Anaesthesia AST

About the AST

Embark on a journey in anaesthetics through the Rural Generalist Anaesthesia Training Program, a joint initiative of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA), the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

The colleges provide a training program leading to the qualification of Rural Generalist Anaesthesia (RGA), equipping you with the skills to deliver safe anaesthesia and perioperative care in rural and remote settings, covering elective and emergent surgeries, including obstetrics and paediatrics.

As an RGA, you'll have the expertise to resuscitate and stabilise patients for transfer when needed, while recognising the boundaries of your expertise and engaging in continuous professional development to meet community needs.

Find out more

Curriculum highlights / credentials

The Rural Generalist Anesthesia training program is modelled on the ANZCA curriculum and builds from the relevant core curricula of the ACRRM and RACGP Fellowship programs. It consists of three core sections:

1. Rural Generalist anaesthesia roles in practice

Define trainee behaviours as they pertain to anaesthesia and perioperative medicine:

Medical expert
Communicator
Collaborator
Leader and manager
Health advocate
Scholar
Professional

2. Clinical fundamentals

Define the fundamental specialty knowledge and skills of anaesthetists applicable across all areas of practice:

airway management
general anaesthesia and sedation
regional and local anaesthesia
perioperative medicine
pain medicine
resuscitation, trauma and crises management
safety and quality in anaesthetic practice.

3. Specialised study units

Define specialised knowledge and skills in paediatrics and obstetric anaesthesia and analgesia.

Where you can complete this AST

Training must be completed at a Rural Generalist Anaesthesia (RGA) accredited site. Find out more in the link below.

Find a training site

I completed my AST in Anaesthetics at Nambour Hospital in 2015. Initially, I intended to pursue obstetrics, but an opportunity in anaesthetics came up, and I haven't looked back since. I love the variety and the chance to support my community in both elective surgeries and emergency situations, including birthing services. Being an RGA allows me to practice anaesthetics and work in diverse medical areas, making every day exciting!

Dr Nikita Shanley

FACRRM, Rural Generalist Anaesthetist