Dr Rebecca Garland

Chair, NZ ORL Training Committee, Wellington, NZ

Since 2016 I have been the chair of the NZ TEAC, which is part of the binational OHNS board providing oversight of SET training and IMG assessment. I have been a supervisor and member of the TEAC since 2009. Recently I have been involved with the transition to a competency based program and a new curriculum. Current projects include cultural competency in training and selection review. 

How Can SET Meet NZ's Needs?

A review of current demographics of NZ ORL is underway. The areas of need are smaller centres with difficulty recruiting to these spaces. Current demographics of ORL surgeons do not reflect the diversity of NZ population especially with regard to Maori. Patient groups with poorest health statistics include Maori, Pacific Islander and refugee groups. Ongoing focus on these areas is required to improve these unequal outcomes. This will include encouraging research to better define areas of improvement. Non-technical skills are also being taught to improve key competencies such as communication, collaboration and ethics.