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QARTS 2027

Behind the scenes of QARTS 2027: A record year for selection and workforce planning

The Queensland Anaesthetic Rotational Training Scheme (QARTS) 2027 selection process officially concluded on Friday 21 August 2026, and while the outcome was another successful recruitment round, getting there was anything but straightforward.

With 488 new applications, five re-entry applicants, hundreds of continuing trainees, and workforce demands continuing to evolve across Queensland, the QARTS Committee found itself navigating one of the most complex selection cycles in recent years. What followed was a remarkable demonstration of collaboration, adaptability and dedication from everyone involved in the process. 

A huge thank you goes to Dr Dale Kerr, the rotational supervisors, interview coordinators, ANZCA Fellows, Queensland Health representatives, hospital directors, and the ANZCA Staff in Queensland and Victoria, whose collective efforts ensured the process remained fair, transparent and trainee-focused from beginning to end. Behind every interview invitation and every trainee allocation sat countless hours of planning, reviewing, coordinating and problem-solving. 

This year brought no shortage of challenges. Demand for anaesthetic training positions continues to grow, with almost 500 applications received. After eligibility checks were completed, 361 applicants met the criteria for consideration, creating an exceptionally competitive field from which just 150 candidates were shortlisted for interview. Ultimately, 54 training positions were allocated across Queensland's four rotations, with a substantial reserve pool established to support future workforce needs. 

One of the biggest challenges was balancing trainee preferences with workforce requirements across the state. Every year, the QARTS team works to ensure hospitals receive the trainees they need while also supporting applicants to train in locations aligned with their personal and professional goals. With hospital vacancy numbers changing throughout the process and regional workforce needs constantly evolving, the allocation exercise became a highly complex puzzle requiring significant coordination between rotational supervisors and hospital directors.

The scale of work taking place behind the scenes was impressive. During the selection meeting, it was revealed that rotational supervisors had collectively spent more than 100 hours on allocations, sent hundreds of emails and text messages, reviewed trainee portfolios, and managed a seemingly endless stream of workforce adjustments. There were even reports of middle-of-the-night wake-ups spent worrying about allocation spreadsheets, proving that workforce planning is not for the faint-hearted. 

The interview process continued in a virtual format, a model first introduced in 2020 that has become an integral part of QARTS recruitment. While the online approach provides greater accessibility for candidates and minimises disruption for hospitals, its success relies heavily on the dedication and expertise of an incredible team behind the scenes. A special thank you goes to Cathy O'Brien (Victorian Regional Coordinator), whose extensive experience and guidance were invaluable throughout the process, and to Christabel Hough, who joined ANZCA this year and embraced her first QARTS selection cycle with remarkable enthusiasm and professionalism. Together with the Queensland QARTS Committee, they successfully implemented a new interview structure that saw six virtual interview rooms operating simultaneously, supported by approximately 80 interviewers and observers from QARTS hospitals in Queensland, NSW and NT. Their commitment, adaptability and countless hours of preparation ensured a seamless experience for candidates and interviewers alike. The continued success of the virtual model not only expands access for applicants across Australia but also enables fellows from every corner of Queensland to contribute to identifying and supporting the next generation of anaesthetists.

As recruitment processes continue to evolve, the Committee also found itself confronting new challenges associated with technology. Significant discussion centred on protecting the integrity of the interview process in an era where artificial intelligence tools are becoming increasingly accessible. While virtual interviews continue to offer many advantages, the Committee demonstrated its commitment to maintaining robust professional standards and ensuring all applicants are assessed fairly and equitably. Future enhancements to the selection process will continue to explore ways to safeguard interview integrity while preserving accessibility. 

Despite these challenges, the process achieved what QARTS strives for every year: identifying high-quality trainees and supporting the future anaesthetic workforce of Queensland. The calibre of applicants remained exceptionally strong, with interviewers repeatedly commenting on the quality, professionalism and enthusiasm displayed by candidates throughout interview week. 

For successful applicants, the allocations mark the beginning of an exciting training journey. For those placed on the reserve list, there remains every reason to stay optimistic. Historically, QARTS continues to make a significant number of additional offers throughout the year as positions become available, ensuring opportunities continue to arise well beyond the initial allocation round.

Most importantly, this year's process highlighted the strength of the QARTS community. Whether reviewing applications, conducting interviews, coordinating logistics, managing workforce planning, or supporting candidates behind the scenes, hundreds of people contributed to a process that helps shape the next generation of anaesthetists across Queensland.

The numbers may keep growing and the challenges may keep changing, but one thing remains constant: the extraordinary commitment of the people who make QARTS possible.

ACE annual meeting: Sanctuary Symposium

From 17–19 July, the ACE Committee hosted its annual meeting, this year titled the Sanctuary Symposium, with a focus on calm and connection. As anaesthetists, we are often called upon to create a sense of sanctuary for our patients—whether in the operating theatre, on the labour ward or in the emergency department.

Set within the relaxed surroundings of the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, the Symposium provided an opportunity to step away from the pace of clinical life, exchange ideas and engage in meaningful professional development in a collegial and welcoming environment.

With around 120 attendees, 13 sponsors and 20 speakers and workshop facilitators, the weekend was a resounding success for all involved. We would like to sincerely thank all those who generously volunteered their time and expertise to educate and engage with colleagues across a diverse range of topics, including an ASA update from Dr Vida Viliunas, Perioperative Medicine, Obstetrics, AI in Anaesthesia, Gastric Ultrasound, Can’t Intubate, Can’t Oxygenate (CICO), Acute Severe Behavioural Disturbance (ASBD) and Anaphylaxis.

Also included in the weekend was the Tess Cramond Prize Session for Trainee Abstracts that Dr Jeremy Sin received for his abstract “Lidocaine for cough reflex suppression in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: a network meta-analysis”.

The meeting offered a thoughtful balance of education, professional development and social connection, giving attendees the opportunity to learn from experts, exchange ideas with colleagues and build professional relationships in a relaxed and supportive setting.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors—Avant, MDA National, Astute Financial, Getz Clinical, Mediquip, Pilot Partners/Odyssey, Hillhouse Legal Partners, AFT Pharmaceuticals, Fujifilm/Sonosite, Echo Therapeutics, Solventum, Arcomed and Lateral Medical—for their ongoing and invaluable support of our CME meetings. Their contribution plays an important role in enabling us to continue delivering high-quality educational opportunities for our members.

Finally, a special thank you to the ACE Committee and its Co-Chairs, Dr Thar Nyan Lwin and Dr Benjamin Cahill, for their tremendous hard work, dedication and commitment throughout the planning and execution of the Symposium. Their efforts helped create a successful and memorable meeting for everyone involved.