Due to family illness, A/Prof Marjorie Stiegler is unfortunately unable to come to Perth. We are happy to announce that Professor Avery Tung from the University of Chicago, who has previously collaborated with A/Prof Stiegler, has very kindly agreed to step in as an invited speaker at such short notice. We look forward to welcoming Professor Tung to Perth.

On behalf of the Organising Committee I am delighted to invite you to the 76th National Scientific Congress of the Australian Society of Anaesthetists. The Congress will be held in the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from Saturday 7th to Tuesday 10th October 2017, which marks 10 years since the last Congress was held in Perth.

The logo and theme of the Congress –“Bridging the Elements”- are inspired by the newly developed Elizabeth Quay and its iconic footbridge, located next to the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Quay was built to bring the Swan River and Perth City together again and our Congress once again aims to bring together the many different elements of Anaesthesia.

The highly enthusiastic Local Organising Committee from Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital’s Anaesthetic Department has worked hard to produce a Congress with an outstanding scientific program and an exciting social program.

Our invited speakers are Professor Michael Avidan from Washington University of St Louis Missouri, Dr Philipp Lirk from Harvard University, Professor Avery Tung from the University of Chicago and Professor David Story from the University of Melbourne. Along with local speakers and facilitators, they will bridge the many elements of pre-, intra- and post-operative care in anaesthesia through an extensive scientific program consisting of concurrent lectures, special interest group sessions, refresher courses, workshops, small group discussions and research and poster sessions.

Our social program will open with a Welcome Reception on Friday evening where you will be able to catch up with old friends and meet new colleagues. Saturday evening will be an Exhibitors function that will give our sponsors and delegates a chance to mingle in a more relaxed setting. A new social element of this Congress is the appropriately themed Gala dinner – A Song of Ice and Fire on Sunday night, which for the first time will enable our weekend delegates to join in a festive night of food, wine and dance. Finally “A Night in The Park” on Monday evening at the State Reception Centre (Fraser’s) in Kings Park will allow you to experience the wild flowers in full bloom and the breathtaking views of the Swan River and Elizabeth Quay.

Clear blue skies with balmy weather are the norm during springtime in Perth. I would highly recommend coming to Perth earlier or staying longer afterwards to enjoy and explore what our vast and amazing state of Western Australia has to offer – food, wine, natural attractions and a wide variety of outdoor activities.

We look forward to hosting you in Perth in October for a most memorable and educational meeting.

Dr David Law
Convenor ASA NSC 2017

Dear Colleagues, It gives me great pleasure, as one of my first duties as President of the ASA, to extend an invitation to you to come to Perth in 2017 for our 76th National Scientific Congress.

The conference theme is “Bridging the Elements” bringing together the diverse aspects of anaesthesia, critical care and pain management.  It also brings together colleagues from all over the country to share knowledge, experience and form friendships.

Perth is an exciting, young and vibrant city with some stunning scenery, amazing local attractions and opportunities for experiencing all that our unique West has to offer. The region also has so much gourmet food and wine with wonderful restaurants, microbreweries, and vineyards and a plethora of outdoor activities.

The scientific content of the NSC will likewise be exciting and challenging. It will provide unique experiences for all who attend. There will be a busy program of workshops designed to challenge participants, expand knowledge and facilitate obtaining CPD requirements in an engaging way.

The organising committee has worked hard to complement the engaging scientific program with a comprehensive social program where we can network, renew old friendships and make new friends.

I assure you that a trip to Perth in 2017 will not only be rewarding professionally for you and your family but will also leave you looking forward to your next trip over there to experience more of the great Western Australia.

Stay tuned for further updates on the scientific and social program.

I look forward to seeing you there, to learn with you and to help prepare us all for the challenges that our profession faces in the future. 

Associate Professor David M Scott
ASA President