Dr. Tanya Selak has made history as the newly elected president-elect of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA), an organization representing over 10,000 members. This landmark achievement marks a significant milestone, as she becomes the first president from outside a major city and the first dual citizen of Australia and New Zealand to hold the position. Additionally, Dr. Selak is the first president from New South Wales in two decades.
Born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, Dr. Selak grew up in an immigrant family that owned a local fruit and vegetable shop. She describes her upbringing as modest, stating, “To be honest, I didn’t really know much about medicine when I was growing up.” Her family did not have connections to the medical field, but they held their general practitioner in high regard. This admiration sparked Dr. Selak’s interest in pursuing a career in medicine.
After starting medical school at the age of 18, Dr. Selak discovered her passion for anaesthesia during her hospital placements. “It was such a special thing to do and something that requires such high trust from the patients,” she reflects. She realized that being an anaesthetist involved not only technical skills but also significant empathy and communication with patients undergoing critical surgeries.
Following her training in Auckland, Dr. Selak and her husband, colorectal surgeon Dr. Andrew Still, relocated to London for advanced opportunities. While there, Dr. Selak honed her skills at a neurological hospital. Her experiences during the July 2005 terror attack in London left a lasting impression on her. “We had people coming into our intensive care unit looking for equipment to treat patients outside on the street,” she recounted. These moments underscored the vital role anaesthetists play in emergency situations.
Dr. Selak’s journey eventually brought her to Wollongong after a suggestion from a colleague. She had her first shift at Wollongong Hospital on her 30th birthday and has since made it her home. Dr. Selak and her husband have three teenage children and have grown deeply attached to the community, stating, “When someone asks me where I’m from, I just say I’m from Wollongong.”
Having served on the ANZCA board for six years, including a term as vice president, Dr. Selak is passionate about her profession. “I have always loved anaesthesia and I love working with patients and keeping them safe and cared for,” she expressed. Her commitment to healthcare advocacy has grown as she recognizes the increasing complexities within the system, particularly for rural and Indigenous patients.
Dr. Selak is set to officially assume her role as president in May. One of her foremost challenges will be ensuring the continuation of rigorous training and qualification standards for anaesthetists. “We’re taking really great people and putting them through a really rigorous training program,” she stated. “It’s our belief that our patients deserve the best quality people that we can possibly produce.”
As Dr. Selak prepares to lead ANZCA, she is focused on advocating for the future of healthcare and maintaining high standards in the face of financial pressures. Her dedication to her profession serves not only to inspire the next generation of anaesthetists but also to enhance the quality of care for patients across Australia and New Zealand.
