I just received an info today that the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetist(ANZCA), after more than 50 years, will no longer offer its training program to new trainees in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore http://www.anzca.edu.au/communications/Other%20publications/front-page-announcements/front-page-news/anzca-training-in-south-east-asia. Previously, training in HKL, UMMC, HUKM, IJN and Penang GH was recognised as part of the training programme http://www.anzca.edu.au/trainees/supervisory-roles/supervisor-of-training/anzca-representatives/malaysia. Those who are already in the programme will not be affected.
It is rather sad to hear this. With this, the only way to become an anaesthetist in Malaysia will be via the local Master’s programme. Many Master’s student from UM and HUKM use to sit for FANZCA exams before. I must admit that many do this to get a well recognised postgraduate degree and to migrate to Australia/N Zealand.
So, as the saying goes…………… life is only going to get tougher……………………
Withdrawal of training in Asia – update
After more than 50 years, ANZCA will no longer offer its training program to new trainees in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore.
To commence work on future support for trainees and Fellows in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore, and a new partnership with our sister colleges in the region, ANZCA President, Professor Kate Leslie, and President-elect, Dr Lindy Roberts, met with ANZCA Fellows and trainees, and leaders from the Hong Kong College of Anaesthesiologists in Hong Kong on Friday April 27. Three areas of support and collaboration were discussed:
1. Support for trainees Trainees were concerned about provisions for those who chose to complete ANZCA training. The areas of concern were noted and will inform discussions about the package to be provided. Trainees and their supervisors will be consulted during this process and these provisions will be finalised by the ANZCA Council at its June 2012 meeting.
2. Support for Fellows Fellows were reassured that the decision to withdraw from training does not affect the privileges and opportunities available to ANZCA Fellows resident in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore.
3. Inter-collegiate collaboration The Hong Kong College leaders joined with ANZCA in supporting a new partnership among colleges in the region that includes collaboration in education, training and assessment; continuing medical education; quality and safety; research and international aid. Work will commence on this initiative shortly. On behalf of ANZCA Council, Professor Leslie and Dr Roberts expressed their gratitude to the Fellows, trainees and supervisors who participated in these meetings. The findings from the visit will be discussed by the Executive Committee at their next meeting and this message will be updated as progress is made
