Building an intensive care career in the country with the WA Intensive Care Training Pathway

The WA Intensive Care Training Pathway (WAICTP) is opening doors for doctors across Western Australia, providing a structured and supportive approach to intensive care medicine training.

Coordinated by WA Country Health Service, the pathway is designed to integrate training across tertiary, metropolitan and country health services, the pathway ensures trainees gain a well-rounded and hands-on education.

With placements across 14 hospitals, including Albany, Bunbury, Geraldton and Northam, it offers invaluable exposure to diverse clinical environments and the opportunity to develop skills intensive care settings.

By coordinating rotations, assessments and educational support, the WAICTP enables trainees to meet the requirements of the College of Intensive Care Medicine (CICM) while benefiting from broad clinical experience and mentorship.

For trainee, Zakary Snelson, the WAICTP has helped shape his ICU career.

“The pathway has provided several opportunities and support for ICU training, including the development of a collaborative network of ICU trainees, exposure to a variety of ICU and non-ICU terms both within metropolitan and country WA,” he said.

“The clinical support and mentoring received in smaller units have been both immensely rewarding and beneficial for my growth as an ICU trainee.

“I’ve been fortunate to have exposure to challenging and rewarding rotations in preparation for fellowship exams.”

A/Executive Director Medical Services Dr Samir Heble said the pathway is helping shape the next generation of ICU specialists.

“This pathway is a fantastic opportunity for trainees to experience intensive care medicine across country WA, where the skills and knowledge they gain are highly valuable,” he said.

“Through structured rotations, mentorship and a coordinated training network, we’re setting up ICU trainees in WA for long-term success.”

Applications for the 2026 intake are now open. For more information and to apply visit https://bit.ly/4bvOAgV.