Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists

Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists ANZCA is the professional body responsible for the specialties of anaesthesia and pain medicine in Australia and New Zealand.

The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) is one of the largest specialist medical colleges in Australia and New Zealand, and the region's foremost authority on anaesthesia, pain medicine and perioperative medicine. We're responsible for training, assessing, and setting standards for all specialist anaesthetists and specialist pain medicine physicians wishing to practice in Australia and New Zealand.​

As a proudly bi-national college, we offer our training, research, and lifelong learning programs on both sides of the Tasman, and work closely with the governments, healthcare services, and communities in each country on a wide range of issues. We also play a significant role in advancing global health. Take a look at who we are; how we work; where we've come from; and where we're going: www.anzca.edu.au

ANZCA AND FPM STATEMENTParacetamol use in pregnancy ANZCA and FPM are aware of recent claims from the US questioning the...
23/09/2025

ANZCA AND FPM STATEMENT
Paracetamol use in pregnancy

ANZCA and FPM are aware of recent claims from the US questioning the safety of paracetamol use in pregnancy.

These claims are not based on new evidence. Over the past 15 years, numerous studies have examined this question.

Recent biomarker studies (2019–2021) have suggested a possible association between late pregnancy paracetamol exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes, but these studies remain observational and cannot prove causation.

The full statement is here: tinyurl.com/5yye2npu

The ANZCA Council Award nominations for 2025 are now open! ANZCA’s suite of awards encourages recognition of our fellows...
22/09/2025

The ANZCA Council Award nominations for 2025 are now open!

ANZCA’s suite of awards encourages recognition of our fellows, trainees, and specialist international medical graduates. From high-profile fellows to unsung heroes of our college, we want to hear about them all.

Nominations are open until 31 October 2025.

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/4gFPn1u

19/09/2025

Anaesthesia is one of the most rewarding and fascinating fields of medicine you can specialise in. It’s a diverse and dynamic discipline, offering a wide range of research and sub-specialist opportunities.

Dr Tanya Selak is a specialist anaesthetist in Wollongong, and ANZCA vice-president.

“Everything excites me about anaesthesia. I've been doing it for 20 years, and I just can't believe that this is my job. How lucky am I to go to work every day, to go to a hospital, to work with an incredible team of really dedicated people?

I mean, hospitals sometimes get a bit of a bad rap, but the work that we do every day with our patients is just incredible”.

What keeps you passionate about anaesthesia? What gets you out of bed in the morning and excited to go to work, to show up for your patients and your team?

For National Anaesthesia Day (NAD) to be a success, we need the support of as many fellows and hospitals as possible. Today is your last chance to order a champions pack and receive a set of professionally printed posters, handouts and decorations. Join us in celebrating and helping our communities understand the vital role of anaesthetists in our health systems.

Head here: https://bit.ly/487LkZc

17/09/2025

Anaesthetists use their skills to provide an essential service, working as part of a team to coordinate your care before, during, and after surgery.

Anaesthetists have a unique set of clinical skills and robust physiological and pharmacological knowledge to ensure you get what you need out of your operation. They need to be good communicators, both with patients and the teams they work in, calm and able to deal with uncertainty, have exceptional attention to detail, and be compassionate and empathetic with patients and their families.

“I think the personality traits that make a good anaesthetist are empathy and compassion. I think you really, you need to have that empathy and compassion with the patient. I think that's really important to kind of understand how they're feeling”.

A/Prof Deborah Wilson FANZCA is a specialist anaesthetist in rural Tasmania, working in one of the smallest hospitals in Tassie.

It’s your last chance to nominate a National Anaesthesia Day (NAD) champion in your hospital or anaesthesia practice and receive a champions pack.

Head here: https://bit.ly/487LkZc

Professor Alicia Dennis is the ANZCA Australasian Visitor and Douglas Joseph Professor for the 2026 ANZCA Annual Scienti...
16/09/2025

Professor Alicia Dennis is the ANZCA Australasian Visitor and Douglas Joseph Professor for the 2026 ANZCA Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM).

Professor Dennis is an academic clinician researcher and obstetric anaesthetist based in Melbourne. The key focus of her research program is haemodynamics using echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance and cardiopulmonary exercise testing to determine the physiology of preeclampsia.

Alicia has more than 100 publications and has mentored and supervised over 80 medical students, anaesthesia and obstetric registrars and fellows, and early career consultants. Professor Dennis has received numerous national and international medals and prizes for her preeclampsia work including the Gilbert Troup Medal on two occasions, the Obstetric Anaesthetists’ Association of the UK Best Science Award, and the Zuspan Award for “the most outstanding clinical work” from the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy.

Find out more about Professor Dennis or see our other keynote speakers here: http://bit.ly/46lqjaZ

14/09/2025

Abstract submissions for this year's Aotearoa NZ Anaesthesia ASM close tomorrow! Final chance to submit your abstract and be considered for this year's prizes.
Get all the details on the NZ ASM25 website https://www.nzanaesthesia.com/abstracts/

Join us at Aotearoa NZ Anaesthesia ASM 2025
12-15 November, Kirikiriroa Hamilton
Earlybird registration is open

Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists

11/09/2025

It’s normal to feel nervous before an operation, especially if it’s your first time.

Remember, you’re in safe hands. Australia and New Zealand are two of the safest places in the world to have an anaesthetic. Your anaesthetist will be by your side throughout your operation, watching you closely and keeping you safe.

Dr Chris Cokis, FANZCA is a specialist anaesthetist in Western Australia.

Join us on Thursday 16 October to celebrate National Anaesthesia Day around Australia and New Zealand. Head here for more information: http://bit.ly/4mZP9Va

09/09/2025

Most of us will need the care of an anaesthetist at some stage in our lives. Every patient is different, every anaesthetic is different, and anaesthetists will make modifications according to your specific needs, but one thing will be the same – your anaesthetist will keep you safe and comfortable during your operation.

Dr Scott Ma, FANZCA is a paediatric anaesthetist in South Australia.

“I reassure children and their families that they are going to be safe, that I have been trained to deliver the care that is required to get them through an operation or for children, get through different procedures comfortably and safely”.

Join us on Thursday 16 October for National Anaesthesia Day to celebrate anaesthetists around Australia and New Zealand. Nominate a champion in your hospital or anaesthesia practice before Friday 19 September to receive a champion's pack with everything you'll need to celebrate. Head here for more: https://bit.ly/487LkZc

08/09/2025

Got a bold idea to uncover the hidden stories of anaesthesia, pain medicine, or perioperative care? Now’s your chance to bring it to life!

The History and Heritage Research Grant – an initiative of the Geoffrey Kaye Museum of Anaesthetic History and ANZCA is back for 2025.

We’re offering up to $A5000 to support research, preservation, and creative interpretation of this fascinating medical history in Australia and New Zealand.

From oral histories to exhibition development, conservation to digital storytelling – if it shines a light on our shared heritage, we want to see it!

Applications close 28 September 2025. Our Museum Curator, Veronica Dominiak, is here to chat through ideas and guide your proposal.

Find out more and apply here: http://bit.ly/46pAM6x

05/09/2025

When you’re under the care of an anaesthetist, you can be sure you’re in safe hands. Anaesthetists are highly qualified specialist doctors with more than 12 years of medical training. They have unique clinical knowledge and skills, making Australia and New Zealand two of the safest countries to have an anaesthetic.

Professor Leonie Watterson, FANZCA is a specialist anaesthetist in New South Wales and has been an anaesthetist for nearly 30 years.

“I think anaesthetists really play an important role in being good listeners, connecting with patients, advocating for them.”

Thursday 16 October is National Anaesthesia Day where we’ll be celebrating anaesthetists around Australia and New Zealand. There’s still time to nominate a champion in your hospital or anaesthesia practice and receive a champions pack. Head here to sign up: https://bit.ly/487LkZc

05/09/2025

Abstract Submissions for this year’s Aotearoa NZ Anaesthesia ASM close soon! September 14. This is a great opportunity to share your research with colleagues across the motu, with prizes on offer:
- The John Ritchie Prize - $2500 + option to apply for the NZSA Ritchie Prize Research Grant (up to $5000).
- ANZCA Trainee Prize - $1000
- ASM Poster Prize $500

Visit the NZ ASM25 website for submission and full prize details
https://www.nzanaesthesia.com/abstracts/

Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists

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630 St Kilda Road
Melbourne, VIC
3004

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ANZCA is one of Australasia's largest specialist medical colleges, and responsible for the training, examination and specialist accreditation of anaesthetists and pain medicine specialists and for the standards of clinical practice in Australia and New Zealand. The College also plays a significant role in the advancement of anaesthesia in south-east Asia and South Pacific island countries. ANZCA, which includes the Faculty of Pain Medicine, was formed in February 1992 after 40 years operating as a Faculty of Anaesthetists within the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Its function is to cultivate and maintain the highest principles and standards in the training, practice and ethics of anaesthesia, perioperative medicine and pain medicine. To assist the ANZCA Council in achieving its objectives, the College engages professional and administrative staff located at ANZCA House, in the New Zealand national office, and in state and territory regional offices. The Faculty of Pain Medicine assists the ANZCA Council to achieve these objectives in the area of pain medicine.