The origins and development of physician anaesthesiology training in Papua New Guinea: From colonial days to the current era

Papua New Guinea is a Pacific country that remains an enigma to the world at large. Despite massive geographical challenges due to mountainous terrain, remote islands, poverty, and with 80% of the population of over eight million living in rural villages, Papua New Guinea has managed to develop national medical and postgraduate specialty training. The first recorded anaesthetic was administered in Papua New Guinea in 1880 and the first anaesthetist trained in 1968. The University of Papua New Guinea graduated its first diploma in anaesthesia candidate in 1986 and its first master of medicine candidate in anaesthesiology in 1991. As of December 2021, there have been 82 diplomas and 40 masters of medicine awarded. We review the factors and influences bearing on the development of physician anaesthesia training in Papua New Guinea over this period. Many of the people involved have contributed information used in this article.