New CPD review project group

10 December 2021

We've established a new project group to review the ANZCA and FPM CPD program.

The ANZCA and FPM Continuing Professional Development (CPD) project review group (CPD-RPG) will support the review of the ANZCA and FPM CPD program and standard. The group first met in October 2021 and the group's terms of reference (scope and membership) were approved in December 2021. We've created a new page dedicated to the project. This page will be regularly updated with key information for fellows and CPD participants. Our first update includes an introduction to the project and the CPD-RPG membership.

Group members Dr Debra Devonshire and Dr Stephanie Oak outline their involvement with CPD and share their insights into the CPD review project.

Dr Debra Devonshire FANZCA (Vic) 

Since 2018 I have been the Chair of the ANZCA and FPM CPD Committee and, since 2020, an elected ANZCA Councillor. It is my great privilege to build on our predecessors’ foundations and now chair the CPD review project group. This allows for a meaningful contribution to our fellowship’s continuous life long learning evolution.

I will be working with an esteemed team to stimulate fellows engagement in ongoing educational experiences whilst meeting the requirements of our regulatory bodies.Anaesthetists have performed extraordinarily well in their pursuit of knowledge, despite recent pandemic challenges. We have maintained curiosity, drive, educational purpose, commitment to CPD and we have striven to deliver the highest quality care to our patients.

Interwoven within the framework of the review, alongside safety, quality and research, is a baseline commitment to inclusive cultural safety. Doctors’ health and wellbeing education is also recognised as a keystone in the bridge to a balanced and rewarding career path. I believe our ANZCA CPD home is a reflection of our vibrant academic fellowship which this review will future proof and strengthen.

Dr Stephanie Oak FFPMANZCA (NSW)

I am a dual-trained psychiatrist and pain medicine specialist who, during my time as FPM CPD Officer (2016-2021), developed the first FPM specific emergency response activity -  Acute Severe Behavioural Disturbance (ASBD)in the adult patient. I currently chair the FPM Professional Standards Committee and sit on the FPM Board.

The CPD program review presents an excellent opportunity to expand the available range of pain specific CPD activities and strengthen the structure of our CPD program. This is critical given the diverse backgrounds and practice types and locations of FPM fellows. Recent additions include a second emergency response activity - Cardiac Arrest for SPMP and the procedures endorsement program. I would welcome any other suggestions from pain fellows.

More information

For more details and the full CPD-RPG membership please visit the CPD review project group page. Please don't hesitate to contact the CPD team with any queries regarding the CPD program or the review project group.