Shaping the Future of Intensive Care: WAICTP’s First Graduates

The WA Intensive Care Training Pathway (WAICTP) is celebrating a major milestone, with its first two trainees graduating since the program’s launch in February 2024. Dr Ashleigh Punch and Dr David Thomson, who both entered the pathway as Phase Two trainees, have successfully completed all mandatory training rotations outlined by the College of Intensive Care Medicine (CICM). 

Currently undertaking a rural rotation with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), Ashleigh has successfully passed all her examinations and will begin her transition year at Fiona Stanley Hospital in 2026. This will be her final stage before officially achieving fellowship. David, who relocated from Victoria to join the WAICTP, is grateful for the guidance he has received as a WAICTP trainee which has helped him progress in his training. 

“I particularly value the mentorship program. The Pathway felt very individualised, and communication has been very easy.”  

David also acknowledges the WAITCP team’s role in his success: 

“The team helped me get the rotations I needed to complete Phase 2 of training. [Pathway Director of Clinical Training] Caroline, met with me to discuss career progression and [Clinician Educator] Mary, was very proactive in linking me with fellowship exam teaching.” 

A huge congratulations to Ashleigh and David on this remarkable accomplishment!  

The WAICTP welcomes trainees from phase 0, phase 1 and phase 2, offering a structured, streamlined and supportive pathway through mandatory training rotations. As part of the program, trainees receive an individualised training matrix across accredited networks of tertiary, outer-metropolitan and rural sites. Trainees can also access the Pathway’s dedicated mentorship program and attend targeted education sessions designed to strengthen both technical skills and exam readiness.

Through these initiatives, the pathway ensures trainees are equipped for both clinical excellence and career progression.