Скачать или смотреть Dr Mark Priestley FANZCA

Dr Mark Priestley FANZCA is a specialist anaesthetist - and Head of Anaesthesia - at Westmead Hospital in Sydney, where he’s been caring for patients for more than 30 years. He says anaesthetists start every procedure with a conversation — and if that doesn’t put people to sleep, then medication will.

Behind the humour, Mark explains anaesthesia simply: it’s about giving medicines that stop the brain’s signals so patients lose consciousness and feel no pain. But, he says, just as important as explaining the process is listening — understanding each patient’s needs and providing reassurance in whatever way works best for them.

He believes great anaesthetists combine empathy, attention to detail and calm under pressure. Mark still finds the work exciting, especially being part of a fast-moving field that enables life-changing care across so many areas of medicine.

In this video, he explains what an anaesthetist does; how he helps his patients feel comfortable and safe before, during and after surgery; what he loves most about his job; and some of the special 'soft skills' needed to be a good anaesthetist.

Find out more at www.anzca.edu.au/safehands