solo into quarantine in a separate room in the house. So plenty of time to study without distraction!

GOTHEEXTRAMILE

Now that the exams out of the way, what is your next target? How do you intend to go about achieving it?

SYMEN LIGTHART

I would like to pass the EDIC-II exam, so I should soon start studying for the EDIC-II. In the long run, I aim to do the EDEC, so practicing a lot of ultrasound in the daily clinical work.

GOTHEEXTRAMILE

Do you have any suggestions, how GTEM can improve, and be useful for trainees doing EDIC?

SYMEN  LIGTHART

What I believe would be helpful is more the viva type of questions. GTEM is very good for learning the details and facts, the viva style questions are scarce but are the majority of questions in EDIC-I.

GOTHEEXTRAMILE

Thank you, Dr Ligthart. We wish you the very best in your future endeavors. Keep up the good work, and the world is your oyster.

Postscript

Preparing for the EDIC Part I or any critical care exam is both challenging and rewarding. Dr. Symen Ligthart’s record-breaking success highlights that excelling in critical care MCQs requires more than hard work—it demands strategic preparation, effective resources, and a determined mindset.

Utilize high-yield tools like Deranged Physiology, LITFL, etc. while honing your test-taking skills to elevate your performance. Whether pursuing EDIC Part I, FCICM, FFICM, or any other intensive care certification, smart preparation will distinguish you.

Now it’s your turn—refine your strategy, master MCQs, and stay resolute. The journey to critical care exam success begins today!