The WA training scheme has had another extremely successful year, and continues to provide an exceptional training environment for future anaesthetists in Western Australia. Trainees are adapting to the new FANZCA curriculum with few difficulties. Despite nearly one hundred FTE trainees in basic and advanced training, the program runs very smoothly thanks to the hard work and dedicated efforts of Fellows in all the teaching hospitals.

Appointments to the training scheme

Selection of trainees for the first four years of training is made by a committee that acts for the heads of departments as employers.  All teaching hospitals are represented on this committee, and trainees are rotated through the various hospitals to gain exposure to the various modules and clinical experience. As in previous years, applicants during 2007 far outnumbered the positions available at the teaching hospitals, and we are continually looking to increase the opportunities for training in the state.

Hospitals and accreditation

All teaching hospitals were assessed by the College Hospital Accreditation Committee in 2007.  The Supervisors of Training and the Heads of Department in particular worked very hard to achieve a successful outcome at each hospital, and I thank them for their committed efforts. It was a great opportunity for review and change, with input from all levels from the College through to our junior registrars. Several areas for improvement were discussed, and these have mostly been implemented smoothly. Royal Perth Hospital now has three supervisors of training, Drs Evan Tziavrangos, Mark Williams and Helen Daly. Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital also now has three Supervisors of Training, Drs Steve Myles, Jodi Graham and Irina Kurowski. They are working together well to maintain the high standard of training and create a challenging yet supportive environment for the large number of registrars at each hospital. Thanks also to Alan Millard at Fremantle Hospital, Katherine Shelley at King Edward Hospital, David Vyse at Princess Margaret Hospital, Dave Matthews at Bunbury, and Peter Baumgartener at Joondalup Hospital.

The Department of Anaesthesia at Joondalup Hospital has had significant changes over the past twelve months, helping it to regain its status as an accredited teaching hospital. With a new Head of Department, an increased number of FANZCA trainees and a revised teaching program, we now have positive signs for the future and a great learning environment for trainees.

Rotational Supervisor

Many thanks to Dr Soo-Im Lim, who has not only taken on the role of rotational supervisor, but also taken on the responsibilities of the REO position while I am on maternity leave. She is assisted by Dr David Vyse in both these areas.

Primary Examination Course

The primary examination course continues to be co-ordinated by Drs Brien Hennessy, Emma Giles and Jay Bruce. Trainees are streamed into two groups depending on the timing of their exams, and this allows more focussed teaching. Over 20 tutors have contributed to his course. Congratulations to Christine Tan and Timothy Paterson on achieving a merit award in 2007. 

Fellowship Examination Course

This has been co-ordinated by Dr Irina Kurowski and Dr Simon Maclaurin. A structured course of fortnightly tutorials, and enthusiastic teaching and support from a large number of anaesthetists has again been rewarded with some excellent results. Overseas trained specialists also participate in this program.

Formal Projects

Dr John Martyr continued as the Formal Project officer for the Region this year. Several trainees were successful in producing research for publication, while others presented their work at the state or national meetings.

Trainee representative

Dr Szu Lyn Chan is the trainee representative to the Regional Committee, and is also chair of the National Trainee Committee.

Challenges for the future

The Western Australian Rotational Training Program continues to work well. Close communication between the REO, the Rotational Supervisor and the SOT’s allows early detection of trainees with difficulties, and problems with module completion. We continue to look for ways to improve the training environment for our registrars and increase the opportunities for training in the state, both in the public and private sectors.

Dr Suzanne Bertrand, REO, Western Australian Regional Committee