This is a fair question, and one we have looked at from time to time. Where a course is just a series of lectures, you can increase the number of attendees without much trouble. However, our course is highly interactive, and we try to give each candidate the benefit of focused examination practice. The more candidates we have, the more this dilutes the value that everyone receives. Additionally, to mark SAQs and viva 20 candidates daily is already a substantial undertaking, increasing numbers (as we have tried in the past) is unfortunately unsustainable. However for those candidates that miss out, we do have a great virtual option.

Due to limited space in the course, we aim to allocate places as fairly as possible while ensuring the greatest benefit for participants. Priority is given to candidates planning to sit the Primary ANZCA Examination in the second sitting (immediately following the course). We also prioritise: Our local trainees who are about to sit, and New Zealand-based trainees more broadly. We strongly encourage non–New Zealand trainees to apply, as places are often still available after the prioritisation process. Following these considerations, in-person places are allocated through an anonymous randomisation process to ensure fairness.

Unfortunately not. Due to the workload involved, the department is only able to run the in-person/virtual course once per year. However, we now offer an online course for candidates preparing for the first sitting of the Primary Exam. This includes all recorded content from the in-person course, along with additional course materials.

Good try but unfortunately no. The course is frequently over-subscribed, with usually more than two applicants per place. We think that the fairest method is to cast the net as wide as possible, accept as many applications as possible, and then to randomly select from this pool of applicants. We have previously considered (and indeed applied) other selection methods, and we look critically at this method every year to see if it’s still workable. No selection method is perfect; whichever way we do it, some people will get in, and others won’t. The best we can hope for is fairness and transparency, which we think we achieve.

We get asked this frequently and unfortunately the answer is no. We are always very sorry for those people who get turned away, but our resources are finite. You will get a place on our waiting list, and if you are near the top, you are still in with a chance of a place, since each year 1 or 2 candidates with a place withdraw from the course before it starts. If you do miss out, the next best option is to join our virtual course.

Absolutely. If we are unable to offer you an in-person spot, you will be offered a virtual spot.

The online course material will be available to access until the second sitting primary exam is completed. Slides will be free to download, however we restrict downloading of the course videos to protect our presenters.

We recommend using Wise (formerly TransferWise) or a standard international bank transfer through your bank. Wise tends to be quicker and often has lower fees than traditional banks. If you choose to pay via bank transfer, just make sure to include your name in the payment reference so we can identify your payment easily.

In-person course: - Full refund if you withdraw > two weeks before the start of the course. - Partial refund if you withdraw < two weeks before the start of the course: · 2/3 refund unless exceptional circumstances at discretion of course director. · Virtual course access will be provided. - No refund after the start of the course Virtual Course: - Full refund if you withdraw before the start of the course - No refund if you withdraw after the start of the course Online Course: - No refund if you withdraw after you have started the course

After covering course expenses—including catering, video equipment, the online platform, and gifts for visiting lecturers—any surplus is transferred to the Waikato Hospital Anaesthetic Trust. This trust supports professional development by providing funding for opportunities available to members of the department.

The in-person course is open to anaesthetic trainees from New Zealand, Australia or Asia who intend to attempt the Primary ANZCA examination in the sitting immediately after the course (Second Sitting). The course is set at a level that expects trainees to have undertaken a substantial amount of study and are gearing up to sit very soon. It is not suitable for those who are just starting to study for the exam.

Candidates should book and arrange their own accommodation before arriving for the course. It is not included in the course fee. There are several motels within easy walking distance of the hospital campus. We recommend the Argent Motor Lodge in Lorne St, which backs onto the hospital campus. Not only is the Argent the closest accommodation, but they usually give us a block booking for the course. If you attempt to book online, their website will tell you they are full. Instead you should book by email, stating that you are coming to the course. We have always had good reports about the quality of accommodation and catering at the Argent. Slightly further away (but still within convenient walking distance) is the Astra Motor Lodge, BKs Premier Motel Hamilton, the Ventura Inn, the Aspen Manor Motel, Ashwood Manor, or the Tudor Motor Lodge. Airbnb is also certainly an option.

Parking is available in two multi-storey carpark buildings on the hospital campus. We cover the cost for you.

The course will be held at the Bryant Education Centre (BEC), located on the Waikato Hospital campus. A detailed campus map is attached for your reference. The BEC is situated near the centre-bottom of the map, and entry is via the point marked with a black arrow. The teaching sessions will take place in Lecture Room LG8 (Lower Ground Room 8). Directional signage will be posted to help guide you.

Absolutely. We provide a quality lunch each day, as well as morning and afternoon tea. There is also an unlimited supply of coffee and hot tea. If you have particular dietary requirements, please let us know.

The nearest real coffee shop is Momento in Pembroke Street, which is about 5 minutes’ walk away from the course venue. It opens at 7am each weekday morning. There are also a couple of coffee outlets within the main hospital building itself.

Most areas of the hospital are provided with free public Wifi, which may be used at any time throughout the course.

The course dinner will be held in Hamilton city centre in Week 2. The cost of the dinner is included in the course fee. Attendance is encouraged, but not compulsory. The course organisers will attend, together with many of the lecturers and examiners.

This is open to anyone who may feel this course will be of benefit to them. However we must emphasise that the course is tailored to those who are about to undertake the second sitting ANZCA primary exam.

Absolutely! We upload all of the recorded sessions at the end of each day, so you can watch them at a time that suites you!

Yes! You are welcome to type questions and post comments.

Example Timetable Please note: this is a sample only and not the current timetable. Lectures (Marked in red) will be live-streamed and recorded. Recordings and slides will be uploaded the same evening. Small group tutorials (marked in blue ) will be streamed live twice – morning and afternoon – but are identical. You only need to watch one of these sessions. Unrecorded sessions (white/blank slots) occur offsite and cannot be streamed. We will aim to run online viva sessions for virtual candidates during some of repeat small group tutorials and unrecorded sessions.

This completely depends on the number of virtual candidates we have and the availability of examiners. We will aim to give each virtual candidate two sessions during the course. Viva Format Each session will include up to five candidates and one examiner—occasionally two. Although the actual exam vivas are five minutes per topic, we find that candidates benefit from a slightly extended format at this stage of preparation. Each viva typically runs for around 7 minutes per topic, covering 2 topics per candidate, followed by a few minutes of feedback—so your individual viva time will be approximately 15 minutes. During the rest of the session, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the other candidates’ vivas. In total, each session runs for approximately 1.5 hours. If you’re allocated a session with Professor Peter Kam, be prepared for a less structured but always insightful experience! These are interactive sessions; observing without participating is not an option.

From our testing, the grading is reasonably accurate, generally matching what we would mark you on the in-person course, within a margin of ±1 grade. It is rarely off by more than 2 grades. The system provides a percentage score reflecting how much of your handwriting has been accurately interpreted. If this score is below 90%, the grade and feedback may be less reliable.

No, as the system doesn't rely on Chat GPTs primary exam knowledge, it can only mark selected SAQs. This list however continues to get bigger as we add more SAQs.

Until the second sitting exam is complete (Usually mid October)