June 24, 2025Northern Health’s Department of Anaesthetics, Perioperative Medicine and Pain made an impressive mark at the 2025 ANZCA (Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists) Annual Scientific Meeting, showcasing the depth of innovation, expertise, and clinical leadership within our service.
Dr Hosim Prasai Thapa presented “Making Blocks Accessible”, highlighting the groundbreaking model at Northern Health where the Acute Pain Service (APS) and Pain Management Nurse Practitioner provide regional anaesthesia for hip and rib fractures — a virtually unique practice globally.
The presentation received glowing praise, with one attendee noting, “the APS team deserves immense credit for the amazing service and care that Northern is pioneering in this field.”
Dr Yiying (Sally) Tsang shared compelling data from Northern Health’s novel multidisciplinary pre-operative Complex Decision-Making (CDM) clinic. This model of collaborative, patient-centred perioperative care is leading the way in tailoring surgery decisions for complex patients.
A/Prof Suzi Nou delivered “Paediatric Anaesthetic Incidents in the Radiology Suite: Navigating the Tunnel of Doom”, drawing on her expertise in safety and quality. Audience members were particularly impressed, calling it a “fantastic presentation and insights from webAIRS for Paeds.”
Dr Mandy Baric inspired delegates with “Career Path Less Travelled: The Mongolian Experience,” where she reflected on her journey and impact abroad.
Her distinguished career in Anaesthesia has been recognised in Australia and abroad having been awarded the Mongolian Order of the Polar Star in 2021, the ANZCA Robert Orton Medal in 2023, and was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2024. One attendee stated that they were truly in awe of what Dr Baric has been able to achieve.
Dr Darren Lowen challenged traditional thinking in his talk, “Rethinking Fluid Management”, promoting thoughtful, evidence-informed approaches to intraoperative obstetric care.
These presentations sparked rich discussion from colleagues across Australia and New Zealand. That this calibre of work comes from a service of our size is testament to the innovation, problem-solving and research excellence that defines Northern’s Anaesthetics Department.
We are proud of our team and the national recognition they continue to earn.
