Fiji doctor trains in Wonthaggi theatres
Dr Loreen Sharma from Suva has been learning new anaesthesia techniques in Wonthaggi’s operating theatres through a new training partnership.
A DOCTOR from Fiji has become the first international clinician to train at Wonthaggi Hospital through a new partnership with the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists.
Dr Loreen Sharma, from Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, one of the Pacific nation’s main hospitals, joined the Wonthaggi team earlier this year through the college’s Short-Term Training program in anaesthesia to gain experience in a wider variety of surgeries.
The hospital has hosted placements for students and early career nurses and doctors through partnerships with Victorian universities and hospitals for many years, and the partnership with the college expands its role as a regional training centre.
Wonthaggi Hospital became part of Bayside Health when Bass Coast Health merged with four other health services on January 1.
“I’ve had the opportunity to learn from experienced anaesthetists and build on the experience I already had in Fiji while learning new techniques, approaches and ways of working,” Dr Sharma said.
“I’ve been involved with general surgery, orthopaedics, joint replacements, gynaecology, urology and cataract surgery.
“One of the particularly valuable experiences for me has been learning to perform anaesthesia for eyes, as this was something I hadn’t previously done in Fiji.
“I’ve also had the opportunity to further develop my experience in ultrasound-guided techniques, as well as seeing different approaches to postoperative pain management such as patient-controlled analgesia.”
Dr Sharma described her time at Wonthaggi as “a really rewarding experience, both professionally and personally”.
Regional clinical director of anaesthetics and perioperative services Dr Benn Lancman said the theatre team had benefited from the international knowledge and experience Dr Sharma had brought.
“This international training program shows that clinicians from overseas don’t always have to go to metropolitan health services to learn what is considered best practice in Australia,” Dr Lancman said.
“By coming to smaller hospitals like Wonthaggi, they can be exposed to a larger variety of surgeries, and receive a high level of teaching and support from their supervising team.
“Our staff also have the benefit of cultural exchange.”
