EPIC bootcamp registrants are turning their minds to preparing for their vivas and the second sitting of the final exams.
Bootcamp is coming up on 13 +14 June 20220. register here!
The final exam statistics are published for each exam report. Here are some graphical representations.
These are extraordinary times. We will all serve to the extent that we are willing and able. Anaesthesia trainees and anaesthetists play important leadership roles in systems administration, surgery, resuscitation and critical care on ordinary days. During a pandemic, these roles will be crucial. Remember to stick to the facts, know the evidence (where that exists) and remain calm and caring.
It’s up to you.
No-one knows how this situation will evolve nationally or regionally in the next weeks or months. When the exams will resume and in what format is to be determined. No-one intends to add to the misery of the unknown, but that is what we are dealing with at the moment. So why not take advantage of the time to keep up with your study.
Virtual tutorials and viva practice can serve as a forum for senior registrars to keep in contact and share their views. Continuing with a study program can normalise a part of our lives that is otherwise uncertain. It’s a bonus in extended study time for those candidates who elected to sit the first sitting in 2020!
Bootcamp will be held via zoom. No current registrants have withdrawn (in response to my offer to refund rego fees) and trainees are still applying – so we’re on.
The format of the weekend will include
Register here
See you at the EPIC Bootcamp!
I did voluntary work with Mercy Ships for three weeks in February. This was just prior to recognition of COVID19 as a global pandemic and consequent lockdowns.
The Africa Mercy was docked in the port of Dakar, Senegal in West Africa in September 2019 and was due to complete its mission there in May 2020. The port in Dakar is very calm and working on the ship is like working in a regular land-based hospital with no sensation of movement or disruption.
During my 3 week stay I provided anaesthesia for plastic surgery, facio-maxillary surgery and removal of thyroid tumours.
As a senior anaesthetist, I only occasionally have to do homework for a list. On Africa Mercy I spent most evenings researching topics such as anaesthesia for ameloblastoma, fibrous dysplasia and working out how to block limbs distorted by burns and contractures.
If you are interested in more information on volunteering, the Australian Anaesthetist March 2020 issue is devoted to volunteering. While I was on Africa Mercy I worked with Mark Shrime, an ENT surgeon and an author of the Lancet Commission’s Report “Global Surgery 2030: evidence and solutions for achieving health, welfare and economic development”. The Lancet Vol 386 Aug 8, 2015 – it’s a great read for anyone considering volunteering. He delivered a fascinating lecture on board analysing the impact of the Africa Mercy and the provision of surgery and anaesthesia.
I was motivated to work on the Africa Mercy to support Dr AJ Collins, one of the surgeons I work with regularly who also regularly serves on Africa Mercy. It also provided an opportunity to learn about different patterns of disease and injury to those we typically encounter in Australia. Both the different sorts of cases and the on board working environment encourage flexible thinking and an appreciation for the need to adapt systems to the situation. These abilities are important as we face new challenges with the spread of COVID19.
The Mercy ship is a surgical service provider and aims to provide relief of suffering and tangible hope for its patients. It is also involved in capacity building. Mentoring local anaesthetists and surgeons was another activity for doctors on the ship.
The lessons learned during my recent time on the Mercy ship about conserving resources and being kind to one another have been very useful in this ramp-up to Covid-19 in Australia. The entire world is now potentially a low-resource setting as we scramble for equipment and supplies during this pandemic.
Consider coming to the Exam Performance improvement clinic: that’s the new look BOOTCAMP.
REGISTER here
The weekend previously known as Bootcamp – now revised and improved.
June 13 + 14, 2020 – REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Please register and/or pass this information on to anyone who might be interested in improving their exam performance.
Best wishes to you for your exam preparation and performance.
Vida
SAVE THE DATE: June 13 + 14, 2020
EXAM PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT CLINIC – it will be EPIC!
PROGRAM
– Current exam panel members will be present to respond to candidate questions
– all exam sections will be addressed: MCQ and SAQ technique (how to study for these sections and how to maximise performance – what will make a good answer better?); Medical viva structure; Anaesthesia viva performance improvement.
Please pass on this information to all interested candidates.
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Please email me so I can gauge the audience numbers + organise a venue.
VENUE
Likely to be in Barton in the ACT.
Many thanks + have a studious day
The ASA Practice Managers Conference is a full day of educational lectures targeted at Practice Managers in the medical industry.
It is an interactive day that covers professional and continuing medical education issues. Topics included: an update from our Economic Advisory Committee Chair ASA Services – how the ASA can help practice managers, the emergence of the business manager, Australian Privacy Principles, challenges facing Practice Managers, Private Health Insurance and more…
It was a very successful day – see you all next year!
Victorian anaesthetist Dr Abhay Umranikar and colleagues hosted an excellent exam preparation bootcamp for International Medical Graduate Specialists at Werribee Mercy Hospital on 10 August.
The workshop was supported by Terri from the “learning precinct” at Werribee hospital and by regional anaesthetists there.
For many international specialists, it was their first credible encounter with the expectations and pace of viva exams. Current and past examiners explained the exam process, identified the best resources for exam preparation and gave real-time viva feedback to candidates.
It was unfortunate that the workshop could not be advertised to more IMGSs around the country.
The response from delegates was overwhelmingly positive. It looks like we’ll have to do something again for IMGSs!
Surgeons, lawyers anaesthetists and managers congregated in Beijing in May for the inaugural SLAM conference.
Topics included flexibility, time/ financial management and their challenges. The backdrop of censorship and control in China added to the depth of discussions.
A highlight of team-building was the Great Wall Marathon.
details at www.goape.com.au
