The Australian Society of Anaesthetists

The Australian Society of Anaesthetists Supporting, representing and educating Australia’s anaesthetists since 1934.

The Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) was founded in 1934 as a voluntary association of members practicing anaesthesia throughout Australia. The ASA effectively promotes and protects the status, independence and best interests of Australian anaesthetists with its principal foci being the economic, workforce and professional interests of anaesthetists. This is achieved through negotiations with state and federal health departments and associated medical bodies, the development of policy and the publication of guidelines. The Society, jointly with the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA), provides representatives to Standards Australia, Medical Services Advisory Committee and the Professional Services Review Committee. The ASA's publications include the international peer review scientific journal, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, the ASA news and the Relative Value Guide. It conducts an annual National Scientific Congress, and in conjunction with ANZCA provides Continuing Medical Education events at individual state and territory levels. https://iamonline.org.au/
These interactive anaesthetic modules(iamonline)

https://www.csc2022.co.nz
Combined Scientific Congress 2022

Following the tragedy in Bondi last night, the ASA extends its unwavering support and deepest condolences to everyone af...
15/12/2025

Following the tragedy in Bondi last night, the ASA extends its unwavering support and deepest condolences to everyone affected by this devastating and senseless event.

Our hearts and thoughts are with all Australians, in particular the Jewish Community and for those who call Bondi home. The impacts on all of us will be long-lasting and we stand strongly behind an inclusive caring society that abhors violence.

For those who are responding to the treatment of survivors, our thoughts are with you. The loss of life, the grief of family and friends and extended trauma weighs heavily on our hearts.

As anaesthetists, some of us will be witnessing first-hand the physical and emotional toll of this senseless violence. We support you and thank-you for your remarkable professionalism and care. We are here to ensure you also care for yourself, your family, friends and community.

We recognise that many in our community will be struggling to process this loss and urge anyone affected to seek support from DRs4DRs or established community services.

Please know that you are not alone and we wrap our arms around you.

With heartfelt sympathy,

Dr Vida Viliunas OAM
President
Australian Society of Anaesthetists



If you are experiencing any distress, please utilise the support services below.

NSW Mental Health Line: Call 1800 011 511

Lifeline: Call 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114 or chat online.

Kids Helpline: Call 1800 551 800 or chat online.

Beyond Blue: Call 1300 224 636 or chat online.

13 Yarn: Call 13 92 76.

MensLine Australia: Call 1300 789 978.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call Triple Zero (000)

https://asa.org.au/news-and-media/asa-president-offers-heartfelt-condolences-over-the-bondi-tragedy

11/12/2025

It's time for renewals!

Dr Samantha Gluer has been an ASA member for 2 years. Listen in as she describes how her membership with the ASA made a real difference for her and her career. The ASA aims to support you in every aspect of your journey, with events and online resources to prepare you for exams.

Check your inbox for your renewal email. Alternatively, renew now via your member portal!

This morning ASA President, Dr Vida Viliunas, was interviewed by Rafael Epstein on the ABC Melbourne Mornings program ab...
11/12/2025

This morning ASA President, Dr Vida Viliunas, was interviewed by Rafael Epstein on the ABC Melbourne Mornings program about specialist fees and patient out-of-pocket costs.

Dr Viliunas says the ASA supports reasonable fees for anaesthetists and affordable care options for everybody, but that indexation of Medicare and private health insurance rebates are at the heart of this matter. She also stresses the need for more investment in the public health system and medical specialist training.

You can listen to the audio recording of this interview on the ABC website here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/melbourne-mornings/mornings/106113102

The segment is introduced by Rafael Epstein in the first two minutes and thirty seconds. The interview with Dr Viliunas begins at 7 minutes and concludes at 18 minutes and 45 seconds.

For more information you can read recent ASA media releases on the ASA website www.asa.org.au/news-and-media.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has just released reporting that tracks elective surgery data to a...
10/12/2025

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has just released reporting that tracks elective surgery data to assess public hospital performance and patient access to care. The latest snapshot shows Australia's public hospitals are still under significant strain with the number of elective surgery admissions and additions to waiting lists have both increased over the past 5 years, though average waiting time to be admitted has decreased.
The report and more information can be found here: https://www.aihw.gov.au/hospitals/topics/elective-surgery
To read the full story please visit the ASA website:
https://asa.org.au/news-and-media/australias-public-hospitals-still-under-significant-strain

🎧 New episode alert: The GLP-1 Revolution: What it Means for Anaesthesia with Dr Doug HackingIn this conversation, host ...
09/12/2025

🎧 New episode alert: The GLP-1 Revolution: What it Means for Anaesthesia with Dr Doug Hacking

In this conversation, host of Australian Anaesthesia podcast A/Prof Suzi Nou chats with Dr Doug Hacking, a paediatrician, anaesthetist, and researcher.

This episode dives into:
• Practical tips for balancing an academic research career with clinical medicine
• What it’s like to change specialties—from paediatrics to anaesthesia
• GLP 1 receptor agonists and what they mean for anaesthesia, based on Dr Hacking’s editorial in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care (Sept 2025)

👉 Tune in now – Episode 111: https://ow.ly/n9EL50XG4Ql

Thank you delegates!🌱🌱🌱It is with great pride we celebrate and acknowledge the massive contribution of 1,132 native tree...
09/12/2025

Thank you delegates!

🌱🌱🌱

It is with great pride we celebrate and acknowledge the massive contribution of 1,132 native trees and shrubs planted as a result of NSC25 and the Carbon Neutral Plant-A-Tree program.

🌱🌱🌱

Thank you to all who attended and contributed!

The Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) notes recent media reporting that seeks to confuse, cloud and mis-represen...
09/12/2025

The Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) notes recent media reporting that seeks to confuse, cloud and mis-represent medical specialists through simplified and often emotive statements that lack clinical context. These portrayals do not reflect the reality of Australia’s world-class healthcare system—one that is globally recognised for its strong mix of public and private care and the high standards maintained across both sectors.

Anaesthetists in Australia provide over 2.6 million episodes of care each year, delivering individualised, high-quality, and safety-driven services that enable patients to undergo surgery, interventional procedures, childbirth, trauma management and complex pain treatments. This care is provided under some of the most rigorous regulatory, professional, and training standards internationally.

ASA President Dr Vida Viliunas said attempts to reduce the work of medical specialists to simplistic cost comparisons or commodity-style metrics ignore the breadth of expertise required to safely care for patients.

“Anaesthesia is not a commodity. It is a highly specialised medical discipline that requires years of training, real-time decision-making, and substantial clinical judgement,” Dr Viliunas said.

“Every patient we care for is unique. Our role is to assess risk, manage pain, ensure safety, and intervene immediately if complications arise. These are not tasks that can be trivialised or reduced to soundbites.”

Recent commentary has also overlooked the high levels of patient satisfaction with specialist care. Government data consistently shows that more than 95% of services delivered in the private system are provided at no-gap or known-gap arrangements, meaning patients are fully informed of any costs in advance or incur no additional out-of-pocket fees at all.

To read more of the media release, please go to the ASA website: https://asa.org.au/news-and-media/getting-to-the-facts-on-specialist-fees

Our members are at the heart of everything we do, hear it from them first why they value their ASA membership.Renewals 2...
05/12/2025

Our members are at the heart of everything we do, hear it from them first why they value their ASA membership.

Renewals 2026 are here, check your inbox for your renewals email or log into your member portal on the ASA website.

Calling all researchers!Key dates for abstract submissions:Submission deadline: Monday 15 June 2026Results announced: Fr...
02/12/2025

Calling all researchers!
Key dates for abstract submissions:
Submission deadline: Monday 15 June 2026
Results announced: Friday 1 August 2026
For more information on abstract submission guidelines, presentation formats and prize descriptions please visit 👉 https://csc2026.com.au/call-for-abstracts/
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to share your research!

02/12/2025

Renewals 2026 are here!

Dr Alexander Courtney has been an ASA member for 6 years. His insights into ASA membership and what it has to offer anaesthetists, especially trainees, highlights some of the many reasons the ASA aims to support you. Connections and community are not only necessary to feel supported and engaged, they can be vital in growing and enhancing your knowledge, your practice and your career.

Check your inbox for your renewal email to renew. Alternatively, renew now via your ASA member portal: https://ow.ly/A9K150XAY9f

02/12/2025

Renewals 2026 are here!

Dr Alexander Courtney has been an ASA member for 6 years. His insights into ASA membership and what it has to offer anaesthetists, especially trainees, highlights some of the many reasons the ASA aims to support you. Connections and community are not only necessary to feel supported and engaged, they can be vital in growing and enhancing your knowledge, your practice and your career,

Check your inbox for your renewal email to renew. Alternatively, renew now via your member portal: https://asa.org.au/my-account/order-history?status=unpaid

Renewals 2026 are here! There are a number of amazing benefits to your ASA memberships but don't take our word for it - ...
29/11/2025

Renewals 2026 are here!

There are a number of amazing benefits to your ASA memberships but don't take our word for it - hear it from our members!

Check your inbox for your renewal email!

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The Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) was founded in 1934 as a voluntary association of members practicing anaesthesia throughout Australia. The ASA effectively promotes and protects the status, independence and best interests of Australian anaesthetists with its principal foci being the economic, workforce and professional interests of anaesthetists. This is achieved through negotiations with state and federal health departments and associated medical bodies, the development of policy and the publication of guidelines. The Society, jointly with the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA), provides representatives to Standards Australia, Medical Services Advisory Committee and the Professional Services Review Committee. The ASA's publications include the international peer review scientific journal, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, the ASA news and the Relative Value Guide. It conducts an annual National Scientific Congress, and in conjunction with ANZCA provides Continuing Medical Education events at individual state and territory levels. www.twitter.com/ASA_Australia Twitter https://www.aaic.net.au/ Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Journal http://asa2019.com.au/ National Scientific Congress (NSC) 2019