The Beginner’s Guide to Anaesthetics: A Handbook for Doctors in Training and Allied Professionals

This practical and accessible guide covers the core knowledge and key concepts required during the first 3 months in anaesthetics. This book prepares the reader for starting work on-call in anaesthesia and builds the foundations for becoming a safe and competent anaesthetist.

The content is comprehensive while also being pitched at a level suited to those new to anaesthesia, with a particular focus on knowledge that is useful in daily practice. Topics are split into digestible daily chunks, so by reading just a small amount each day novice anaesthetists can be confident they will cover everything they need to. Alongside the core content, additional information includes more than 50 ’top tips’ from consultant anaesthetists, QR codes linking to highly regarded external learning resources, and guidance on meeting portfolio and curriculum requirements.

Trainee anaesthetists and allied health professionals will appreciate the clear writing style and accessible content of this practical resource. With its focus on everything that an anaesthetist needs to know in their first 3 months of training, it will help trainees build both knowledge and confidence in preparation for their on-calls and beyond.

Connor Brown graduated medicine with honours from the University of Birmingham in 2016. He completed ACCS anaesthetics core training in the Stoke School of Anaesthesia from 2019 to 2023, during which time he attained the Primary FRCA and MRCP qualifications. He has supported trainees through their novice period both by delivering teaching and in his role as teaching coordinator. This book was inspired by his own experience of training and the realisation that most learning resources are designed for those revising for FRCA examinations, with few aimed at novices starting out in anaesthesia.

Alongside clinical anaesthesia, Connor is passionate about NHS systems improvement, with several of his quality improvement projects winning regional and national awards. Outside of work he enjoys good coffee and triathlons - standard interests for an anaesthetist! He lives and works in London.

Alisha Allana is a senior anaesthetic registrar in the Wessex deanery, with an interest in cardiac anaesthesia, transoesophageal echocardiography and education. She completed the Final FRCA anaesthetic examination in 2019, and coaches candidates for both the Primary and Final FRCA. She is Course Director for the South Coast Intensive Primary examination course, and dedicates time to teaching novices and junior anaesthetists. In her spare time she enjoys walks by the coast with her husband and son; baking; and spending time with her cat, Yuri.