Anaesthetists celebrate the power of the Jedi for ‘May the fourth be with you’

Dr Vesselin Petkov is behind the move as organiser of two light sabre workshops at the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) Annual Scientific Meeting in Cairns from 3-6 May. Nearly 1800 anaesthetists and specialist pain medicine physicians are in Cairns for the meeting.

The sessions ‘Jedi lightsabre exercises for healthier, happier anaesthetists’ are being held on Sunday 4 May – the day that has special significance for Star Wars fans worldwide. Fans often use the day to watch Star Wars movies, dress up as characters, share themed food, and engage in other activities that celebrate the Star Wars universe. 

A former Queensland sword fighting champion and an avowed Star Wars ‘tragic’, Dr Petkov developed the idea of the workshops for the meeting which is being held at the Cairns Convention Centre. Several of his anaesthesia colleagues at Cairns Hospital are also diehard Star Wars fans (with some even owning their own light sabres).

He says there is serious intent behind the workshops as they are aimed at encouraging anaesthetists to focus on their wellbeing and give them practical tools to reduce stress and help them relax.

“We’ll be focusing on the basics of safe, controlled fighting sequences as a relaxation technique that uses elements of tai chi, martial arts and meditation.

“If you are on your break at the hospital and need time out between patients you can go into a quiet room and focus your mind to relax by doing some light sabre movements.

“The sound of the light sabre is very soothing and familiar and takes many people back to their memories of childhood when they saw their first Star Wars film.

“The way I look at it, a healthy workforce translates into healthy patients and a much better healthcare service.

“The Jedi workshops are designed to support anaesthetists in balancing their demanding work with strategies for maintaining overall wellbeing,” Dr Petkov explains.

“As part of developing a healthier, more sustainable workforce we’re focusing on integrating physical activity and mindfulness to support wellbeing. Research consistently shows that healthier doctors provide higher quality care, and we want to empower anaesthetists with practical tools to reduce stress and promote physical and mental relaxation.” 

Dr Petkov says the light sabre exercises are a “dynamic, fun, and accessible form of physical activity that can be easily incorporated into a busy schedule”.

“It’s important for anaesthetists and other specialists and clinicians to make time for their physical and mental wellbeing. By incorporating these Jedi-inspired exercises, doctors can experience a fun and engaging way to release tension, stay active, and be mindful − improving both their personal health and their ability to care for patients.”

During the workshops, participants will learn:

• Simple, effective lightsabre-based exercises that promote flexibility, strength, and focus.
• Techniques to use these exercises as regular, scheduled physical activity to enhance mindfulness.
• How these practices can help manage stress and prevent burnout in a high-pressure profession.