The Skills Training for Anaesthetic Residents (STAR) course is a full‑day training program for junior anaesthetic trainees and residents who are entering the anaesthetic training program.
STAR is designed for junior clinicians with some anaesthetic or critical care experience. The course focuses on both technical and non‑technical skills such as airway planning, advanced life support, crisis management, teamwork and professionalism.
Who the course is for
We recommend STAR for doctors who have 6 to 12 months' experience in anaesthesia or critical care as an HMO 2 or 3.
The course is not suitable for interns or medical students.
If you do not have a critical care role, you may still register. However, we strongly recommend having at least 2 years of postgraduate experience.
What the course covers
Topics include:
- Airway management
- Planning for intubation and extubation
- Anaesthetic assessment
- Advanced life support
- Management of anaesthetic crises
- Initial management of intra‑operative deterioration
- Professional practice, leadership and teamwork
Program delivery and structure
STAR is delivered face-to-face with a high faculty‑to‑participant ratio to allow for close supervision, feedback and discussion.
Participants work in small groups, rotating through:
- hands‑on skills stations
- case‑based discussions
- high‑fidelity, high‑technology simulation scenarios
STAR is taught by experienced anaesthetists and anaesthetic trainees who are passionate about education and supporting junior doctors. Faculty members focus on creating a supportive, respectful learning environment.
What the day looks like
7:45am – Register and change into scrubs
8:00am – Introduction
9:00am – Session 1
10:30am – Break
10:45am – Session 2
12:15pm – Break
1:00pm – Session 3
2:30pm – Break
2:45pm – Session 4
4:30pm – Interview preparation and course feedback
5:00pm – Finish
Please arrive on time and allow enough time to register and change into scrubs before introduction. Punctuality is considered an important part of anaesthetic practice.
The day is fully catered and scrubs are provided on arrival.
Register for a STAR course
To find the next available STAR course:
- Search our Events page
- Register online when bookings open
STAR courses are usually held once or twice each year in Melbourne and Perth.
Fully booked?
If a course is fully booked, you can sign up to be notified when future courses become available. Please note that joining the waitlist does not guarantee a place.
Cancel or transfer your registration
With sufficient notice, you may request a once off transfer of your registration to a later course. Any difference in course fees will apply.
Cancellations made less than two weeks before the course (after 5pm on the Friday two weeks before) may not be eligible for a full refund.
For cancellations or transfers, email starcourse@mh.org.au with ‘Cancellation STAR’ in the subject line.
See the Terms and conditions at the bottom of this page for full details.
Interstate travel
We recommend purchasing travel insurance when registering for an interstate course as we do not offer refunds due to travel restrictions or cancellations.
After the course
STAR does not provide ongoing mentoring, references, CV review or interview coaching once the course has finished.
We encourage participants to seek mentorship and more relevant advice locally.
If you work with one of the STAR faculty, they may be able to help you find a mentor within the department as this is an important part of your career development.
Terms and conditions
- Cancellations and Deferments - must be advised in writing or via email:
- Cancellation advised in writing or via email, more than 6 weeks before the scheduled course date are entitled to refund less $50 admin fee
- Cancellations received within 6 weeks before the course will incur a financial penalty of 50% of the registration fee or transfer to future course at our discretion
- Cancellations within 2 weeks of the course are not entitled to any refund or transfer to future course
- First deferment advised in writing or via email, more than 6 weeks before the scheduled course date will generally not incur a financial penalty
- First deferment advised in writing or via email, within 6 weeks before the scheduled course date an additional 50% of the registration fee will be payable
- A second deferment will incur a penalty of 100% of the registration fee
- Cancellation or deferment due to illness supported by a medical certificate (must be from a medical practitioner not a colleague) will not incur a financial penalty.
- A refund will not be granted if a registrant fails to attend, cancels or defer up to 2 weeks before the course.
- Full payment is required on registration.
- The RMH reserves the right to cancel planned courses and symposia, even at short notice. In the event of cancellation by the RMH, all course fees will be refunded. This precludes any other claims.
- If a nominated presenter cannot take a course another faculty member will be engaged by the RMH.
The RMH is committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality and security of personal information provided by you to us. The personal information you provide in this form will be used by the RMH to:
- Process your registration form, which may include updating your record and profile information
- Contact you in the event of cancellation
- Conduct analysis or market research to identify the ongoing needs of registrants
- Provide you with access to information about a range of current and future courses and associated events administered by the RMH
- RMH may disclose the personal information, which you provide to external service providers to whom we have contracted out functions such as printers or mailing houses, but only for the purposes outlined above. You have a right to access any personal information, which RMH holds about you, subject to the exceptions in the Privacy Act 1988
Please contact the RMH if you would like to access or correct the personal information we hold about you.
Participants responsibility to the RMH:
- If required, participants are to provide proof of professional status
- Participants are to arrange own parking
- RMH will not be liable for loss of personal property or parking fines incurred
- Participants agree to read and abide by all Health and Safety Guidelines provided
During your participation in our courses, still photographs and video recordings may be taken that at times the RMH may use for educational, administration or promotional purposes.
Search our events page to find the next scheduled STAR course.
Event fully booked? Sign up to be notified of future courses.