Rate My Professor Sharon King

Dr. Sharon King is the Head of the Department of Anaesthesia at the University of Otago, Christchurch. She holds a key academic leadership role within the Otago Medical School, overseeing the delivery of anaesthesia education to medical students and trainee interns. As listed in the University of Otago's Advanced Learning in Medicine Fourth and Fifth Year Handbook (2022), Dr. King is the contact for the Department of Anaesthesia, located on the Lower Ground floor, Parkside East, Christchurch Hospital. Her professional email is Sharon.king2@cdhb.health.nz, with internal extension 81642. In the Trainee Intern Handbook, she is identified as the Acting Head of Department and convener for Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine within the Critical Care module. Trainee interns engage in clinical attachments under the department's supervision, gaining experience in patient assessment and management, preparation for anaesthesia, pain management, hyperbaric medicine, and referrals to high dependency or intensive care units. Teaching methods include apprenticeship-style learning in operating theatres, interactive sessions, after-hours shifts, and weekend duties. Assessments encompass logs of objectives, shift documentation, CORE Advanced NZRC evaluations, participation, and end-of-run MCQs and OSCEs.

Dr. Sharon King has demonstrated leadership in the field of anaesthesia beyond the university, having served as chairwoman of the New Zealand national committee of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists. This role highlights her contributions to professional standards and training in anaesthesia across New Zealand. Her work supports the transition of medical students from theoretical learning to practical application in clinical environments at Christchurch Hospital, in collaboration with the Canterbury District Health Board.