The anaesthesia primary and final written exams are coming up soon – best wishes to all, but especially to those trainees who have been coming to the Australian Society of Anaesthetists’ exam preparation sessions.

We’ve been preparing for the written exams so far, but will soon start up with viva practice!

Special guest Clayton Sinclair has helped many exam candidates polish their presentation skills. He’s a voice coach who helps candidates develop confident, clear speech, to engage with reduced anxiety and project topic authority. Make sure to take the opportunity to see him present by registering for the August 22 exam preparation night!

All the best from the ASAEd team!

The convenors and their committee have prepared an outstanding scientific program, workshops and masterclasses in a magnificent setting for the Darwin National Scientific Congress.

Hope you can make it to the session “Pandemic Preparedness and Response: Lessons from COVID-19” presented by Professor Anthony Fauci! Saturday 7 September 8-9:30

Don’t miss special guest Will Flannery aka Dr Glaucomflecken – ophthalmologist, comedian and commentator on the ills of the American healthcare system… see you there!

Formed in 1934, the Australian Society of Anaesthetists is a not-for-profit, member-funded organisation dedicated to supporting, representing and educating anaesthetists to ensure the safest possible anaesthesia for the community.

We work with and for our members to ensure the high standards of the profession. 

This year the ASA celebrates its 90th anniversary, honouring the past, celebrating the present and embracing the future.

As the peak body and leading voice for representing the professional interests of Australian anaesthetists, the ASA engages with government and other stakeholders to work together towards sustainable healthcare of the highest quality for the community.

The Medical Board of Australia has introduced some changes for CPD from 2024. There is a handy FAQ link to a download on that part of the MBA website, that sums up the requirements.

ALL doctors must choose a CPD home by 2024. For anaesthetists that is either college CPD or the AMA’s Doctorportal Learning – one of the handful of non-college CPD homes accredited by the AMC.

The MBA requires all doctors to

• choose a CPD home
• develop and evaluate a CPD plan for the year (a “reviewing performance” activity)
• complete a mix of 50 hours of CPD relevant to their needs across two domains: educational (12.5h) and practice evaluation (25h reviewing performance and measuring outcomes) and “free choice” activities (12.5h)
• CPD activities must also address each one of the following requirements: culturally safe practice, the addressing of health inequities, professionalism and ethical practice
• specialist anaesthetists are also required to complete one emergency response (educational) activity per year

All doctors should be committed to lifelong learning. CPD is an important part of that continuous improvement and updating of our knowledge, skills, monitoring or our practice and awareness of our responsibilities to the community and contributions to improved health outcomes.

The Royal Australian College of Surgeons’ Global Health Pacific Islands Program (PIP) strengthens specialised clinical services, clinical governance, specialist education, training, and workforce development across the Pacific region. Activities are supported by the Australian Government, and implemented in collaboration with Pacific community, Ministries of Health, specialist colleges and associations, and delivery partners.

The program has recently resumed in the South Pacific with recent visits to Fiji and Vanuatu. The program provides service, clinical mentoring and education.

The Australian Society of Anaesthetists has invested heavily in supporting on-line education events for consultants and trainee members. “Anaesthesia Training Tips” is a regular feature in “Australian Anaesthetist”

A new, revised program of EPIC is scheduled for 9 July – register HERE!

The exam section review panel composed of recent and new examiners will head the program before the Q+A with recently successful candidates revealing what they know now that they wish they knew then…

Presentations will focus on approaching exam preparation and execution strategically. The emphasis for this day will be FORM, not content. This day is for candidates preparing for the next sitting of the final exams as well as for those who have just completed their primary exams…

See you there!

Exams are a great stressor for candidates. Sharing the “joy” and being able to meet up with candidates from all over Australia is an opportunity for true fellowship and camaraderie. The Australian Society of Anaesthetists’ national viva tutorials hosted by ASA Education Committee Vice Chair Dr Kaylee Jordan and myself and the upcoming EPIC (Exam Performance Improvement Clinic) day support both those aims.

The ASA Trainee section in Australian Anaesthetist has a regular section for exam tips too.

The final anaesthesia exam candidates are spending today at their written exams. From now on they will be preparing for their viva exams.

Many anaesthesia consultants haven’t given a practice viva exam for a while. Here’s a handy video to refresh your viva skills and help the anaesthetists of the future!