2027 WA RATP selections
From 1-3 September, the WA Rotational Anaesthetic Training Program (RATP) selection process took place at the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Simulation Centre, bringing together aspiring anaesthetists and a remarkable team of volunteers for three intensive days of interviews and simulations.
This year saw approximately 140 applications for the program, with 42 candidates shortlisted to progress to the interview stage. Candidates arrived in their finest professional attire, successfully navigated the legendary challenge of SCGH parking, and undertook a rigorous assessment process including presentations, panel interviews, and two simulation scenarios.
While the process was undoubtedly challenging, candidate feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many described the experience as engaging, well run, and enjoyable, despite the inevitable nerves that come with competing for a place in one of WA’s most sought-after specialist training programs.
Behind the scenes, the selections represented an enormous commitment from the WA anaesthesia community. Over many months, volunteers dedicated countless hours to reviewing applications, developing interview questions, preparing simulation scenarios, coordinating logistics, and ensuring every aspect of the process ran smoothly. Across the three days, an average of 35 people per day contributed their time and expertise, including consultant anaesthetists, anaesthetic fellows, nursing staff, Simulation Centre personnel, and ANZCA representation. A special thanks to the team guiding the selection process: Dr Nikki Harmey, Dr Grace Ho, Dr Rebecca Kelly and Dr Angela Palumbo.
This was also the first year the selection process was held at the SCGH Simulation Centre, following many successful years at Joondalup Health Campus. The facility provided an excellent setting for assessing not only clinical potential, but also communication, teamwork, professionalism, and decision-making under pressure.
Most importantly, the process showcased the strength and generosity of the WA anaesthesia community. Whether interviewing candidates, facilitating simulations, managing logistics, marking applications, or supporting the process behind the scenes, dozens of people volunteered their time to help identify the next generation of anaesthetists.
To all candidates who participated, congratulations on reaching this stage of a highly competitive process. And to the many volunteers who made the event possible, thank you for your enthusiasm, expertise, and dedication. It is reassuring to know that if these candidates can successfully navigate both the selection process and SCGH parking, they are probably ready for just about anything.
ACE WA Country Conference 2026
The 2026 Country Conference conference theme is ‘Out of your comfort zone’ and is co-convened by Joondalup Health Campus and Rockingham Hospital. With the program, the conveners aim to provide exposure to a full range of anaesthesia subspecialties, to cultivate the breadth, flexibility, and confidence of true all-rounders. The social program includes a welcome evening at the resort, overlooking the beautiful waters of Bunker Bay, an early morning yoga session on the grass to get the day started afresh and relaxed, and a Saturday cocktail evening at the renowned Wise Winery, featuring sweeping views of the vineyard and bushland against the stunning background of Geographe Bay.
The conference will take place from 13 to 15 November 2026 at the Pullman Bunker Bay Resort in Margaret River.
Visit the ACE WA Country Conference event page for further details and to register.
ACE WA Lecture Series 2026 - Perioperative Medicine
Held on the evening of Monday 24 August, 48 participants attended this educational session in both face-to-face and online format, featuring Dr Lisa Redgrave, Perioperative Geriatrician and Internal Medicine Physician at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, who presented an update on perioperative medicine.
Dr Redgrave's expertise and passion for perioperative medicine were evident throughout her presentation. She holds a Master of Perioperative Medicine from Monash University, is a graduate of the ANZCA Chapter of Perioperative Medicine, and served on the topic working group for the recently published Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care Clinical Care Standard for Emergency Laparotomy.
Dr Redgrave outlined the key quality statements within the new standard and provided an overview of current developments and emerging trends in perioperative medicine. She also discussed the findings of recent enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) meta-analyses and explored their potential implications for contemporary anaesthetic practice.
The session concluded with a lively discussion on how anaesthetists and geriatricians can work collaboratively to improve patient outcomes.
We sincerely thank Dr Redgrave for delivering such an insightful, informative and engaging presentation.
EO HOD Annual Planning Meeting
Heads of department (HODs) from across Western Australia gathered in August for the annual Education Officer and HOD Planning Meeting, providing an opportunity to reflect on achievements, discuss emerging challenges and plan for the future of anaesthesia training in WA. Discussions were fuelled by pizza, Asian street food and a shared commitment to supporting trainees across the state.
A key focus was the continued growth and development of the WA Rotational Anaesthesia Training Program (WA RATP). Members received an update on Albany's completed accreditation process and the ongoing work to secure funding for trainee placements, while discussions also progressed regarding Osborne Park Hospital joining the rotation in the future. These developments represent exciting opportunities to further expand training capacity and regional exposure for WA trainees.
The committee also celebrated strong outcomes from the first semester 2026 Final Examination. Thirteen WA candidates successfully passed the written component, highlighting the dedication of trainees and the significant contribution of fellows and departments across the state who generously support examination preparation through teaching, mentoring and viva practice sessions.
As trainee numbers continue to grow and training pathways become increasingly flexible, HODs discussed innovative approaches to workforce planning, specialist study unit capacity and future training expansion to ensure WA remains a strong and supportive training environment for current and future trainees.
EO SOT news
The WA Education Officer and supervisors of training (SOTs) met in July to discuss training, workforce planning and education initiatives across WA. The meeting highlighted the strong collaboration between departments and the continued commitment of SOTs to supporting trainees throughout their ANZCA journey.
Several new SOT appointments were welcomed, including Dr Greg Leeb as a second SOT in Bunbury, strengthening regional training leadership and support. Members also discussed the national SOT Support Project, which aims to provide enhanced guidance, development opportunities and resources for SOTs across Australia and New Zealand.
With increasing trainee numbers and growing demand for examination support, members shared initiatives to expand viva preparation opportunities for both trainees and specialist international medical graduates (SIMGs). Departments across WA continue to work together to ensure candidates have access to high-quality preparation and mentoring in the lead-up to examinations.
Planning is also well underway for the upcoming WA SOT Education Meeting to be held on 16 October 2026. The annual event brings together training leaders from across the state to share ideas, discuss current educational topics and strengthen the WA training network.
ACE WA Lecture Series 2026 - POCUS Gastric Ultrasound Workshop
Held on 14 May at the ANZCA Office, and hosted by Dr Yayoi Ohashi (Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group) and Dr Charlie Ho (ACE Committee), this workshop was fully subscribed at 24 delegates.
Gastric ultrasound is an important tool in anaesthesia as it allows anaesthetists to make more informed decisions about patient safety, particularly in situations where fasting status is uncertain, in emergency surgery, or in patients with conditions that slow stomach emptying (GLP-1).
The workshop provided the delegates with a valuable opportunity to practise and further develop their gastric ultrasound skills through hands-on scanning and case-based learning. Participants were able to update their knowledge on emerging guidelines surrounding GLP-1 medications and their implications for anaesthetic risk, while also refining techniques for gastric volume assessment and aspiration risk evaluation. The interactive format supported practical learning, discussion, and skill development in an area of growing importance in contemporary anaesthetic practice.
Ms Melanie Roberts volunteered her baby bump for the workshop, giving fellows the unique demonstration of trying to locate a stomach that had been pushed out of its usual postcode by pregnancy!
Thank you to our coordinators and facilitators for generously volunteering their time, knowledge, and expertise to support the workshop and contribute to its outstanding success:
- Dr Charlie Ho, Royal Perth Hospital
- Dr Yayoi Ohashi, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group
- Dr Lisana Rodrigues, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group
- Dr Nadim Kozman, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group
- Dr Bjoern Paganetti, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group
- Dr Matthew Haggett, Royal Perth Hospital
- Dr Kiran Venkatesulu, Royal Perth Hospital
- Mr Simon Ferrero, Perth Radiological Clinic
We extend our sincere thanks to our volunteer models for fasting and generously assisting with the workshop, enabling the fellows to practise, refine, and update their gastric ultrasound skills in a hands-on learning environment:
- Dr Jess Zheng
- Dr Ethan Fitzclarence
- Dr Zollie Sutton
- Ms Bella Kennett
- Ms Mariam Haliem
- Mr Alex Davies
- Ms Ineke Krom
- Ms Melanie Roberts
Please visit the ACE WA Lecture Series event page to register and keep up to date with our upcoming events.
ACE WA Lecture Series 2026 - Morbidity and Mortality Workshop
Held on the 23 April at 6.45pm at the ANZCA Office, and hosted by Dr Bridget Hogan (ACE Committee, WA Regional Committee Chair) and Dr Archana Shrivathsa (ACE Committee, ASA WA Chair).
This workshop attracted an outstanding attendance of 85 delegates for an engaging evening of collaborative learning, reflection and discussion. Eligible for practice evaluation (measuring outcomes) CPD points, the workshop showcased a dynamic and contemporary approach to clinical education, bringing together anaesthesia professionals from across Western Australia to explore complex cases and shared experiences in a supportive learning environment.
The anonymised cases were complemented by the integration of live Poll Everywhere technology, enabling delegates to participate in real-time polling via mobile devices and web browsers. This created an engaging and interactive educational experience for both in-person and Zoom attendees, encouraging active participation and shared discussion throughout the session.
Thank you to Dr Bridget Hogan (pictured, right) and Dr Archana Shrivathsa (pictured, left) for taking the time to host the evening as part of the WA ACE Lecture Series.
Registrations are now open for the next Morbidity and Mortality workshop on 13 October 2026.
WA Final Exam Preparation Course
The WA Final Exam Preparation Course continues to go from strength to strength, providing candidates with access to a comprehensive program of evening tutorials, small-group discussions and viva preparation sessions in the lead-up to the ANZCA Final Examination.
The course brings together an experienced faculty of WA fellows who generously volunteer their time to support future specialists. Through interactive discussions and practical examination-focused teaching, candidates can refine their clinical reasoning, communication and examination techniques in a supportive learning environment.
This year has also seen growing demand for viva preparation opportunities, reflecting increasing numbers of both trainees and SIMGs presenting for final examinations in WA. Departments across the state have responded by working collaboratively to expand access to practice sessions and mentoring opportunities.
ANZCA WA extends its sincere thanks to all fellows, convenors and facilitators whose ongoing commitment helps maintain the high standard of examination preparation available to WA candidates.
Registrations are currently open for the following sittings:
- WA Final Exam Preparation Course – First Sitting 2027
- WA Final Exam Preparation Course - Second Sitting 2027
For any questions, please contact Elda Bloem, ANZCA WA Training and Course Coordinator.
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The Western Australian Trainee Committee is an elected body that act as a conduit between fellows and trainees in the Western Australian region and the ANZCA Council to which they report.
The Western Australia Regional Committee is an elected body that acts as a conduit between fellows and trainees in Western Australia, and the ANZCA Council to which they report.
The FPM WA Regional Committee is an elected body that acts as a conduit between fellows and trainees in the WA region, and the FPM Board to which they report.