This appointment is historic for two reasons: Dr Wilson is the first female anaesthetist to be elected President of ANZCA and the first New Zealander to hold the position.

ANZCA is responsible for the education, training and specialist qualification of anaesthetists, intensive care specialists and pain medicine specialists in Australia and New Zealand. ANZCA also assists with training and education in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

“I am honoured to be elected President. I am committed with my Council colleagues and Fellows in ensuring the highest standards of anaesthesia, pain medicine and intensive care medicine which has resulted in Australia AND New Zealand having one of the best patient safety records in the world,” Dr Wilson said.

Dr Wilson is a specialist anaesthetist employed at Capital and Coast District Health Board and also works at Wakefield, Bowen and Southern Cross hospitals in Wellington. Her career in medicine and anaesthesia involved training at Otago University Medical School, The Royal Free Hospital in London, and Wellington Hospital, where she was later Director of the Department of Anaesthesia. She has completed a Masters of Public Health.

As a Fellow of the College and a member of Council, Dr Wilson has contributed to a wide range of College activities, including chairing the Education and Training Committee and the Hospital Accreditation Committee. She is also closely involved in quality assurance and continuing professional development.

Dr Wilson also is involved in a number of organisations in New Zealand, including membership of the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal medical panel, and providing advice to the Medical Council of New Zealand.

Dr Wilson takes over the role of President from Dr Walter Thompson who has been ANZCA President since 2005.

For further information contact:

Nigel Henham, Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists – 0407 873 149 or (03) 8517 5303.

nhenham@anzca.edu.au