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Dr Leona Wilson's acknowledgement of the immediate past President, Dr Walter Thompson
It’s an honour and privilege to be elected President of our College.
Our College started as a small band of anaesthetists in 1952. We now have more than 4,000 Fellows worldwide, working towards ensuring the highest standards of care and safety for our patients. Our Fellows produce first class medical research, advancing our specialty.
I would like to acknowledge the work of all those who have gone before, which has built ANZCA into the formidable institution that it is now. As the first NZ and first female President, I must acknowledge the two female Deans, Dr Mary Burnell and Professor Tess Cramond, and the two NZ Deans, Dr Jack Watt and Professor Barry Baker.
We face significant challenges in our work, such as:
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The continuing problems of providing high quality clinical care in a time of resource constraints.
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Providing high quality care in regional and rural areas
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Changes to Medical registration processes
Internally, we have the review of the FANZCA training program and the possibility of separation of JFICM from our College.
These may seem to be major obstacles, but with the help of our Fellows and constructive engagement with governments at all levels, I’m sure we will overcome those obstacles and continue to build upon our achievements.
In closing, I must acknowledge the great work that Wally has done as our President, in his contribution to anaesthesia and our College. He has been an outstanding President at a time of significant change for our College and medical profession. Wally has overseen numerous reforms, which have modernised and professionalised our College’s corporate and administrative operations. This has included important upgrading of our College’s infrastructure, such as IT.
He has guided us through some tough times and decisions with clarity, wisdom and compassion. He leaves our College in excellent shape, energised for further improvements during the next exciting period of our College’s history. He leaves with our thanks and best wishes, and we wish him and Gay and his family well.
