Trainee Representation

The Trainee Representative (TR) role was created in February 2009 in order to build the level of trainee representation within the NZSA and increase collegiality between trainees of the NZSA, GASACT, ANZCA Trainee Committee and NZ National Trainee Committee.  In addition, it was anticipated this would enable the voice of junior anaesthetists to be heard by the Executive Committee more easily, as well as allow opportunities for the promotion of the NZSA to trainees.

Involvement as a trainee in the NZSA is welcome at any time (see contact details of current TR and Deputy TR below). Previous experience in the ANZCA NZ Trainee Committee or the NZ Resident Doctors Association would be helpful but is not essential.

The TR and Deputy TR are full voting members of the NZSA executive, and at least one of them attends face to face meetings and teleconferences.  This enables trainees to raise any issues they face; it also allows changes to occur quickly if required. They regularly contribute a piece to the NZSA newsletter (the “Trainee’s Corner”).

The TR communicates directly with the heads of other anaesthesia trainee organisations, such as the ANZCA NZ Trainee Committee, GASACT (Group of ASA Clinical Trainees – the trainee arm of the Australian Society of Anaesthetists) and GAT (Group of Anaesthetists in Training – the trainee arm of the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland). In addition, the TR is an invited observer to meetings of:

• GASACT
• ANZCA Trainee Committee
• ANZCA NZ Trainee Committee
• NZMA Doctors in Training Council Annual Trainee Forum (as a participant)

This enables effective collaboration between the organisations at the trainee level, in much the same way as occurs with the Presidents of the organisations.

Tasks and roles of the NZSA Trainee representatives include:
a) Presenting the views of Trainee members in New Zealand medico-political issues and acting as Trainee advocates
b) Organising the annual NZ Part 3 Course (in cooperation with the ANZCA NZ Trainee Committee)
c) Maintaining and updating the NZSA Trainee Portal, including:

• Adding new articles to the journals section
• Developing and updating the departmental profiles section
• Adding relevant links to study resources
• Ensuring all information is up-to-date

d) Ongoing contribution to publications:

• NZSA newsletter
• ANZCA NZ Trainees Handbook
• GASACT Handbook
• GAT Handbook

The NZSA Trainee Representatives are there to represent you – please feel free to contact them. The current members are:

If you are interested in participating in NZSA Trainee Representation, please register your interest with a current Trainee Representative. What is required is the desire to contribute to our profession and support your colleagues, along with some spare time!