Being the largest O&G centre in Singapore, KKH naturally provides the ideal set-up for O&G anaesthesia training in Singapore. O&G anaesthesia procedures constitute an important aspect of anaesthesia practice. Almost every basic and advanced trainee in anaesthesia will complete a training stint the department.

Basic and advanced trainees normally spend 6 and 3 months in the department respectively. Fellows spend up to a year in the department. Non-trainees undergo the same rigorous training even if they do not wish to sit for any examinations. This is to generate an interest in the specialty. Obstetric and gynaecologic anaesthesia training runs concurrently.

RANGE OF SERVICES

• Pain relief in labour
• Acute pain service
• Anaesthetic services, eg. regional and general anaesthesia for gynaecological surgery
• Obstetrics anaesthesia
• Intensive care service
• Pre-anaesthesia clinic

BST TRAINING PROGRAM

Knowledge of core topics is expected. These include pre-eclampsia, regional analgesia for labour, regional and general anaesthesia for caesarean section, management of the difficult airway, intra-partum and post-partum haemorrhage, neonatal resuscitation, management of post-dural puncture headache, resuscitation and CPR in a pregnant patient, and general anaesthesia for laparoscopy and hysteroscopy.

Basic trainees are expected to perform 50 epidurals for labour and administer anaesthesia for 50 lower segment caesarean sections, with at least 60 % under regional anaesthesia.

AST & FELLOW TRAINING

There will be exposure to management of obstetric complications such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, diabetes and cardiac disease in pregnancy, anaesthesia for multiple pregnancy, pregnancy with history of pre-term labour and anaesthesia for non-obstetric surgery during pregnancy.

TEACHING ACTIVITIES

Formal teaching include obstetric and gynaecologic anaesthesia case/journal presentations by trainees under supervision. Monthly combined anaesthetic meetings (involving all the anaesthetic departments in Singapore will involve trainees as well. In addition, there are ICU journal club meetings and informal clinical teachings in the operating theatre, Women’s ICU and Delivery Suites.

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITES

Basic trainees are supervised by a mentor who would be of Associate Consultant grade and above. Advanced trainees are supervised by any consultant and are required to have one publication before their exit interview. Advanced trainees are also strongly encouraged to do a study during their posting.

ACCREDITATION

The department is accredited by the Australia & New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA).

WELFARE & FACILITIES FOR JUNIOR DOCTORS
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