We wish to invite you to attend a “Part Zero –An Induction to Anaesthesia” Program to be held on Saturday, October 25^th, 2008, in the Kerry Packer auditorium Royal Prince Alfred Hospital ,1.30 – 5.30 pm. This program has been developed to provide an introduction to anaesthetic training for you and your partner, friend or family, and an opportunity to meet key people in the NSW and Australian anaesthetic community who may guide and support you throughout the next few years. A number of Supervisors of Training and Heads of Department will be in attendance.

Training to be an anaesthetist is exciting and rewarding. Our specialty is evolving rapidly and we are constantly developing and expanding the ways in which anaesthetists contribute to patient care and to the wider health system.

Over the next few years, you will face a number of challenges. Studying for exams, starting work in a new hospital and a new role, and working long hours can all take their toll. Good relationships at work and at home become more and more essential. Most important will be your own ability to recognize and manage stress, and to seek help when necessary.

The “Part Zero-An Induction to Anaesthesia” Program will provide information regarding the structure of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Training Program, examinations and courses. In particular, it will address the issues that contribute to occupational stress in anaesthesia.  There will be a presentation by Professor Gordon Parker, the Director of the Black Dog Institute, offering his insights into this subject.

We hope that you will take this opportunity to meet the anaesthetists and anaesthetic trainees who will be your teachers and colleagues over the next five years. We also strongly recommend that you accept the invitation to bring along your partner, friend or parents so that they, too, have an understanding of the training program and its challenges.

Please join us after the formal session when you can ask further questions of speakers and meet other trainees and Fellows.

There is no charge for the “Induction to Anaesthesia” Program which is being supported by the ANZCA NSW Regional Committee and the Australian Society of Anaesthetists. Confirmation of your attendance is required by Friday October 3^rd, 2008. A final Program will be sent in mid-September.

We look forward to meeting you on October 25th.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Michael Amos - Chair, NSW Regional Committee

Dr Elizabeth Feeney - Vice President, Australian Society of Anaesthetists

Dr Michael Stone - Chair, NSW Trainee Committee

Dr Simon Zidar - Chair GASACT

Dr Tracey Tay - NSW Regional Education Officer