Signing Off — Reflections from the NZSA President
I remember sitting down to write my very first blog post three years ago – filled with hope for what I might achieve in the role, buoyed by the support of such a wonderful Executive, and gripped by immense imposter syndrome following in the footsteps of the incredible Dr Sheila Hart. I also recall the abject horror at the thought of writing these very blog posts. Yet somehow, through a mix of perseverance, humour, and encouragement from those around me, I’ve made it through.
It hasn’t always been smooth sailing. We have faced some immense challenges as a workforce over the past three years, and representing such a diverse and passionate group with one collective voice is never easy. I know there have been times when not everyone has agreed with the direction we’ve taken, and I thank you for your constructive feedback and your continued dedication to ensuring the NZSA remains strong, relevant, and representative. I have grown and learned an immense amount through this role, about leadership, communication, and self-awareness, and I thank you sincerely for the grace and support you’ve shown along the way.
I want to take a moment to indulge in some heartfelt thanks. To Michele Thomas, our former CEO: your leadership, friendship and unwavering support were instrumental in building the incredible team we have today. To Kylie McQuellin – thank you for your incredible strategic vision, professionalism, humour, insight, and for being a brilliant travel companion. To Rebecca Burton and Deanna Smit – your talent, dedication, and sheer capacity continue to amaze me; you do the work of twenty people. To Past Presidents Drs David Kibblewhite, Kathryn Hagen, and Sheila Hart – thank you for your wisdom, mentorship, and for showing by example what it means to lead with integrity and purpose. My thanks also to NZNC Chairs Dr Graham Roper and Dr Rachel Dempsey, and CE Stephanie Clare, for being such generous collaborators and always making us feel welcome at Willeston Street. Similarly, to Drs Chris Cokis, Dave Storey, and Tanya Selak – your friendship and collegiality have been invaluable. A special mention to Dr Vanessa Beavis and Dr Wayne Morriss, who are both exceptional leaders and mentors, the embodiment of people who lift as they climb.
To our friends across the Tasman at the Australian Society of Anaesthetists – thank you for the enduring partnership and friendship between our organisations. The place afforded to the NZSA President within your Council meetings is something truly special, and I am so grateful for that continued connection. My heartfelt thanks to all of you, but in particular my good friend Dr Andrew Miller, and to Dr Mark Sinclair, Dr Archie Srivathsa, Dr Suzi Nou, and your dynamic new President, Dr Vida Viliunas. I know that the ASA is in wonderful hands and that great things lie ahead under your leadership. Working with you all has been such a pleasure and a shining light of the job for me.
Finally, to the NZSA Executive – both current and past – my deepest gratitude. To our current members Dr Jonathan Panckhurst, Dr Renee Franklin, Dr James McAlpine, Dr Willem Odendaal, Dr Anne Chiang, and Dr Dairshini Sithambaram, and to past members Dr Sheila Hart, Dr Cathy Caldwell, Dr Caroline Ariaens, Dr Lynette McGaughran, Dr Ben Van Der Griend, Dr Mike Ng, Dr Indu Kapoor, Dr Nathan Kershaw, Dr Mikaela Garland, Dr Aidan Ward, Dr Hannah Middleton and Dr Sarah Tomlinson – thank you. Immensely. Your commitment, energy, and generosity of time have been extraordinary. In an era when everyone is busier than ever and pulled in countless directions, your willingness to volunteer, to advocate, and to lead is nothing short of remarkable. The strength of our Executive is the strength of our Association – and that strength gives me immense confidence for the future.
As I hand over the role to Jonathan, I do so with enormous pride in what we’ve achieved and great optimism for what’s to come. The NZSA is in excellent hands – united, forward-looking, and committed to the well-being of our profession and our patients. He waka eke noa – we are all in this together, moving forward as one.
