Skills and Updates for Parents in Emergency Medicine (SUPER) came about when then FACEM trainee Nicole Delaat returned to work after having her second baby. Nicole was a junior registrar and felt nervous about stepping back onto the floor and reassuming her role in the ED. Nicole shared this concern with an incredible ED consultant, who took her into the hospital simulation lab and ran through some very simple sims to remind her that she still had those skills to provide care to patients.

This simple exercise led Nicole to the idea of SUPER – a whole day of reminding these doctors that they are still such as asset to the system and their patients – even if they feel tired, distracted and lack confidence.

Nicole, a junior registrar at the time, got together with three FACEMs and wrote the program which was rolled out in 2018. Since then, it has run twice each year in Sydney and multiple other sites across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Around 300 ED parents (mums and dads) have completed the course – showing that it continues to address a very common need and concern for ED parents returning to work.

It continues to survive because of goodwill from volunteer FACEMs who give up their time to teach and support the program.

Who

For PGY 2 to Consultants who are returning to work in an emergency department within the next six months. 

What

An opportunity to: 

  • Meet and talk with Emergency Doctors who have previously or are currently transitioning back into Emergency Medicine after a period of parental leave
  • Refresh some of the skills used in emergency departments on a daily basis
  • Participate in hands-on skills and simulation-based sessions to refresh communication and technical skills 
  • Virtual Participation for those who are unable to attend

What participants have to say

I think the most useful part was the overarching theme of coming together to get our heads back in the game, but also sharing some fellowship and humour in the dual roles we've found ourselves in as new (or experienced!) parents returning to work in EM.

Attendee of Sydney SUPER course

Being in a group of people who are all in the same situation was reassuring and inspirational.

Attendee of Sydney SUPER course

It was so nice to meet like-minded people and find that other people also just ‘get it’ in terms of the juggle of working and parenting!

Attendee of Sydney SUPER course

It was good to be reassured that I remember more than I thought I did.

Attendee of Sydney SUPER course

Great initiative! Being able to see and talk to other trainees going through the same and female FACEMs who have made it on the other side with kids was quite inspiring. I feel like I’m uplifted with your team's positive energy. Thank you.

Attendee of Sydney SUPER course


  • When and where
  • Program at a Glance

 

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