Podcast · Learning

Australian Anaesthesia

by Australian Society of Anaesthetists · English · Learning

The Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) was formed in 1934 as a not-for-profit member organisation dedicated to supporting and connecting anaesthetists in Australia. Join Dr Suzi Nou as she talks about all things relevant to anaesthesia in Australia with experts, peers and members of the A

New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 35 min
Latest: 3 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

3 Sep 2026 · 13 min

Ep125. The Anaesthesia Iceberg

In this episode, I talk about the environmental impact of oral versus intravenous paracetamol. It accompanies a really 'cool' poster in the September 2026 edition of Australian Anaesthetist. Download the September 26 Australian Anaesthetist here . Similar podcast episodes: Ep69. Talking TRA2SH with Dr Jess Davies Ep119. Sharps Waste Audit Ep114. Measuring Nitrous Oxide Leaks Some AI generated notes: Key Takeaways Oral paracetamol is clinically equivalent to IV formulation for postoperative analgesia, making the switch a low-risk, evidence-based practice change Environmental impact is…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S1 · E124 · 18 Aug 2026 · 30 min
Ep124. Beyond the Diagnosis: An Anaesthesia Trainee's Journey with Type 1 Diabetes
I chat with Dr Evan Kumarakurusingham, an anaesthesia trainee who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a child. We explore how this has influenced his approach to patients, decision to pursue anaesthesia his approach to training and exams. This episode emphasises the importance of representation, peer support and being proactive about maintaining good health. Other episodes you might like are: Ep115 on the ASA's wellbeing offerings with Dr Lan-Hoa Le Ep23 Peer Groups with Dr Kushlani Stevenson Ep108 The importance of having a good GP with A/Prof Magda Simonis All of these episodes and more…
S1 · E123 · 29 Jul 2026 · 33 min
Ep123. No More S Words! What Hypnosis Teaches Us About Talking with Patients
Make a pledge with me to try and stop using the S word! Can you guess what it might be? Who better to talk us through the evidence against using nocebo language and the power of suggestion than anaesthetist and expert in clinical hypnosis, Associate Professor Allan Cyna. A/Prof Cyna is the Director of the Advanced Training in Clinical Hypnosis run by the South Australian Society of Hypnosis. I drill down on his journey from a transformative lecture during medical school to becoming a leading expert. We discuss the evidence, delve into my failures and his successes with hypnotic suggestion…
S1 · E122 · 21 Jun 2026 · 36 min
Ep122. From Theatre to Tribunal - Dr Gaby Bolton on Fair Pay for Junior Doctors
I am so grateful to Dr Gaby Bolton for taking time out of her exam preparation to have this conversation with me. Not only has she spent the last 6 years training in anaesthesia but she was also the lead applicant in a landmark class action lawsuit against Peninsula Health over unpaid overtime. Her journey began in 2020 as the HMO Society President, representing her peers as they sought a uniform allowance as they faced the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Bolton took on significant professional and personal risks, and made huge efforts to support others. She spent months preparing for trial and…
S1 · E121 · 13 Jun 2026 · 39 min
EP121. The Social Script: What Doctors Should (and Shouldn’t) Post on Social Media with Dr Maria Li
In this episode I chat with Sydney General Practitioner and social media expert, Dr Maria Li on the best practices for doctors on social media. Dr Li has created tonnes of content, collaborated with over 100 professionals and organisations and is a member of the WHO's global FIDES network. We focus on 5 key principles for responsible social media use because I would love to see more doctors being a credible source of accurate information for patients on social media. I encourage you to look at the other content we produce and let me know what you think! YouTube LinkedIn Facebook Instagram…
S1 · E120 · 5 Jun 2026 · 27 min
Ep120. webAIRS meets M&M with Dr Yasmin Endlich
In this episode I chat with Dr Yasmin Endlich, Medical Director at webAIRS, web based Anaesthesia Incident Reporting System. We currently have over 13,000 reports in webAIRS, making it one of the world's largest incident reporting systems. We chat about the various analyses (currently over 30 underway!), what's happening behind the scenes and how we will be discussing de-identified incident reports at the up and coming Australian Society of Anaesthetists M&M meeting. I also couldn't help discussing safety-II principles - examining what went right to prevent harm rather than only analysing…
S1 · E119 · 20 May 2026 · 15 min
Ep 119. Thoughtfully, Forever
In this episode, I'm reviewing an article that was published in the April 2026 Anaesthesia and Intensive Care journal (AIC). It's all about sharps waste management! A snapshot (literally) on what we are placing in our sharps bins and whether there is any room for improvement (spoiler alert - yes, there is plenty!). I also share some insights from my Sabbatical in Switzerland. This podcast accompanies the poster designed by Dr Nathan Chin in the June 2026 Australian Anaesthetist magazine. Download your free copy here . To read the scientific paper from AICm click here . You may need your ASA…
S1 · E118 · 3 May 2026 · 44 min
Ep118. Trauma Informed Care with Brigette Berry
In this episode, I explore trauma informed care with expert clinical psychologist Brigette Berry who specialises in acute and chronic pain. We examine five core principles of Fallot and Harris (2009): safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration and empowerment. Trauma informed care benefits all patients, not just those who have disclosed trauma. For example, many women may have undisclosed trauma, children and neurodivergent people could all benefit from the application of these principles. Brigette recommends the Blue Knot Foundation for support and further training. Three other episodes…
S1 · E117 · 5 Apr 2026 · 46 min
Ep117. Anaesthesia, Advocacy, and Authentic Leadership with Dr Mark Priestley
In this episode I chat with Dr Mark Priestley, Chair of the Leadership and Management Special Interest Group (LAMSIG), Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation (ASMOF) NSW and ANZCA Councillor.We are chatting about one of my favourite topics – leadership! We go through my 4 part leadership curriculum, the importance of identifying core personal values, his work based on the book “ Crucial Conversations ” and navigating media when speaking out. Want to continue discussing leadership? Listen to Episode 83 where I chat with Professor Nina Deutsch and Assoc Prof Larry Schwarz about the…
S1 · E116 · 8 Mar 2026 · 37 min
Ep116. Mastering Emergencies - Inside the New Anaesthetic Crisis Manual with Dr David Borshoff
I chat with Dr David Borshoff about the latest edition of the Anaesthetic Crisis Manual. This edition includes a new 'Prevention' section, collaboration with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and comes out in 2 versions: International and North American. As an ASA member, you are eligible for a FREE(!) or discounted Manual. Contact [email protected] for more details. Not a member? Find out about more benefits of being a member here : https://asa.org.au/types-of-membership Key Takeaways Cognitive aids like the Anesthetic Crisis Manual reduce…
S1 · E115 · 22 Feb 2026 · 27 min
Ep115. How the ASA Cares for You - Wellbeing Resources with Dr Lan-Hoa Le
We have a new wellbeing webpage! In this episode I chat with Dr Lan-Hoa Le, Chair of the ASA's Wellbeing Advocates Committee. She has been busy curating a webpage with a tonne of useful resources from crisis helplines, peer support programs and mindfulness training. There is something there for everyone, whether you or a colleague would appreciate some confidential support, you are interested in supporting others or you already have a well established interest and role in developing wellbeing in the workplace. We welcome all anaesthetists and those that support us to visit the webpage,…
S1 · E114 · 8 Feb 2026 · 31 min
Ep114. Laughing Gas, Serious Waste: Measuring Nitrous Wastage with Dr Ethan Fitzclarence
Who likes the idea of excessive waste in healthcare? Especially when it is something that can impact our colleagues and has negative climate effects? In this episode I chat with Dr Ethan Fitzclarence, from Perth, Western Australia about an audit he conducted as part of his anaesthetic training. He discovered an astounding amount of nitrous oxide was being leaked to the atmosphere. We discuss his methodology, the health impacts of nitrous oxide waste and the growing movement to toward decommissioning pipeline systems in favour of cylinder-based delivery. Read our Joint Statement on…
S1 · E113 · 4 Feb 2026 · 44 min
Ep113. Airway, Breathing, Calm - ABCs of Yoga and Anaesthesia with Dr Andrea Binks
Welcome to 2026! In this episode I chat with Dr Andrea Binks, an anaesthetist and accomplished yoga facilitator from Wollongong, NSW. Dr. Binks shares her unconventional journey into anaesthesia, transitioning from physician and cardiology training in the UK to intensive care and eventually anaesthesia. I learn how yoga has been a constant in her life since childhood, evolving from a personal practice to teaching qualification, and how it now informs her approach to patient care. We explore the intersection of trauma-informed yoga practices and anaesthetic practice, the use of invitational…
S1 · E112 · 21 Dec 2025 · 27 min
Ep112: Success, Safety and Risk in Anaesthesia with Professor Tim Cook
I catch up with Professor Tim Cook, of the UK National Audit Projects live at the Australian Society of Anaesthetists' National Scientific Congress (NSC). We discuss his incredible work, his ideas of success and what risk in anaesthesia mean to him. ASA branded scrubs are here! Only available to ASA members. Get your discounted scrubs with free embroidery here . https://asa.org.au/your-asa-advantage-program#scrubs Professor Cook's talk from the NSC is available to be viewed on demand. If you haven't already registered, you can do so here: https://asansc.com.au/registration/ 3 other episodes…
S1 · E111 · 7 Dec 2025 · 36 min
Ep111. The GLP-1 Revolution: What it Means for Anaesthesia with Dr Doug Hacking
In this episode: The last of my thought bubble talks on how to introduce yourself with confidence and clarity Some tips on balancing an academic research career and clinical medicine Changing from one medical specialty (e.g. paediatrics) to another (e.g anaesthesia) I'm chatting with Dr Doug Hacking, paediatrician, anaesthetist, researcher. We are discussing GLP-1 receptor agonists and what they mean for anaesthesia. This is based on his editorial in the September 2025 edition of the scientific journal, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care. ASA Members! Are you interested in learning more about…
S1 · E110 · 23 Nov 2025 · 18 min
Ep110. Tips for Aspiring Anaesthetists: A Conversation with Prof Ed Mariano
In this episode I hand the mic over to Dr Tom Neal-Williams, an anaesthetic trainee and hard working member of the ASA Communications Committee to be a guest host on the podcast. He is talking with Professor Ed Mariano, regional anaesthesia guru, researcher, leader and educator and gaining tips on how he navigates his career. I also share some thoughts on vocal fry. This episode was recorded live at the ASA's National Scientific Congress in Canberra. If you want to watch Professor Mariano's talks from the Congress (and I suggest you do), you can register for access here:…
S1 · E109 · 9 Nov 2025 · 50 min
Ep109. The Secret Thoughts of Presidents: Dr Bob Hare
An oldie but a goodie - literally! I'm chatting with Dr Bob Hare, President of the Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) from 1980-82. and the earliest surviving President of the ASA. We also recorded this conversation a few years ago, prior to the ASA turning 90. We compare various anaesthetic techniques and innovations, from ether masks to glass cannulas that have occurred across the generations. Dr. Hare shares invaluable insights about the fight to elevate the status of anaesthetists in Australia, the importance of the preoperative consultation, and advances in postoperative pain…
S1 · E108 · 26 Oct 2025 · 43 min
Ep108. Doctors Orders! Why you need a GP with A/Prof Magdalena Simonis AM
I had a conversation with A/Prof Magdalena Simonis about her approach, as a General Practitioner, to preventative healthcare and it blew my mind. It's changed my attitude, and I hope, by sharing this conversation that you too are motivated to see your GP and engage in preventative health. Dr Magdalena Simonis is a leading women’s health expert and advisor and a Senior Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne Department of General Practice, where she develops education resources for GPs. She is a long-standing member of the Expert Committee for Quality Care for the Royal…
S1 · E107 · 14 Sep 2025 · 31 min
Ep107. Seven Years Later: A Timorese Story with Dr Alison Jarman
In this episode I chat with Dr Alison Jarman, a Melbourne based anaesthetist who has temporarily located to Dili, Timor-Leste on an ASA Pacific Fellowship. We chat about life and anaesthesia in Timor-Leste and patiently navigating challenges and opportunities. Dr Jarman has been able to undertake this Fellowship with thanks to Sabbatical Leave from Austin Health (with acknowledgement to the Australian Medical Association for these and other leave entitlements) and the Australian Society of Anaesthetists Overseas Development and Education Committee (ODEC). To find out more about ODEC, please…
S1 · E106 · 24 Aug 2025 · 37 min
Ep106. Anaesthesia Unlocked: Fast-tracking IMGs in Australia with Prof David Story
Everyone, and I mean everyone - Government, the ASA, AMA, ANZCA and other Colleges - is talking about anaesthesia workforce in Australia. We have a shortage. We have a maldistribution, with not enough anesthetists in regional Australia. What is the solution? Nurse anaesthetists? Career medical officers? Importing anaesthetists from overseas - otherwise known as International Medical Graduates or IMGs? In this episode I chat with current ANZCA President (and conflict of interest - my boss at the University of Melbourne) about the process that has recently commenced by the Medical Board of…
S1 · E105 · 10 Aug 2025 · 38 min
Ep105. The difficult intravenous (IV) FAAIRI service with Dr Pip Lane
Come and listen to Dr Pip Lane, amazing leader, as she describes how she built this amazing service which enables timely intravenous access and reduces needle related trauma in women and children. I'm not alone in finding this service impressive. It has won many awards in South Australia and nationally. Two of the big contributors to Dr Lane's success was having Clinical Support/Non-Clinical Time (CST/NCT). Paid Non-Clinical time is a direct result of advocacy undertaken by the Australian Medical Association (AMA)/Australian Salaried Medical Officer's Federation (ASMOF). Show your gratitude…
S1 · E104 · 20 Jul 2025 · 16 min
Ep104. Dinner at Parliament House and more highlights to look forward to at NSC25 with Dr Girish Palnitkar
Come Together for the Australian Society of Anaesthetists' National Scientific Congress (NSC) in Canberra. To be held from Thursday 2nd October - Sunday 5th October. It is during the school holidays for some states, so get those leave requests in, if you haven't already. Join NSC Convenor Dr Girish Palnitkar as we dive into what makes Canberra so special and what we can look forward to during the NSC. See you at the Gala Dinner at Parliament House - I can't wait! Register here: https://asansc.com.au/
S1 · E103 · 17 Jun 2025 · 35 min
Ep103. Advanced Recovery Room Care with Professor Guy Ludbrook
Advanced Recovery Room Care (ARRC) is a concept that has changed the way I think about our model of care when it comes to or surgical patients. Come and meet the man behind the concept, Professor Guy Ludbrook. We discuss his ideas on innovation and dive into ARRC. Email [email protected] for more information or an introduction
S1 · E102 · 1 Jun 2025 · 40 min
Ep102. From cardiac anaesthetist to creative artist with Dr Shari Hall
Have you ever wondered whether you have made the right career choice? What if your passion was for a totally different career? And after graduating from 2 Ivy League universities and achieving success in a highly competitive sub specialty field, could you give it up to follow your passion? I explore all this and more with Dr Shari Hall who left anaesthesia to fulfill her dreams. "Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other's eyes for an instant?" Henry David Thoreau That's the opening quote from this video made by the Cleveland Clinic. I encourage you to watch…
S1 · E101 · 18 May 2025 · 25 min
Ep101. ADVANCE your CPD with Dr Sarah Lee
Dr Sarah Lee, an anaesthetist in Melbourne and tour de force in bringing accessible, interesting and practical CPD meetings to you. And they qualify for those hard to get Practice Audit CPD points! (To be eligible for those points, you'll need to do the pre-meeting survey and participate in the meeting). The next ADVANCE meeting is on Monday 26th May 2025 and is on thoracic anaesthesia. Contact us on [email protected] for the registration link. Missed out on the meeting and still want a refresher on thoracic anaesthesia? Refresh the basics and learn some tips in our Anaesthesia Recipe Book…
S1 · E100 · 4 May 2025 · 30 min
Ep100. 100 Episodes Strong - Reflecting on Anaesthesia in Australian with Dr Suzi Nou
Pop the champagne and come and celebrate 100 episodes of the Australian Anaesthesia podcast with me! Thank you to all the wonderful guests over the years, the Australian Society of Anaesthetists and most of all, YOU, for listening and supporting me and this podcast. Here are the links to some of the episodes I mention: Ep10: Fit Testing with Occupational Hygienist Kate Cole https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/c450e8f2-bc5c-46bf-9e2a-bd1ff60cc0aa/2020-0508-cole-respiratory-protection-final-tc.mp3 Ep44. Inside a COVID ECMO with Dr Ryan Salter…
S1 · E99 · 16 Mar 2025 · 20 min
Ep99. The Pulse of Lifebox: A Podcasthon Exclusive with Assoc Prof Rob McDougall
You may have heard of the Lifebox oximeter but did you know that Lifebox has also developed a capnograph? Every day in our region, anaesthetics are being given without an oximeter or capnograph. And as you can imagine, the outcomes are not always great. Lifebox seeks to address this and may be the only not for profit dedicated to improving surgical and anaesthesia safety throughout the world. Join me as I chat with Assoc Prof Rob McDougall, Member of the Lifebox Global Governance Council about the work of Lifebox. And of course we would love for you to be involved! Thank you to Podcasthon…
S2 · E17 · 2 Mar 2025 · 5 min
TM17. Claiming for Anaesthesia Time Units
Are you claiming for anaesthesia time units in a way that is compliant with Medicare and health fund rules? In this episode I revisit two earlier podcasts. From Ep52 of the Australian Anaesthesia podcast with Dr Mark Sinclair, I refresh our memories of the 2022 changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule around anaesthesia time units. From Ep11 of our Talking Money series with Dr Andrew Mulcahy I include our discussion of pre-anaesthesia consultations. I go through various clinical scenarios and how they are regarded by our Economics Advisory Committee. The full version of this podcast is…
S1 · E98 · 23 Feb 2025 · 38 min
Ep98. Coaching for Doctors with Dr Anne Frankl
In this episode I chat with Dr Anne Frankl, Melbourne paediatric anaesthetist and coach for doctors. We discuss what is coaching, how and why to become a coach as well as how it refreshed her career after burnout. To find out more about Anne: https://www.drannefrankl.com/ Meet other Innovators here: https://asa.org.au/innovations-and-inventions Anne's workshops are coming to the ASA! Keep a lookout in your emails for dates. Register here: https://asa.org.au/asaeducation/events Find out more about WELI, the Women's Empowerment and Leadership Initiative, here: https://ausnzweli.org/ or by…
S2 · E16 · 9 Feb 2025 · 43 min
TM16. Anaesthesia Billing Using Anaemate with Dr Stan Tay
In this episode I am chatting with ASA member Dr Stan Tay, who may sound familiar to some of you. He is a podcaster and content producer at the Anaesthesia Coffee Break podcast and Adrenaline Memories. He is also a co-developer of an automated billing service called Anaemate. We chat about how anaesthesia billing and the flow of money, how Anaemate works and what it was like as an anaesthetist going from idea to app developer. This podcast is not an endorsement of Anaemate. Please do your research and use a billing service, app, company (or not) according to your needs. To learn more about…

About Australian Anaesthesia

Australian Anaesthesia is a English learning podcast from Australian Society of Anaesthetists. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Australian Society of Anaesthetists
Language: English
Category: Learning
New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 35 min
Latest episode: 3 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1530484641

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