Teaching, training, employment and international involvement
The department is actively involved in teaching at both postgraduate and undergraduate levels, and also for other specialist personnel.
Postgraduate training
- The Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management has nine registrar positions and twelve senior registrar (advanced training in paediatric anaesthesia) positions.
- There is an education program for registrars which is held every Friday morning. This weekly half day program covers all aspects of paediatric anaesthesia
- Senior registrars have a separate program aimed at preparing them for life as a specialist anaesthetist.
- Candidates preparing for exams are helped informally by several members of staff with questions, trial oral examinations, etc.
- The registrar positions are filled by registrars from the North-Western and Eastern rotational programs in Victoria. RCH has no role in selection of rotating registrars.
- The Department also caters for international anaesthetists who have funding from their hospital, university or government, as supernumerary honorary anaesthetists.
Senior registrar/fellow positions
Each year the Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management offers up to twelve senior registrar (advanced training in paediatric anaesthesia) positions. These positions are either 6 or 12 month duration and commence in February or August. They are suitable for anaesthetists with previous paediatric anaesthesia training with a view to a career as a specialist paediatric anaesthetist or for a career in mixed adult/paediatric practice.
One of these 12 month positions is a combined research/clinical position, suitable for an anaesthetist aiming to pursue an academic career. The clinical exposure and terms and conditions are identical to the other positions
The advanced training program includes:
- General paediatric anaesthesia
- Paediatric anaesthesia specialties:
eg Craniofacial surgery, neurosurgery, urological surgery, major orthopaedic surgery, cardiac surgery, and cardiac, liver and renal transplantation - Acute pain management
As part of the clinical program, Fellows are expected to participate in the out of hours roster. On average this involves approximately 1 night in 8, and 1 weekend in 5.
A formal anaesthesia teaching program is provided for all advanced trainees, which includes:
- 4-hour tutorial every second week
- a general departmental education meeting for ½ hour per week
- a monthly evening 1 hour seminar on selected topics
In addition, advanced trainees are rostered for 5 hours of clinical support time, every second week. Advanced trainees are encouraged to use this time to engage in research and/or educational activities.
To be eligible for consideration for an advanced training position it is expected that applicants have:
- Significant previous experience in paediatric anaesthesia
- Plans for a future career in paediatric anaesthesia
- Strong references from paediatric anaesthetists
International applicants
International applicants are accepted. Applicants must be able to satisfy the registration requirements of the Medical Board of Australia. Applicants who have not completed secondary schooling with English as the primary language require current evidence of English language competency. More detailed information about medical registration requirements can be found at https://www.medicalboard.gov.au
Positions are generally advertised in March/April for commencement in February or August of the following year. Positions for 2022 have been filled.
More information can be obtained about these positions from Ms Cathi Taylor by email on cathi.taylor@rch.org.au
Medical students
The Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management accepts medical students for elective placements via the Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne.
Elective terms are for a maximum of four weeks and involve a clinical placement in the operating theatres at RCH. Objectives for the term are set by the student and their supervisor at the start of the term and each student is expected to complete a small project during their term.
Possible objectives include, but are not limited to:
- Gain an understanding of the management of the child in hospital
- Develop paediatric airway skills
- Develop paediatric intravenous cannulation skills
- Further understand paediatric pharmacology
- Develop an approach to managing procedural distress in children
Information about the application for elective terms can be found at https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/school-structure/paediatrics/study/clinical-electives
Anaesthesia technologists
Anaesthesia technologists also have the opportunity to assist with the professional development of other health care groups. Common sense, ability to work within multidisciplinary teams, good communication skills are just some of the attributes required.
Minimum qualification required to practice as an anaesthesia technologist is the Diploma of Anaesthetic Science - HLT50607, or overseas equivalent. These qualifications are recognised by the Australian and New Zealand College (ANZCA) of Anaesthetists. There are 35 Anaesthesia Technologists currently employed within the department of Paediatric Anaesthesia and Pain Management. For information regarding employment as an Anaesthesia Technologist please contact john.mchardy@rch.org.au.
International involvement
The department has for many years had an involvement with countries all round the world. Anaesthetists from over 30 countries have worked in the department while members of the staff have taught and lectured in over 60 countries.