A major problem for anaesthetists in the Pacific is the lack of contact with colleagues because of chronic staff shortages and the huge distances between Pacific countries. For over a decade, the ASA has been helping Pacific Island anaesthetists to run Refresher Courses. These courses have helped reduce professional isolation and have provided a stimulating environment for updating skills and ideas.

Courses are currently held in Fiji and Micronesia. The courses run for one week and usually involve two lecturers from Australia or New Zealand. About 20 Pacific anaesthetists attend the course in Fiji and about 10 anaesthetists attend the Micronesian course.
The Fijian course is held annually, usually in September. This course was initially organised by the ASA but the Pacific Society of Anaesthetists has now taken over this role, with most funding coming from AusAID and B.Braun. The ASA continues to provide an important liaison role and helps with providing locum anaesthetists so that Pacific anaesthetists can attend the course.

Because of the large distances involved in travelling to Fiji, separate courses have been run in Micronesia since 1998. The course continues to be run by the ASA, with support from AusAID. Dr Arthur Vartis, from Queensland, currently organises the Micronesian course.

The Overseas Development and Education Committee of the ASA is always looking for anaesthetists who are able to help with teaching or who are able to provide locum relief in other Pacific countries so that local anaesthetists can attend Refresher Courses. Airfares, a modest per diem, and accommodation are provided. Lecturers at the courses are encouraged to stay on for another week to do some in-theatre teaching (and learning).

Teaching a group of enthusiastic anaesthetists at a Refresher Course and working as a locum are fascinating and worthwhile experiences. For more information, please contact the ASA at:

Po Box 600
Edgecliff NSW 2027
Tel: (02) 9327 4022
Fax: (02) 9327 7666
Email: asa@fed.asa.org.au