Who likes the idea of excessive waste in healthcare? Especially when it is something that can impact our colleagues and has negative climate effects?

In this episode I chat with Dr Ethan Fitzclarence, from Perth, Western Australia about an audit he conducted as part of his anaesthetic training. He discovered an astounding amount of nitrous oxide was being leaked to the atmosphere.

We discuss his methodology, the health impacts of nitrous oxide waste and the growing movement to toward decommissioning pipeline systems in favour of cylinder-based delivery.

Read our Joint Statement on decommissioning nitrous oxide medical gas pipeline systems.

For this work, Dr Fitzclarence won the Nerida Dilworth prize - congratulations! Find more information about this and other ASA research prizes here.

The accompanying poster to the podcast can be found in the March 2026 edition of Australian Anaesthetist. The September 2022 edition is all about environmental sustainability and where you can read more about this and other initiatives undertaken by anaesthetists. Both are available on the ASA website.

Learn more about other ways to get involved in an audit as a trainee:

Ep69. Talking TRA2SH - trainee led research into sustainability in healthcare with Dr Jess Davies

Welcome to 2026!

In this episode I chat with Dr Andrea Binks, an anaesthetist and accomplished yoga facilitator from Wollongong, NSW. Dr. Binks shares her unconventional journey into anaesthesia, transitioning from physician and cardiology training in the UK to intensive care and eventually anaesthesia. I learn how yoga has been a constant in her life since childhood, evolving from a personal practice to teaching qualification, and how it now informs her approach to patient care.

We explore the intersection of trauma-informed yoga practices and anaesthetic practice, the use of invitational language, and the importance of patient autonomy, and creating safe spaces for vulnerable patients.

Episodes you may want to enjoy after this one:

Ep98. Coaching for Doctors with Dr Anne Frankl

Ep83. The Women's Empowerment and Leadership Initiative (WELI) with Prof Nina Deutsch & A/Prof Larry Schwartz

Ep106. Anaesthesia Unlocked: Fast-tracking IMGs in Australia with Prof David Story

Find out more about the Australian and New Zealand chapter of WELI - Women's Empowerment and Leadership Initiative

We welcome new members and any feedback.

https://asa.org.au/types-of-membership/how-to-join/

podcast@asa.org.au

I catch up with Professor Tim Cook, of the UK National Audit Projects live at the Australian Society of Anaesthetists' National Scientific Congress (NSC). We discuss his incredible work, his ideas of success and what risk in anaesthesia mean to him.

ASA branded scrubs are here! Only available to ASA members. Get your discounted scrubs with free embroidery here.

https://asa.org.au/your-asa-advantage-program#scrubs

Professor Cook's talk from the NSC is available to be viewed on demand. If you haven't already registered, you can do so here: https://asansc.com.au/registration/

3 other episodes to listen to:

Ep54: webAIRS with Prof Martin Culwick

Ep79: webAIRS: jaw dislocation

Ep111: The GLP-1 Revolution: What it Means for Anaesthesia with Dr Doug Hacking

Want to access more resources? Become an ASA member!

We welcome any feedback.

podcast@asa.org.au