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

Several heavily pregnant friends andfamily members gave up part of theirMother’s Day to volunteer for the specialistechocardiography workshop by ProfessorAlicia Dennis, and Dr Alex Swann and hisgroup ran a successful difficult airwayworkshop with true to life road-traffictrauma scenarios.The healthcare industry was welcomedand thanked with a cocktail reception thatevening as we mingled among our 61exhibitors. We were entertained by localacoustic musicians 2fiveSoul as delegatessocialised and browsed the exhibition.The artworks displayed in the rear of thearea provided a pleasant diversion froman entertaining and informative exhibitionhall. Special thanks go to Philips and alldelegates for their patience as we awaitedthe untimely arrival of the USB keyscontaining the abstracts!The short academic program on Mondayincluded presentations by the Gilbert BrownPrize contenders and was followed by aplethora of choices for the delegates toexperience some of the local Perth culture.A round of golf, a swim with the dolphins,a ride around the river or a day at RottnestIsland were enjoyed by families andpartners.Our delegates were able to recoup, plan forthe next couple of days and enjoy some thelocal attractions during an afternoon andevening of unplanned time. This also gavesome of the Regional Organising Committeea chance to debrief and troubleshoot anyissues for the final days of the conferenceand others to enjoy the fabulous winedinner at Chez Pierre with 50 delegatesand partners.The last full day of the meeting presented afinal opportunity to soak up the innovationsof the meeting. The moderated ePostersessions concluded in the morning andthe Masterclass series reached a finale withexcellent sessions on airways, coagulationand regional anaesthesia.Anticipation mounted with the promiseof glamour, mystery and Bond filling thetwilight skies with the commencementof the gala dinner. Attended by 1000delegates and their partners, socialconvenors Dr Charlotte Jorgensen and DrPriya Thalayasingam outdid themselves inproviding a night to remember; highlightsinclude Professor Landau’s movie-inspiredtoast and Dr Alan (Evil) Millard’s entertainingmastering of the ceremonies.We were feeling a little nostalgic by thetime the final morning rolled around. Themeeting concluded in great style (and witha great turnout) with TRIAD’s StevensonCarlebach delivering a session on the“neuroscience of negotiation” followedby a thought-provoking hypotheticalsession, chaired by medico-legal expertDr Andrew Miller.The closing ceremony saw the Collegepresidency handed over by Professor KateLeslie to Dr Lindy Roberts, both of whomepitomise Dr Robert’s message of ourCollege moving “from strength to strength”.Now, a few weeks later, the dust has settledand we haven’t had to allocate rooms forany business meetings, troubleshoot menudisasters, or massage any budget figures.We have had a chance to reflect on whata privilege it has been to help co-ordinatesuch an extraordinary event; how luckywe’ve been to have enjoyed the tremendoussupport and goodwill of attendees,facilitators, volunteers and exhibitors; andwhat a fantastic team of people we havehad the pleasure to work with over the lastfew years. A huge and sincere thank youto you all.Dr Tanya Farrell and Dr David Vyse,Co-convenors, Perth ASMThis page Clockwise from top: Perth ASM signage; Perth ASM Co-convenors Dr David Vyse and Dr Tanya Farrell; lunch in the healthcare industry area; the Opening Ceremony audience;view of the Opening Ceremony from the audio visual control area. Opposite page Clockwise from top: Question time in a plenary session; participants in the laryngoscope workshop;viewing an ePoster; Retired Fellows Lunch attendees.14 ANZCA Bulletin June 2012