Abstract
Background There is no specific formal guidance on what prospective trainees must focus on to secure an anaesthetic training position in Australia, and there is little in the literature to advise both applicants and their mentors. Method This study aims to ascertain the views of anaesthetic clinicians from two Australian tertiary referral hospitals on what they consider most important for selection. A paper-based survey was conducted at both hospitals across three groups, totalling 104 participants with a 100% response rate. Results The characteristics most agreed upon to be of at least some importance were clinical anaesthetic knowledge (98%, 102/104), teaching (95%, 99/104), basic science and courses (94%, 98/104), other critical care experience (93%, 97/104), and anaesthetic experience for more than six months (92%, 96/104). Of these, anaesthetic experience of greater than six months, non-anaesthetic critical care experience, and the completion of relevant courses were felt to be most important. Furthermore, good referee reports (95%, 99/104), especially those that come from anaesthetists (75%, 78/104) as well as having previous experience working in the institution applied to (88%, 92/104) were also seen as important factors. 'Non-technical' skills (40%, 42/104) were also regarded as an important factor, with immense competition for a few training positions (45%, 47/104) as the greatest barrier. When it came to selection, prevocational trainees consistently ranked the majority of criteria higher than accredited trainees or specialists. Conclusion This staff survey in two Australian hospitals has shed light on factors considered critical in securing an anaesthetic training position. It underscores the significance of clinical anaesthetic knowledge, basic science proficiency, and relevant critical care experience.