Hi!

Here is the zoom link for the session

Topic: Viva Boot Camp 2024a Basics session
Time: Apr 13, 2024 08:30 AM Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82227876487?pwd=SUM4dkJqWUpvb0dBbnpUR0NvR1BaZz09

Meeting ID: 822 2787 6487
Passcode: 001046

I usually run these viva sessions with a great deal of interactivity to try to give everyone as immersive and as challenging an experience as possible.

By doing this online we are taking on a level of complexity that has room for error. So, like every good anaesthetist I want to PLAN, CHECK and RECHECK everything to make sure we have the best learning experience possible under different circumstances.

I am confident I can give you a great learning experience BUT to do this I want everyone to follow the instructions to the letter and increase the potential for an excellent, immersive learning experience.

THINGS TO DO Prior to Saturday

Fast internet connection

Please find a location with a reliable internet connection
This may be your home, library, hospital… even Starbucks. Whatever works!
Please don’t miss out due to a bad connection
Check your home connection and if you are using a different room to normal please check this as well

Plan your space and time

Make sure you have the time to be completely free for this course
If you have children (or partner) who needs babysitting, please plan ahead.
You don’t want to miss out on the drills and participation. This is where all the learning happens!

Download ZOOM (just in case someone was under a rock in 2020)

Please download and sign up asap (it’s free)
https://zoom.us
TEST it out with a friend, to make sure the camera and microphone are working.
Hospitals often have a fancy connection which I don’t have access to, so personal computers are best.

Organise refreshments

This will be an intensive session, so you’ll need a break!
We will have a short breaks in between
Have your coffee and meals planned so you can save time

Use the workbook (attached)

Use it electronically or print it out.
We’ll be mainly doing exercises to get you speaking, but the workbook has some space to write down useful points, ideal answers and some tables
This is the full 2 day course workbook, and I will give you access to the unedited full course to run through all the exercises after the course

Please organise a VIVA BUDDY (or group of 3 as a maximum)

I want to ensure that people commit to doing this session with a buddy and that nobody misses out
Plan a location to Log in together with people you already know and that satisfy current COVID 19 restriction rules
If you don’t have a person to do the course with, I will match you with someone
Please go to this google sheet link

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1O3-yweKbZBfiatTpdMcA0LtaO_KTAiWq8Pxa-1ik79w/edit?usp=sharing

Add your details BEFORE this Friday
- You can then match up with someone and do the course together over facetime or whatsapp video call
- As you can probably tell, I really really want people to do this with someone else, practising talking out loud. This exam is about speaking your thoughts, on difficult controversial topics in front of your colleagues. So that is how we have to practice.

On the day of the Session

Have your video on!

Having a visible audience gives me so much information about how to present the information
Have a space ready, with no embarrassing backdrops.
Get out of your PJs, and dress like you are going in to work

Computer ready?

Make sure you have a power adapter and cables if you are travelling away from home. NO computer is going to last this session on battery alone!

Log in at 8:15am AEST (melb time) sharp

I’ll start the course then to give us time to sort out any tech issues.
If you have any issues please whatsapp me on +61412694739 early
(I’ll try my best to sort things out but I have limited time on the morning)

Log in to Zoom with your viva buddy

Depending on COVID restrictions, please arrange to meet at a location to log in together. Please adhere to your local restrictions.
If you are unable to meet, please arrange to facetime/FB video call/ WhatsApp video call your viva buddy.
You won’t be able to use Zoom for this.
Please test your call before Saturday!
I will run the course on zoom but you will be able to do the exercises with your viva buddy throughout the course.

Timing

We generally run for about 4 hours but it may run a bit over or under depending. I try to give as much time to relevant questions as we need.
Anything that may take further explanation, I'm happy to have a chat afterwards to clarify :)

After the Session

I will send a feedback link, which I hope you will be able to fill out as honestly and constructively as possible.
I have made many improvements over the last 10 years based on your feedback!
I will provide a link to some vivas with detailed marking schemes to practice with.
I am really happy to try and give you a short video call viva if you are happy for me to post to my YouTube channel and podcast (ABCs of Anaesthesia) as a learning tool.
I realise this might be a bit difficult with so many people but I’ll try my best.

Please email or text me if you have any questions

Looking forward to meeting you at the med Viva/ECG Boot Camp!

Lahiru

+61412694739