As part of a pre-internship year, this unit develops the skills required in anaesthetics and intensive care for independent clinical practice by giving students the opportunity to review and apply previously learned topics. The unit will encourage the development of practical and intellectual skills which are essential for the care of patients who are unconscious or suffering from acute life-threatening illnesses. Students will also develop clinical and administrative skills and knowledge required for internship.

The attachment to oncology/palliative care is intended to introduce students to the concept of the multidisciplinary management of cancer. It will focus specifically on the presentation and management of common cancers and their complications at all stages of the disease process, ie from the early/adjuvant setting through to the advanced and terminal stages. Students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to deal with oncological problems commonly encountered at intern and junior resident level. Clinical teaching will be largely outpatient focussed. This unit is offered in both Semester IX and Semester X, on a rotating basis. Full-time students who enrol in Anaesthesia and ICU/Oncology and Palliative Care must enrol concurrently in Surgery/Emergency Medicine. In exceptional circumstances, such as when a student fails one of the concurrent units, enrolments outside of these concurrent arrangements may be approved by the head of school.