Anaesthesia

Anaesthetists rely on a unique set of clinical skills and an extensive knowledge of physiology and pharmacology to provide appropriate anaesthesia and sedation for patients undergoing surgery and other medical procedures.

Treating patients at their most critical and vulnerable times in their hospital journey requires a lot of attention to detail, an ability to predict and anticipate and to intervene immediately.

With these abilities we can make a real difference in the patient experience and their outcome.

Associate Professor Kerstin Wyssusek
Director of Anaesthetics - RBWH

Clinical Practice

Anaesthetists work within both the public and private sectors to provide perioperative care for patients of all ages before, during and after surgery. Anaesthetists not only provide anaesthesia and sedation for patients, they also administer airway management, resuscitate acutely unwell patients and provide pain management for patients. Anaesthetists often work within trauma and retrieval teams, and work collaboratively with intensive care and pain medicine specialists.

Anaesthesia – Information

Number of specialists - QLD (2021)

Number of new fellows - QLD

Number of specialists - AUS (2021)

Number of new fellows - AUS

Average weekly hours
QLD

Average Age
QLD

% Aged 60+
QLD

37% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032

Proportion Female/Male - QLD

Male
Female

Location - QLD

Regional
Major cities
Remote

Public/Private QLD

Private
Public

Number of trainees - QLD

Number of new trainees - QLD

Number of trainees - AUS

Number of new trainees - AUS

Proportion Female/Male trainees - QLD

Female
Male

2023 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year)

Eligible Applications Received
Applicants Selected

The data on this page compares the number of applicants that were selected to commence their first year of training in Queensland in 2023 to the total number of eligible applications*

The data was sourced from the relevant medical specialist college, or from selection committees coordinated by a Queensland Health pathway/network, or an individual facility.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This data reflects a point in time figure for the selection of applicants commencing the first year of an accredited training program in the 2023 clinical year.

* eligible applications are determined by selection committees according to the eligibility criteria and required documentation prescribed by the relevant medical specialist college.

The data on this page compares the number of applicants that were selected to commence their first year of training in Queensland in 2023 to the total number of eligible applications.

See more.

College

Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA)

Length of Training

5 years full-time (6 months introductory training, 18 months basic training, 2 years advanced training, 1 year provisional fellowship)

Method of Allocation

College-selected trainees may be allocated to a training post by:

  • College
  • Queensland Health pathway/network (centrally coordinated)
  • Queensland Health facility (accredited for training)

Training and assessment summary

The Queensland Anaesthetic Rotational Training Scheme (QARTS) oversees the four ANZCA accredited rotations in Queensland. The Queensland Anaesthetic Rotational Training Scheme (QARTS) administers the selection and placement of training registrars to accredited training hospitals throughout Queensland in conjunction with Queensland Health and a Directors of Anaesthesia Group.

Training program overview

Anaesthetic training is undertaken in hospitals and other facilities accredited by ANZCA and follows a comprehensive curriculum for training which includes learning outcomes, volume of practice requirements, time requirements, courses, assessments and progression reviews. Trainees follow this curriculum to complete introductory training (IT), basic training (BT), advanced training (AT) and provisional fellowship training (PFT). Upon completing all requirements of the training program, trainees may apply for admission to Fellowship of ANZCA.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold current general medical registration with the Medical Board of Australia, be a citizen of Australia or New Zealand or a permanent resident of Australia, and have completed 2 years of general hospital experience (this can include up to 12 months in anaesthesia or intensive care but the aim is to ensure a grounding in general medicine and in disciplines other than anaesthesia).

Flexibility

Minimum 50% of full-time commitment. ANZCA supports part-time training, however negotiations for part-time employment are between the trainee and the employer. Part-time training must comprise a minimum of 50% of the commitment of a full-time trainee in the same department and be applied for prospectively and approved by the ANZCA Director of Professional Affairs. Training must be completed within 12 years.

Interrupted training

Allowed up to 104 consecutive weeks by seeking prospective approval from the ANZCA Director of Professional Affairs.

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