WHAT

The Cardiothoracic Education and Research Collaboration (CERC) is a national hub for advanced Cardiothoracic Surgery, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care education in NZ.

ABOUT

WHY

We believe that education and collaboration are key drivers of progress. No single speciality, working in isolation, can ensure consistently good outcomes for our surgical patients - we need to work together.

There is a wealth of knowledge and skill within New Zealand’s cardiothoracic community that we think is too good not to share.

Our goal is to enhance perioperative care for cardiothoracic surgical patients in NZ by:

Developing a shared national education platform
Strengthening ties between NZ’s cardiac centres

HOW

HYBRID EDUCATIONAL MEETINGS

Free national educational meetings held in person and broadcast via Zoom
Themed around a specific topic in cardiothoracic surgery
Pitched at fellow level but open to everyone
Speakers from a variety of specialities and centres
Presentations recorded as part of a video library available on the CERC website

SHARING KNOWLEDGE

Creating a forum for open discussion about shared experience and best practice
Keeping up-to-date with the latest research and developments
Building and strengthening links:
- Locally between specialties
- Nationally between centres
- Internationally
The website will also host journal articles, local research and clinical trial updates, and details of upcoming courses and conferences

WHO

Inspired by Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia Partnership (CAP) in the UK, CERC was co-founded by:

Jenny Ross, Cardiothoracic Anaesthetist, Wellington
Fiona Doig, Cardiothoracic Surgical Trainee, Auckland
Phillipa Bowers, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Perth