Working Together

The Aotearoa NZ Anaesthesia ASM 2024

The 2024 Aotearoa NZ Anaesthesia ASM truly delivered on its theme, Working together.

The Perioperative Symposium at North Shore Hospital’s education facility, Whenua Pupuke, brought together local and international thinking and research across the many disciplines involved in the perioperative care space. Those attending were treated to a preview from some of this year’s international invited speakers, Professor Bobbie Jean Sweitzer, Associate Professor Hairil Rizal Abdullah, Professor Joyce Yeung and Professor Ki Jinn Chin.

Then the main event, the Annual Scientific Meeting, started strong with the Alan Merry Oration. Introduced by its name’s sake Professor Alan Merry, this year’s oration was delivered by former Director General of Health, Sir Ashley Bloomfield. Sir Ashley provided delegates with insight on the important roles that building a rewarding place to work and leading with the soft skills hold, in solving future challenges in health. Demonstrating these through the developments in patient safety and positive outcomes we’ve seen over the past few decades.

Aotearoa NZ Anaesthesia ASM Convenor, Dr Karen Park, enjoyed how this year’s theme became a “flow of stories” across the three days. “Human beings are storytellers, and we saw a narrative evolve throughout the programme that brought together the idea of anaesthetists being leaders and highlighted the importance of ‘working together’ as a team. Right from Sir Ashley’s talk about leading with humility and being kind to one another, to Alan White’s talk on Aviation safety and his comment about leaders commanding respect, not demanding respect.”

Karen also noted how much the element of human connection stood out for her. “It was great to meet friends and whānau in our Aotearoa anaesthesia community in person again and to form new connections and friendships with overseas visitors, including our international speakers.”

This year’s international invited speakers provided several updates across the three days and complimented a programme of over 60 local and international speakers. Regional Anaesthesia guru and renowned Youtube educator, Professor Ki Jinn Chin delivered a popular regional anaesthesia workshop, and trainees rubbed shoulders with the international guests over lunch on day one.

Roundtable sessions facilitated valuable discussions, including the relevance and suitability of the environmental impact of anaesthesia within informed patient consent. As did the opportunity to question some of our well-published colleagues and editors in the research session.

With a dramatic drawing back of the curtains the gala dinner took in the setting sun and sweeping views of the Viaduct Harbour on the Friday evening. A suitable backdrop to a wonderful evening of celebration, connection, and catching up. Guest speaker, Manutaki Auckland City Missioner, Helen Robinson brought the room to a thoughtful silence during her powerful and moving address. Reminding all in attendance of the detrimental impacts on health for those most in need.

Thank you to everyone who gifted the funds for a box of food to the Auckland City Mission. You have helped raise over $8,000 for this year’s official charity partner.

These events would not be possible without the support of so many. The Organising Committee from Waitematā, the industry and sponsors involved across the three days, all of our international and local speakers, session chairs, and all who attended on- demand or in-person across the four days in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

On behalf of the Organising Committee, Karen adds “I would like to thank all the delegates and industry partners who joined us. Without them, our efforts in putting together a meeting are meaningless. I hope it was a great learning experience for everyone and that our tradition of exceedingly excellent scientific meetings in Aotearoa will continue to impress our local and international visitors.”

We look forward to 2025 in Kirikiriroa Hamilton (13-15 November 2025).