Australian Anaesthesia

Epizódy

• Ep122. From Theatre to Tribunal - Dr Gaby Bolton on Fair Pay for Junior Doctors 22.06.2026 35min

  I am so grateful to Dr Gaby Bolton for taking time out of her exam preparation to have this conversation with me. Not only has she spent the last 6 years training in anaesthesia but she was also the lead applicant in a landmark class action lawsuit against Peninsula Health over unpaid overtime. Her journey began in 2020 as the HMO Society President, representing her peers as they sought a uniform allowance as they faced the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Bolton took on significant professional and personal risks, and made huge efforts to support others. She spent months preparing for trial and endured days of cross examination in the witness box. It comes as no surprise that all of this, plus the media attention that ensued took a toll on her exam preparations. I am so pleased to announce that Dr Bolton has passed all exams! Dr Bolton also shares some great insights into performance anxiety and what drives her to advocate for those unable to speak up for themselves. A true inspiration!Our March 2026 edition of Australian Anaesthetist is all about advocacy. Read it here. Other podcasts you might be interested in:Ep115. How the ASA can support youEp64. If you've failed examsEp84. If you're navigating AhpraBuy your discounted ASA scrubs here (login required).Some AI generated notes:Episode Highlights 00:02:15: I congratulate Dr. Bolton on passing her exams and contextualise why I delayed publishing this episode, setting up the significance of her journey00:04:45: Dr Bolton explains the catalyst for the class action—a refused $8.87 weekly uniform allowance during the pandemic when junior doctors were required to wear scrubs to protect families00:09:30: Legal firm Hayden Stephens approaches Dr Bolton after an AMA survey, warning her of potential career damage and requesting her to be the lead applicant for Peninsula Health00:15:20: Bolton describes her meticulous documentation process, creating dossiers of two years of work records including pay slips, rosters, WhatsApp chats, and car park records for legal evidence00:22:40: The trial is scheduled for June 2022, just six weeks before Bolton's primary exam, creating significant stress during her introductory training time00:28:15: Bolton spends three-and-a-half days in the witness box, undergoing intensive trial preparation with barristers and facing cross- examination that challenges her authority as a junior doctor00:35:50: A barrister questions Bolton's use of "my patients," implying she lacks authority; she responds by articulating the reality of junior doctor responsibility and accessibility00:42:30: Bolton fails her primary exam four to five weeks after the trial, attributing it partly to performance anxiety that has affected her since age nine00:48:15: Bolton discusses how performance anxiety only affects her in high-stakes personal evaluations, not in clinical emergencies or advocacy work for others00:54:00: Bolton ultimately passes her primary exam in October 2024, with support from mentors who had also failed multiple times01:01:20: Discussion of media involvement post-settlement, including media training and how Bolton balanced public advocacy with exam preparation01:07:45: I ask about Dr Bolton's future interest in medical politics and wellbeing advocacy; Bolton reflects that advocacy "usually finds her" rather than being a deliberate choiceKey Takeaways Systemic injustice requires individual courage: Bolton's decision to become the lead applicant, despite explicit warnings of career damage, demonstrates that protecting vulnerable colleagues, particularly IMGs reliant on supervisor sign-offs, sometimes requires personal sacrifice from those with more privilege or securityMeticulous preparation mitigates risk: Bolton's obsessive documentation and organisation, combined with professional legal support and intensive trial preparation, enabled her to withstand three-and-a-half days of cross-examination and emerge credibly despite being a junior doctor facing institutional powerPerformance anxiety is context-dependent and treatable: Bolton's insight that anxiety affects personal evaluations but not clinical emergencies reveals the psychological distinction between ego-threat and external responsibility; reframing exams as service to patients rather than self-judgment may help traineesPeer support and realistic mentorship matter more than false reassurance: Bolton valued mentors who acknowledged uncertainty ("I don't have a crystal ball") over well-meaning colleagues offering hollow guarantees; normalising exam failure and creating space for multiple attempts reduces shame and isolationAdvocacy often emerges from proximity to injustice: Bolton's journey from HMO representative to class action lead applicant to potential future medical politician illustrates how systemic problems, combined with individual values and opportunity, can reshape career trajectories toward advocacyQuotable Moments "I think they went around every single loophole they could to get out of paying something that wouldn't cover even a half a pair of scrubs to people to protect their families.""I felt at the time, maybe it was a little bit self-destructive and maybe has been in some ways, but I thought, well, I'm in a position to do it. It's something I think I'm capable of. It's something that I think I won't suffer consequences as badly as probably some other people would. And somebody has to do it.""They are totally your patients... I'm the one that's doing all their paperwork, putting all their drips in, changing all the medicines, talking to their families that no one's called for three days.""It doesn't affect me in anything except something that I value as affecting me personally. I've never had it at work in no way in any emergencies of work. It doesn't come up when it involves doing things for other people. But as soon as it becomes really personal and a direct judgment on me; it hadn't happened for a really long time."
• EP121. The Social Script: What Doctors Should (and Shouldn’t) Post on Social Media with Dr Maria Li 14.06.2026 39min

  In this episode I chat with Sydney General Practitioner and social media expert, Dr Maria Li on the best practices for doctors on social media. Dr Li has created tonnes of content, collaborated with over 100 professionals and organisations and is a member of the WHO's global FIDES network.We focus on 5 key principles for responsible social media use because I would love to see more doctors being a credible source of accurate information for patients on social media.I encourage you to look at the other content we produce and let me know what you think!YouTubeLinkedInFacebookInstagramTikTokBlueskyUseful articles from Ahpra and Dr Li:Ahpra social media guidanceSocial media is mediaPopularity is not respectYour posts should reflect your judgementNever make fun of patientsComments count as contentSome AI generated notes:Episode Highlights00:02:15: Maria Li explains how she started an Instagram account during lockdown in 2020 out of boredom, initially posting bland health promotion content that unexpectedly grew into a major passion project.00:05:30: Maria discusses her organic collaboration approach—reaching out to subject matter experts on social media to co-create content, offering graphic design services as an incentive, and iterating through multiple drafts before publishing.00:08:45: Maria describes joining the WHO's global network of social media influencers, explaining how centralised health messaging proved insufficient against decentralised misinformation on social platforms.00:12:00: Maria establishes the foundational principle that social media is media—a public broadcast stage, not intimate conversation—using the example of a Victorian doctor deregistered by AHPRA for posting negative commentary about gay, Chinese, and Muslim people.00:16:30: Maria explains how social media algorithms amplify content triggering outrage, fear, and anger, creating a trap where doctors unconsciously drift toward sensationalism.00:22:15: Maria provides the example of a nurse who went viral crying in a hospital corridor after a patient death, only to face intense backlash for appearing to exploit the tragedy for engagement.00:28:45: Maria warns against making fun of patients through role-plays and mocking videos, citing the Santa Barbara urgent care clinic staff who were terminated after posting videos laughing at patient bodily fluids.00:35:20: Maria addresses patient privacy concerns, explaining that identifiers extend beyond names to include tattoos, distinctive features, and contextual details that could enable identification even without explicit consent.00:42:00: Maria illustrates how comments are public content through the example of "Dr. Jane," an obstetrician who received a formal complaint after arguing heatedly in a local Facebook mums group00:48:30: Maria emphasizes that following trends exhausts creators and confuses audiences.Key TakeawaysTreat every social media post as a televised interview with your name and credentials displayed—the regulatory standard for online behavior mirrors in-person professional conduct.Prioritize credibility and respect over viral engagement; algorithms reward emotional arousal and controversy, but this conflicts with building sustainable professional reputations.Comments, screenshots, and deleted content remain permanent evidence; assume all social media activity is discoverable and can trigger formal regulatory complaints or reputational damage.Quality and authenticity matter far more than posting frequency; doctors can build loyal followings by staying true to their genuine interests rather than chasing algorithmic trends.Patient privacy extends beyond names to distinctive features, contextual details, and even background appearances; when in doubt, obtain explicit consent or increase anonymization.Quotable Moments"Social media is media. That's the principle. Social media is actually really good at fooling us into thinking that it's intimate and it's personal.""The moment you do post, you actually completely lose control of who sees your content. Kind of like a radio interview. Once you say what you say, you have no idea who's listening.""Before you make a post I want you to actually ask yourself this question: would I say this on TV with my name and my job title on the screen? If the answer is no why would you say it on social media?""Attention doesn't equal respect. Attention doesn't equal credibility. So that's what I mean when I say popularity isn't respect.""You don't need to win arguments online. People get really up in arms about winning an argument against someone they've never met. You don't need to. You can just walk away.""Your superpower is whatever you genuinely care about, even when nobody's watching. Create what you're passionate about and you don't need to attract an audience. They will find you."
• Ep120. webAIRS meets M&M with Dr Yasmin Endlich 06.06.2026 26min

  In this episode I chat with Dr Yasmin Endlich, Medical Director at webAIRS, web based Anaesthesia Incident Reporting System. We currently have over 13,000 reports in webAIRS, making it one of the world's largest incident reporting systems.We chat about the various analyses (currently over 30 underway!), what's happening behind the scenes and how we will be discussing de-identified incident reports at the up and coming Australian Society of Anaesthetists M&M meeting. I also couldn't help discussing safety-II principles - examining what went right to prevent harm rather than only analysing failures.Three action items to consider:Come to the next ASA M&M meeting! 29th June 2026. Complimentary registration for ASA members. Register or find the next event hereJoin webAIRS user, if you haven't already. Any anaesthetist or trainee member of the ASA is eligible. Report your incidents. Including the near misses. Help us better develop a safety-II approachThree more podcasts on webAIRS:Ep54. webAIRS with Prof Martin CulwickEp57. webAIRS: Lingual Nerve InjuryEp79. webAIRS: Jaw DislocationSome AI generated notes:Key TakeawayswebAIRS is the world's largest anesthetic incident reporting system with over 13,000 reports, enabling rare event analysis and evidence-based safety improvements across Australia and New Zealand.Safety-II methodology—analysing what went right in near misses and no-harm events—offers a complementary approach to traditional incident analysis and may drive more effective safety interventionsImplementation science remains underdeveloped in anaesthesia. Most institutions adapt to safety recommendations but rarely publish their implementation processes, limiting knowledge sharing and replicationwebAIRS supports institutional M&M programs through anonymous, de-identified case access with categorization tools. ASA is launching exclusive member M&M events using webAIRS dataRegistration with webAIRS offers dual benefits: self-reflection and learning for individual reporters, plus contribution to community-wide safety analysis. Reporting is legally privileged, anonymous, and eligible for CPD creditQuotable Moments"We understand that the health system is a complex beast, which we as humans are constantly adapting and adjusting or creating workarounds to keep things safe for our patients and usually efficient as well.""We report a lot. So the numbers of our reports are there. Then they get assessed. But the reporting back and then looking at systems and then looking how to improve things and going up the pyramid to reduce adverse events, that's basically where it stops in most healthcare areas.""It's not only important for oneself when you report as it's a part of self-reflection. It is a part of working through an incident yourself as well. But it also benefits the wider community.""We don't want is anybody who has reported an incident feel like, oh, we are not treating the data safely. We 100% are. And it will stay anonymous and it will stay completely de-identifiable as well."
• Ep 119. Thoughtfully, Forever 21.05.2026 15min

  In this episode, I'm reviewing an article that was published in the April 2026 Anaesthesia and Intensive Care journal (AIC). It's all about sharps waste management! A snapshot (literally) on what we are placing in our sharps bins and whether there is any room for improvement (spoiler alert - yes, there is plenty!). I also share some insights from my Sabbatical in Switzerland.This podcast accompanies the poster designed by Dr Nathan Chin in the June 2026 Australian Anaesthetist magazine. Download your free copy here.To read the scientific paper from AICm click here. You may need your ASA login to access it.Three more episodes you might want to listen to:Ep69. Talking TRA2SH - trainee led research into sustainability in healthcare with Dr Jess DaviesEp96. Introducing Prof Philip Peyton, new editor in chief at Anaesthesia and Intensive CareEp114. Laughing Gas, Serious Waste: Measuring Nitrous Wastage with Dr Ethan FitzclarenceSome AI generated notes:Episode Highlights00:00:30: Introduction to the sharps bin contamination study from April 2026 Anesthesia and Intensive Care journal, featuring artwork by anaesthesia trainee Dr. Nathan Chin00:02:15: Sharps waste disposal costs 30 times more than general waste, with incineration producing 10 times the carbon footprint of regular waste disposal00:04:45: UK data shows sharps disposal produces 50 times more carbon dioxide emissions compared to recycling00:06:30: Zurich, Switzerland example demonstrating the "polluter pays principle" through mandatory tax-added garbage bags and strict recycling enforcement00:10:20: Study methodology involved photographing sharps bins and counting non-sharps contamination across multiple hospital sites00:12:45: Key finding: 79.5% of non-sharps items could theoretically be recycled, but only 18% could realistically be recycled with current hospital infrastructure00:15:30: Most common sharps bin contaminants include glass vials (propofol bottles), plastic syringes without needles, IV lines, endotracheal tubes, and single-use stainless steel instruments00:18:15: Only 19% of surveyed hospitals can recycle plastic syringes and one-third can recycle plastic ampoules, with glove recycling available at only one surveyed siteKey TakeawaysHealthcare waste management practices significantly lag behind residential recycling standards; implementing systematic segregation at point of use could dramatically reduce environmental impact and costsPolicy presence alone does not ensure compliance—hospitals must invest in infrastructure, education, and accountability systems to translate waste management guidelines into operational realityIndividual clinician behaviour change is achievable and impactful; simple actions like detaching needles from syringes before disposal can redirect substantial waste from expensive sharps streamsHospitals should audit their recycling capabilities and partner with waste management providers to expand options for plastic syringes, glass vials, and metal instruments currently defaulting to sharps binsQuotable Moments"Sharps bin waste is the most expensive waste to get rid of, both from an economic perspective and also in terms of the impact on our environment.""Getting rid of sharps waste could be 30 times more expensive than getting rid of general waste. 30 times!""Sharpe's disposal, the autoclaving crushing landfill type of disposal, produces 50 times the amount of carbon dioxide emission compared to recycling. 50 times. Whoa.""We buy stuff, we open endless amounts of packaging and we don't think about how or how much it's going to cost to dispose of it.""Nearly 80% or four in five items could have been recycled for perhaps one 50th of the carbon footprint. That is astounding."
• Ep118. Trauma Informed Care with Brigette Berry 04.05.2026 43min

  In this episode, I explore trauma informed care with expert clinical psychologist Brigette Berry who specialises in acute and chronic pain. We examine five core principles of Fallot and Harris (2009): safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration and empowerment.Trauma informed care benefits all patients, not just those who have disclosed trauma. For example, many women may have undisclosed trauma, children and neurodivergent people could all benefit from the application of these principles.Brigette recommends the Blue Knot Foundation for support and further training.Three other episodes of the Australian Anaesthesia podcast you might enjoy listening to are:Ep55. Hypnotising children! with Drs Annette Webb and James AuldEp60. Communicate like a Boss with Dr Andrea WojnickiEp83. The Women's Empowerment and Leadership Initiative (WELI) with Prof Nina Deutsch & A/Prof Larry SchwartzLet me know if you're interested in the Blue Knot training or any other feedback: podcast@asa.org.auSome AI generated notes:Episode Highlights00:02:15: Suzi introduces the concept of non-technical skills as essential core competencies for good doctoring, noting that anaesthetists can inadvertently contribute to patient trauma through insensitive communication.00:05:30: Bridgette defines trauma using DSM-5 criteria as experiencing a literal or perceived threat to life, and notes that general anaesthesia itself may constitute a perceived threat to self.00:08:45: Discussion of statistics showing one in three women have experienced interpersonal violence, emphasising the prevalence of trauma in patient populations without requiring explicit disclosure.00:12:20: Explanation of the five trauma-informed care principles from Fallot and Harris (2009): safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.00:15:00: Practical safety applications including physical environment modifications (lighting, noise reduction), narrating procedures, and obtaining consent for physical contact.00:22:30: Bridgette highlights unconscious behaviours in healthcare settings, such as lifting blankets without introduction or consent, demonstrating how small actions affect emotional safety.00:28:15: Discussion of preoperative communication using positive language and imagery to support post-operative recovery and self-efficacy, referencing hypnosis-based communication techniques.00:35:40: Bridgette introduces the COPE AHEAD skill from dialectical behaviour therapy as an evidence-based framework for imagined rehearsal and coping strategy preparation.00:42:00: Emphasis on maintaining professional boundaries and respectful containment as essential components of trustworthiness, alongside being curious about fostering safety.00:45:15: Bridgette recommends Blue Knot Foundation training and resources as practical tools for implementing trauma-informed care in healthcare settings.Key TakeawaysTrauma-informed care is universal best practice applicable to all patients, not only those with disclosed trauma histories, and benefits neurodivergent individuals and children equally.Simple acts of narration, consent-seeking, and signposting (e.g., "I'm about to put the drip in") significantly reduce threat perception and build emotional safety without requiring additional time.Anaesthetists have a powerful preoperative role in setting positive post-operative outcomes through clear expectations, anxiety reduction, and empowering communication that improves both physical recovery and patient trust in healthcare systems.Individualisation within a trauma-informed framework is essential; clinicians should remain flexible and responsive to patient cues, recognising that some patients may find excessive choice overwhelming while others require it.Professional development training through organisations like Blue Knot Foundation provides practical, evidence-based tools for implementation, and adopting these principles requires ongoing humility and willingness to unlearn and relearn practices.Quotable Moments"There is always something more to learn, something more I can improve upon.""One in three women have experienced some type of interpersonal violence, as an example. So if we think about one in three patients that we see for anaesthetic procedures, you know, there's a high proportion of those who experience traumatic events.""Re-traumatisation is a very real thing. And I guess when we go through the principles, I can dive in slightly further. But we know, especially for those who have been through the more kind of chronic, prolonged, inescapable traumas, that are cumulative, we're less likely to feel safe within our own bodies.""Even if we're asking the question of, is there anything else we can do in this space within reason that could make you more comfortable? That's really therapeutic than just not asking and making the person feel like they can't advocate for anything.""It's the spirit of cooperation. So that may have to involve negotiation for the specific person in front of me.""Being curious about how can I foster more safety. I think training, professional development training within your setting is really, really helpful.""It's very humbling though, I will say, working in a trauma-informed way. So there's always stuff to learn unlearn, relearn, you know, and it's about humbling ourselves enough to be okay with that process because it makes us better clinicians and then it gives our patients a better experience."
• Ep117. Anaesthesia, Advocacy, and Authentic Leadership with Dr Mark Priestley 06.04.2026 45min

  In this episode I chat with Dr Mark Priestley, Chair of the Leadership and Management Special Interest Group (LAMSIG), Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation (ASMOF) NSW and ANZCA Councillor.We are chatting about one of my favourite topics – leadership!We go through my 4 part leadership curriculum, the importance of identifying core personal values, his work based on the book “Crucial Conversations” and navigating media when speaking out.Want to continue discussing leadership?Listen to Episode 83 where I chat with Professor Nina Deutsch and Assoc Prof Larry Schwarz about the Women’s Empowerment and Leadership InitiativeDr Priestley hosts a leadership and management discussion at the ASA’s 2025 National Scientific Congress (NSC). The videos from the 2025 NSC are due out in August. ASA members can access them here.The leadership collection of the Australian Anaesthesia podcast can be found on the LAMSIG webpage.Find out more about AUS-NZ WELI and apply to join here.Some AI generated notes:Episode Highlights00:02:15: Assoc Prof Suzi Nou introduces WELI (Women's Empowerment and Leadership Initiative), a mentorship program matching emerging leaders with advisors, designed to address the underrepresentation of women in senior anaesthesia roles.00:05:30: Mark Priestley discusses how leadership became his passion after joining the tripartite ASA/ANZCA/NZSA Leadership Special Interest Group five years ago, discovering that leadership development is largely absent from medical training.00:12:45: Priestley describes the AFRACMA (Affiliated Royal College of Medical Administrators) course as valuable for understanding healthcare management, finance, and difficult conversations, delivered as half-day fortnightly sessions over six months.00:18:20: Mark explains his transition to Head of Department at Westmead Hospital after six months’ sabbatical, emphasizing that effective leadership combines both strategic vision and day-to-day management.00:28:40: Discussion of ASMOF (Australian Salary and Medical Officers Federation) and Priestley's advocacy for improved working conditions in New South Wales, noting that unions thrive when organisational leadership fails.00:35:15: Mark addresses concerns about speaking publicly on contentious issues, recommending transparency with stakeholders and clear communication about media appearances to avoid ambush situations.00:42:00: Suzi presents a four-part leadership curriculum: self-knowledge, communication and negotiation, strategic thinking and political context, and mentoring the next generation.00:48:30: Mark emphasizes the importance of identifying core personal values and "ratcheting down the moral compass" to guide decisions when facing conflicting priorities.00:55:45: Priestley describes his workshop on difficult conversations, based on the book "Crucial Conversations," delivered specifically to anaesthetists with clinically relevant scenarios.01:08:20: Mark discusses the inaugural Heads of Department networking day (H2H), designed as a forum for senior leaders to discuss challenging scenarios and share expertise.01:15:30: Priestley announces his transition from Head of Department to ANZCA Council member and ASA PIAC (Professional Issues Advisory Committee) representative, continuing his leadership contribution at a broader level.Key TakeawaysLeadership development should begin early and continue throughout your career; it's not a single destination but a continuous learning cycle involving reflection, feedback-seeking, and strategic growth.Self-awareness is the foundational prerequisite for all other leadership skills—you cannot effectively manage others or navigate complex situations without first understanding your own values, strengths, and limitations.Difficult conversations are a core leadership competency that can be learned and improved through deliberate practice; avoiding them creates long-term organizational dysfunction and erodes influence.Strategic focus requires saying "no" to good opportunities to concentrate on two or three truly important priorities; attempting everything leads to failure and burnout.Formal credentials and titles matter less than demonstrated competence, authentic communication, and the ability to build trust with stakeholders across hierarchical levels.Quotable Moments"Once you've finished your training, whether it be in anaesthesia or another area completely outside of medicine, then most of your career development will be made in the area of leadership.""If you don't know yourself, you can't manage yourself, you can't manage yourself, you can't manage others.""The big decisions are not what you're going to do, but what you're not going to do, like deliberately actively decide to put on a back burner because the common mistake is to try too much.""If you think the good stuff means they're talking about you, then you have to accept that maybe the bad stuff means they're talking about you and sometimes you're better off ignoring the commentary, you know, full stop.""Unions thrive when the corporation or the organisational leadership is failing. And I think that's what's happening in New South Wales."
• Ep116. Mastering Emergencies - Inside the New Anaesthetic Crisis Manual with Dr David Borshoff 09.03.2026 36min

  I chat with Dr David Borshoff about the latest edition of the Anaesthetic Crisis Manual. This edition includes a new 'Prevention' section, collaboration with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and comes out in 2 versions: International and North American.As an ASA member, you are eligible for a FREE(!) or discounted Manual. Contact asa@asa.org.au for more details.Not a member? Find out about more benefits of being a member here:https://asa.org.au/types-of-membershipKey TakeawaysCognitive aids like the Anesthetic Crisis Manual reduce cognitive load and anxiety during crises by providing systematic reassurance rather than replacing clinical judgment.Simplicity in crisis management protocols requires substantial effort— Dr Borshoff spent nine months updating the fourth edition with fellowship-level study commitment to distill information to essential directives.Team communication and psychological safety are critical; the anaesthetic technician's willingness to speak up during Dr Borshoff's front-of-neck access directly contributed to patient survival.Passion projects and creative outlets in medicine maintain professional engagement and curiosity, preventing burnout while advancing patient safety and departmental culture.Accessibility matters: offering manuals free to trainees and discounted to members embeds cognitive aid culture into the profession from early career stages.Quotable Moments"None of us are infallible 100% of the time.""When you're cognitively loaded, you want to be making as few decisions as possible so that you can stick to the big stuff.""The crisis manual is there to support the clinical acumen and the decision making of the doctor. It's not the other way around.""If you've got something that you're passionate about, then you're prepared to do the work and you don't realise how many hours are ticking away while you're doing it.""Why don't you just do it properly, doc?" — The anaesthetic technician's intervention that broke Borshoff's fixation error during emergency front-of-neck access.Some other episodes you might enjoy:Ep25. The Anaesthetic Crisis Manual with Dr David BorshoffEp78. AMAX4 - a cognitive aid for anaphylaxis with Dr Ben McKenzieFind the Anaesthetic Crisis Manual and other Crisis Manuals here: https://leeuwinpress.com.au/ We welcome any feedback: podcast@asa.org.au
• Ep115. How the ASA Cares for You - Wellbeing Resources with Dr Lan-Hoa Le 23.02.2026 26min

  We have a new wellbeing webpage!In this episode I chat with Dr Lan-Hoa Le, Chair of the ASA's Wellbeing Advocates Committee. She has been busy curating a webpage with a tonne of useful resources from crisis helplines, peer support programs and mindfulness training. There is something there for everyone, whether you or a colleague would appreciate some confidential support, you are interested in supporting others or you already have a well established interest and role in developing wellbeing in the workplace.We welcome all anaesthetists and those that support us to visit the webpage, regardless of your ASA membership status. You can find it here.Everymind's guide to language and suicideEp33. Substance use disorder: A personal perspective with Dr Colin BairdEp84. Ahpra with AMA Policy Manager Nick ElmittDonate to or seek assistance from the ASA Benevolent Fund.
• Ep114. Laughing Gas, Serious Waste: Measuring Nitrous Wastage with Dr Ethan Fitzclarence 09.02.2026 30min

  Who likes the idea of excessive waste in healthcare? Especially when it is something that can impact our colleagues and has negative climate effects?In this episode I chat with Dr Ethan Fitzclarence, from Perth, Western Australia about an audit he conducted as part of his anaesthetic training. He discovered an astounding amount of nitrous oxide was being leaked to the atmosphere. We discuss his methodology, the health impacts of nitrous oxide waste and the growing movement to toward decommissioning pipeline systems in favour of cylinder-based delivery.Read our Joint Statement on decommissioning nitrous oxide medical gas pipeline systems.For this work, Dr Fitzclarence won the Nerida Dilworth prize - congratulations! Find more information about this and other ASA research prizes here. The accompanying poster to the podcast can be found in the March 2026 edition of Australian Anaesthetist. The September 2022 edition is all about environmental sustainability and where you can read more about this and other initiatives undertaken by anaesthetists. Both are available on the ASA website.Learn more about other ways to get involved in an audit as a trainee:Ep69. Talking TRA2SH - trainee led research into sustainability in healthcare with Dr Jess Davies
• Ep113. Airway, Breathing, Calm - ABCs of Yoga and Anaesthesia with Dr Andrea Binks 05.02.2026 43min

  Welcome to 2026!In this episode I chat with Dr Andrea Binks, an anaesthetist and accomplished yoga facilitator from Wollongong, NSW. Dr. Binks shares her unconventional journey into anaesthesia, transitioning from physician and cardiology training in the UK to intensive care and eventually anaesthesia. I learn how yoga has been a constant in her life since childhood, evolving from a personal practice to teaching qualification, and how it now informs her approach to patient care.We explore the intersection of trauma-informed yoga practices and anaesthetic practice, the use of invitational language, and the importance of patient autonomy, and creating safe spaces for vulnerable patients.Episodes you may want to enjoy after this one:Ep98. Coaching for Doctors with Dr Anne FranklEp83. The Women's Empowerment and Leadership Initiative (WELI) with Prof Nina Deutsch & A/Prof Larry SchwartzEp106. Anaesthesia Unlocked: Fast-tracking IMGs in Australia with Prof David StoryFind out more about the Australian and New Zealand chapter of WELI - Women's Empowerment and Leadership InitiativeWe welcome new members and any feedback.https://asa.org.au/types-of-membership/how-to-join/podcast@asa.org.au
• Ep112: Success, Safety and Risk in Anaesthesia with Professor Tim Cook 22.12.2025 26min

  I catch up with Professor Tim Cook, of the UK National Audit Projects live at the Australian Society of Anaesthetists' National Scientific Congress (NSC). We discuss his incredible work, his ideas of success and what risk in anaesthesia mean to him.ASA branded scrubs are here! Only available to ASA members. Get your discounted scrubs with free embroidery here.https://asa.org.au/your-asa-advantage-program#scrubsProfessor Cook's talk from the NSC is available to be viewed on demand. If you haven't already registered, you can do so here: https://asansc.com.au/registration/3 other episodes to listen to:Ep54: webAIRS with Prof Martin CulwickEp79: webAIRS: jaw dislocationEp111: The GLP-1 Revolution: What it Means for Anaesthesia with Dr Doug HackingWant to access more resources? Become an ASA member!We welcome any feedback. podcast@asa.org.au
• Ep111. The GLP-1 Revolution: What it Means for Anaesthesia with Dr Doug Hacking 08.12.2025 35min

  In this episode:The last of my thought bubble talks on how to introduce yourself with confidence and claritySome tips on balancing an academic research career and clinical medicineChanging from one medical specialty (e.g. paediatrics) to another (e.g anaesthesia)I'm chatting with Dr Doug Hacking, paediatrician, anaesthetist, researcher. We are discussing GLP-1 receptor agonists and what they mean for anaesthesia. This is based on his editorial in the September 2025 edition of the scientific journal, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care.ASA Members! Are you interested in learning more about gastric POCUS? At the end of the podcast I share with you an exclusive offer that will save you hundreds of dollars.Link to Prof Dariush Mozaffarian podcast on the health harms of unprocessed foods and ralated policies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaiGzkKIgbcThe exclusive ASA gastric POCUS offer: https://www.asahq.org/education-and-career/educational-and-cme-offerings/gastric-pocus Become an ASA member to access these resources and more: https://asa.org.au/types-of-membership/how-to-join/We welcome any feedback: podcast@asa.org.au
• Ep110. Tips for Aspiring Anaesthetists: A Conversation with Prof Ed Mariano 24.11.2025 18min

  In this episode I hand the mic over to Dr Tom Neal-Williams, an anaesthetic trainee and hard working member of the ASA Communications Committee to be a guest host on the podcast. He is talking with Professor Ed Mariano, regional anaesthesia guru, researcher, leader and educator and gaining tips on how he navigates his career. I also share some thoughts on vocal fry. This episode was recorded live at the ASA's National Scientific Congress in Canberra. If you want to watch Professor Mariano's talks from the Congress (and I suggest you do), you can register for access here: https://asansc.com.au/registration/Join the ASA to have access to more great educational content: https://asa.org.au/types-of-membership/how-to-join/We welcome any feedback. Email us ! podcast@asa.org.au
• Ep109. The Secret Thoughts of Presidents: Dr Bob Hare 10.11.2025 50min

  An oldie but a goodie - literally!I'm chatting with Dr Bob Hare, President of the Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) from 1980-82. and the earliest surviving President of the ASA. We also recorded this conversation a few years ago, prior to the ASA turning 90. We compare various anaesthetic techniques and innovations, from ether masks to glass cannulas that have occurred across the generations. Dr. Hare shares invaluable insights about the fight to elevate the status of anaesthetists in Australia, the importance of the preoperative consultation, and advances in postoperative pain management., We also dive into the changes in our role as anaesthetists as well as some of the important work he and the ASA has done to raise the status of anaesthetists here in Australia. I also share some thoughts on how to introduce yourself, or more particularly, how to say your name (you'd be surprised how often I hear people don't do it well). Some other episodes of interest: Ep90. Our special 90th birthday episode. https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/7eec4b11-e5d5-484b-b396-ab2e701e8318/EP90-Happy-90th-birthday-AAP-V2-converted.mp3Ep85 and Ep86. Conversations with ASA Past President Dr Don Maxwellhttps://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/b94ca3a2-cbc9-407c-a29b-a579ac16c34d/EP85-Dr-Don-Maxwell-Part-1-AAP-converted.mp3https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/5325f0ca-7402-4092-bc0b-0ae8c08c27a7/EP86-Dr-Don-Maxwell-Part-2-AAP-V1-converted.mp3Join the ASA in advancing anaesthesia excellence https://asa.org.au/As always, I welcome feedback and ideas: podcast@asa.org.au
• Ep108. Doctors Orders! Why you need a GP with A/Prof Magdalena Simonis AM 27.10.2025 43min

  I had a conversation with A/Prof Magdalena Simonis about her approach, as a General Practitioner, to preventative healthcare and it blew my mind. It's changed my attitude, and I hope, by sharing this conversation that you too are motivated to see your GP and engage in preventative health. Dr Magdalena Simonis is a leading women’s health expert and advisor and a Senior Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne Department of General Practice, where she develops education resources for GPs. She is a long-standing member of the Expert Committee for Quality Care for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Breast Cancer Network Australia Strategy and Policy Expert Advisory Group. She sits on the Women’s Health Victoria Board and is a Board Director at The Melbourne Teaching Health Clinics (MTHC) at the University of Melbourne . She is on several National Expert Advisory Groups, a Board member, GP, medical educator and examiner.As promised, here is the link to order a poo test: https://www.cancer.org.au/bowelscreeningLet me know what you thought about my discussion of Chris Voss' "Late night FM DJ voice". Does it convey a sense of calm authority?podcast@asa.org.au
• Ep107. Seven Years Later: A Timorese Story with Dr Alison Jarman 15.09.2025 31min

  In this episode I chat with Dr Alison Jarman, a Melbourne based anaesthetist who has temporarily located to Dili, Timor-Leste on an ASA Pacific Fellowship. We chat about life and anaesthesia in Timor-Leste and patiently navigating challenges and opportunities. Dr Jarman has been able to undertake this Fellowship with thanks to Sabbatical Leave from Austin Health (with acknowledgement to the Australian Medical Association for these and other leave entitlements) and the Australian Society of Anaesthetists Overseas Development and Education Committee (ODEC).To find out more about ODEC, please visit: https://asa.org.au/overseas-development-and-education-committeeLooking for similar episodes? Then I suggest:Ep105 on another project, led by Dr Pip Lane, that was accomplished with Sabbatical Leave: https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/2b616ec8-ac3c-4368-9c9b-77b2112500fd/EP105-Dr-Pip-Lane-AAP.mp3Ep75 where I chat with Dr Moira Rush about her Pacific Fellowship in Fiji: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/e08f0b57-d9d5-486d-9087-760bee48e618.mp3In Ep99 I chat with A/Prof Rob McDougall about how Lifebox ANZ is improving operating theatre safety in the region. https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/1a56c07f-98e1-4d8c-9f16-4f401b66f500.mp3
• Ep106. Anaesthesia Unlocked: Fast-tracking IMGs in Australia with Prof David Story 25.08.2025 37min

  Everyone, and I mean everyone - Government, the ASA, AMA, ANZCA and other Colleges - is talking about anaesthesia workforce in Australia. We have a shortage. We have a maldistribution, with not enough anesthetists in regional Australia.What is the solution? Nurse anaesthetists? Career medical officers? Importing anaesthetists from overseas - otherwise known as International Medical Graduates or IMGs? In this episode I chat with current ANZCA President (and conflict of interest - my boss at the University of Melbourne) about the process that has recently commenced by the Medical Board of Australia to expedite the recognition of overseas anaesthetists here in Australia. Find out more about the process here: https://www.anzca.edu.au/getContentAsset/0d0a59e7-0a91-4dfc-bb02-561fae80d398/80feb437-d24d-46b8-a858-4a2a28b9b970/Expedited-SIMG-pathway-ANZCA-information-update-Mar-2025-Final.pdf?language=enLearn about the Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) recommendations to meet the workforce challenge: https://asa.org.au/publications/anaesthetist-workforce-modellingCPD Home is free to ASA members! Make it easy to stay compliant and fulfill your Continuing Professional Development requirements: https://www.cpdhome.org.au/
• Ep105. The difficult intravenous (IV) FAAIRI service with Dr Pip Lane 11.08.2025 37min

  Come and listen to Dr Pip Lane, amazing leader, as she describes how she built this amazing service which enables timely intravenous access and reduces needle related trauma in women and children.I'm not alone in finding this service impressive. It has won many awards in South Australia and nationally.Two of the big contributors to Dr Lane's success was having Clinical Support/Non-Clinical Time (CST/NCT). Paid Non-Clinical time is a direct result of advocacy undertaken by the Australian Medical Association (AMA)/Australian Salaried Medical Officer's Federation (ASMOF). Show your gratitude for receiving this and other workplace protections by joining the AMA: https://www.ama.com.au/join-the-amaThe Persuasion and Influence Masterclass is on offer at the 2025 ASA National Scientific Congress. Secure your place (and meet me there!) by registering here:https://asansc.com.au/Share and develop your leadership skills by joining WELI. Men and women are welcome. Find out more in Ep83 https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1c43eb90-20ac-4cac-b915-ee46a326f798/ and by visiting https://ausnzweli.org/
• Ep104. Dinner at Parliament House and more highlights to look forward to at NSC25 with Dr Girish Palnitkar 21.07.2025 15min

  Come Together for the Australian Society of Anaesthetists' National Scientific Congress (NSC) in Canberra.To be held from Thursday 2nd October - Sunday 5th October. It is during the school holidays for some states, so get those leave requests in, if you haven't already.Join NSC Convenor Dr Girish Palnitkar as we dive into what makes Canberra so special and what we can look forward to during the NSC.See you at the Gala Dinner at Parliament House - I can't wait!Register here: https://asansc.com.au/
• Ep103. Advanced Recovery Room Care with Professor Guy Ludbrook 18.06.2025 34min

  Advanced Recovery Room Care (ARRC) is a concept that has changed the way I think about our model of care when it comes to or surgical patients. Come and meet the man behind the concept, Professor Guy Ludbrook. We discuss his ideas on innovation and dive into ARRC.Email podcast@asa.org.au for more information or an introduction