Welcome

Welcome to the Auckland City Symposium (ACS), 2012.

Today being an anaesthetic specialist also means being a perioperative physician. Keeping up with developments across the broad field of medicine is a vital part of our clinical practice. It is therefore appropriate that the 2012 ACS is focusing on the subject of perioperative medicine.

Traditionally perioperative medicine has centred on preoperative assessment and medical optimisation of the patient. However it is not uncommon for medical events to occur during and after surgery, significantly complicating the clinical situation. We have chosen to examine medical emergencies that occur in the perioperative period and our theme of "Not on my watch" reflects the challenge of salvaging our patients from disaster in these difficult situations.

As in previous years, we have a line up of international speakers complimented by local experts. In order to enhance the clinical focus of the meeting, we have asked Dr Paul Gardiner to act as a facilitator for the day. Dr Gardiner is an Intensivist and Anaesthetist, so is ideally suited to chair the case discussions and ensure the focus remains on the perioperative context. We believe this will enhance the value of the day.

We look forward to seeing you at the symposium on Saturday, 17 March 2012.