ANZCA Bulletin June 2012 - final.pdf - Australian and New Zealand ...

Counting the many successesof the ANZCA ASMThe College has much to celebrate asthe curtain goes down on an innovativeand interesting annual scientific meetingin Perth.We have put our glad rags in to be drycleaned, filed away another conferencehandbook and reacquainted ourselveswith our children. Now there is a chance toreflect upon the product of so many hoursof planning; the days from May 12-16 duringwhich the ANZCA Annual Scientific Meeting2012 was held.We selected the theme “Evolution: Grow,Develop, Thrive” a little over two yearsago driven by the desire of the RegionalOrganising Committee to put together ameeting that had elements of old and new,in addition to practical aspects that wouldappeal to clinicians looking to develop andrefine their practice.Delegates were treated to the relaxing jazzytones of songstress Nicki Pelecanos as themeeting kicked off with welcome drinks inthe Riverview foyer of the Perth Conventionand Exhibition Centre overlooking theSwan River. The welcome drinks are alwaysa great way to reconnect with friends andcolleagues and this year was no exception.Beautiful blue skies greeted us on theopening day of the meeting, and wewere welcomed by a representativeof the Whadjuk Noongar people, MsIngrid Cumming, in a moving ceremonyacknowledging the traditional ownersof the land.The academic program blasted off withinteresting and thought-provoking plenarylectures delivered by the first female ASMVisitor, Professor Ruth Landau, and FPMVisitor Dr Daniel Bennett. They set the tonefor the excellent plenary sessions overensuing days. As the first session came toa close, a gasp of delight arose from the1500 delegates as the curtain at the back ofthe stage drew back to reveal a healthcareindustry exhibition, allowing access fordelegates over the stage into the pavilionwhere morning tea was served.Trainee delegates were joined by councillorsand members of the academic fraternityfrom ANZCA and the Faculty of PainMedicine at the Trainees’ Luncheon at theMetro bar and bistro. The casual, relaxedmood gave a perfect opportunity to mingle.Saturday night saw 177 new Fellowswelcomed into the specialties whilewatched by family and friends at the CollegeCeremony. Always a special occasion, the2012 ceremony will stand out in the mindsof those present as they recall the personaland touching oration delivered by Australia’sfirst indigenous surgeon, AssociateProfessor Kelvin Kong, who emphasised theimportance of kinship within our professionby recounting the stories of three influentialwomen in his life. The College CeremonyReception, which followed, was a fittingway to congratulate the graduands, andshowcased the exceptional food and winethat Western Australia has to offer.Sunday started bright and early with a runinto King’s Park for about 40 fit and eagerdelegates and heralded another sunny daychock full of concurrent sessions, workshopsand small group discussions, including thefinal day of the FPM program.Plenary sessions by Professor PatrickWouters exploring the wonders of the rightventricle and renowned pain expert andperioperative physician Professor HenrikKehlet on the troublesome transitionfrom acute to chronic pain set the scene.Internationally renowned communicationexperts, TRIAD, commenced a series ofsold-out workshops focusing on difficultconversations and negotiation, whichwere well received by the attendees.(continued next page)13