International Academy of Colleges of Anaesthesiologists
The Royal College of Anaesthetists is a founding member of the International Academy of Colleges of Anaesthesiologists (IACA). This is a collaboration of five specialist medical colleges with the aim of building a community of anaesthesia practice and creating a forum for the sharing of knowledge and common interests.
The other founding members of the academy are the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists & Faculty of Pain Medicine (ANZCA), the College of Anaesthesiologists Ireland (CAI), the Hong Kong College of Anaesthesiologists (HKCA) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC).
IACA was officially launched at the 2021 ANZCA Annual Scientific Meeting in Melbourne on 30 April 2021, with then-ANZCA President Dr Vanessa Beavis being appointed the honorary chair.
IACA brings together a network of clinicians, researchers and educators committed to promoting the understanding and role of anaesthesia and the work of its fellows, with a vision of learning from each other, sharing knowledge and experiences as well as creating a strong international college community of practice.
ANZCA President and IACA honorary Chair, Dr Vanessa Beavis, commented at the launch that “the global pandemic has highlighted the pivotal role played by anaesthetists world-wide and that in unprecedented times, the speciality has risen to the occasion providing care, comfort and compassion to patients and drawing strength and support from their colleagues. The IACA will foster and carry this forward.”
Medical colleges around the world are improving patient safety and quality of care through the delivery and provision of support for high standards in training, education, professional practice and research. While focused on broad collaboration, the IACA looks to build on the synergies of collective activities already in place:
- promoting doctors’ health and wellbeing
- increasing diversity and inclusion
- leadership development
- international relations
- environmental sustainability
- global health programmes.
Delivering training for the new generation of specialists and collaborating on advances in education is an agreed mutual responsibility along with professional standards and quality and safety. Read the IACA terms of reference.