The VICEN open day hosted at CICM last month was a great start to the year ahead, with special thanks to CICM for hosting the event, and to a wonderful line-up of speakers. Thanks to all those trainees who attended, and added to the collaborative spirit of Victorian intensive care education!
The last few years have been a remarkable period for innovation, and I’ve observed with awed respect the way many of my colleagues (from ICU leaders to junior trainees) have adapted their educational programs in times of movement restrictions. There have been opportunities to access distant content and expertise previously unimagined.
However, this period has also demonstrated the value of face-to-face education, and the benefits of learning together, collaborating and networking. The role of programs tailored to the needs of a local group is also clear. We want to ensure that VICEN can continue to provide this to Victorian trainees.
There has been a lot of work behind the scenes at VICEN over several months to try to ensure the Network doesn’t just survive, but thrives, and will meet the needs of Victorian Intensive Care trainees well into the future.
1. Local departments have renewed their commitment to collaborative education through VICEN.
2. VICEN has a new Committee, allowing input from varying levels of seniority, diversity of thought, and future-proofing of the program.
There will be great opportunities for future trainee involvement in this group.
3. In response to feedback, VICEN sessions will run less frequently, but for greater numbers of trainees on each occasion.
The interest in practical, simulation-based education, and in exposure to sub-specialty topics in critical care has been noted, and is a focus moving forward.
Sessions will initially be run 4-6 times yearly, but this may evolve.
4. Hot Case Central has been adopted under VICEN.
VICEN has representatives across >20 intensive care units statewide, and we will harness this reach to ensure collaborative access for exam preparation,.
I’d like to introduce several new members of the VICEN team.
Dr David Antognini – Chair
David is an Intensivist and a Director of Clinical Training at Monash Health, with demonstrated interest in education planning and delivery. He was involved in curriculum formation with the QLD training pathway and the CICM Transition Year Network, founded a CICM Primary exam course (GOLDPERC) and has authored a Primary Pharmacology MCQ book. He is current co-ordinator of the Hot Case Central program, and participant in the ANZCEN Clinical Incubator.
Dr Yvette Low – Committee
Yvette is an Education Transition Fellow with a long interest in trainee education, particularly in the process of planning, coordination and ensuring feedback and subsequent improvement of education programs. She has contributed to the CICM Online Education Program as a host and reviewer of online content. She has interests in trainee wellbeing, and equity of access to educational activities for trainees in smaller or regional units.
Dr John Lee – Committee
John is Chief Registrar at Monash Health, and has been heavily involved in delivery of Primary Education at a local network (Monash) and state level, including OFPEEP and weekly First Part tutorials. He has taken leadership roles within his local trainee network, and has been recognised for his abilities as a teacher and innovator.
I will remain on Committee as Past Chair, and Dr Emily Harman, well-known to you as a local leader in Education will also continue her valued contribution to VICEN as a Committee member. Dr Michael Purvis-Smith will step down to focus on other endeavours, with our thanks for all his efforts.
I look forward to your ongoing support of VICEN as David and the team move into the next phase. Please contact any of the committee members to provide feedback and input into the program. We look forward to seeing many of you at a VICEN event soon!
Best wishes,
Cara
Dr Cara Moore – Intensivist
moore.cara@gmail.com
Comments --