Wonthaggi Hospital is expanding its role as a regional training centre, welcoming international clinicians for the first time through a new partnership with the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA).
Wonthaggi Hospital welcomes international anaesthetist in training first
October 30, 2026
Dr Loreen Sharma and Dr Benn Lancman in one of the state-of-the-art operating theatres at Wonthaggi Hospital.
For many years, the hospital has hosted placements for students and early career nurses and doctors through partnerships with Victorian universities and hospitals.
Now, the hospital, part of Bayside Health, has partnered with ANZCA to offer a place in the college’s Short-Term Training program in anaesthesia.
This year, the hospital welcomed Dr Loreen Sharma from Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, Fiji, one of the Pacific nation’s main hospitals, to gain experience in a wider variety of surgeries.
“I’ve had the opportunity to learn from experienced anaesthetists and build on the experience I already had in Fiji while learning new techniques, approaches and ways of working,” Dr Sharma said.
“I’ve been involved with general surgery, orthopaedics, joint replacements, gynaecology, urology and cataract surgery.
“One of the particularly valuable experiences for me has been learning to perform anaesthesia for eyes, as this was something I hadn’t previously done in Fiji.
“I’ve also had the opportunity to further develop my experience in ultrasound-guided techniques, as well as seeing different approaches to postoperative pain management such as patient-controlled analgesia.”
Dr Sharma joined the Wonthaggi team earlier this year and has found her time to be “a really rewarding experience, both professionally and personally”.
Dr Benn Lancman, Regional Clinical Director of Anaesthetics and Perioperative Services, said the theatre team has benefited from the international knowledge and experience Dr Sharma has brought.
“This international training program shows that clinicians from overseas don’t always have to go to metropolitan health services to learn what is considered best practice in Australia,” he said.
“By coming to smaller hospitals like Wonthaggi, they can be exposed to a larger variety of surgeries, and receive a high level of teaching and support from their supervising team.
“Our staff also have the benefit of cultural exchange.”
Find out more about surgery at Wonthaggi Hospital.