This page includes all the resources which are part of the recommended reading list for the ANZCA Primary exam, and includes annotations from the primary exam team.
Guide index
Library > Library guides > Training & examinations > Anaesthesia training resources > ANZCA primary exams (PEx): Recommended reading list
How to access e-books
Use your ANZCA college ID (or staff username) and password to access library e-resources.
Having trouble logging into e-resources? Try emptying your browser cache, closing and reopening your browser and trying again.
Forgotten your ANZCA password? Try resetting your password using the "Forgot Password?" link and/or messaging the "Webmaster (technical issues)" via the college contact form
Can't find your book online? Borrow a print copy or request a chapter via our article request service
Experiencing difficulties, or need help accessing e-books? Contact the Library
For further information about searching and accessing e-books, see the E-books guide
Borrowing books
ANZCA library provides access to a large range of print items, specialising in anaesthesia and pain medicine-related titles.
For further information about requesting books, see the Borrowing books page
West's now online and latest edition of Miller's now available!
It is now possible to access West's Respiratory Physiology as an online text - see entry below for access details. And the latest - 10th - edition of Miller's Anesthesia is now online.
The recommended reading list (…and beyond)
Candidates are advised that all examination questions are based on Learning Outcomes (LOs) and that the great majority of information required is contained in the recommended texts. The most recent version of each of the following texts is the recommended text. However, some topics are only superficially covered in the textbooks and candidates are advised to draw on many resources as they study, in order to gain a deeper understanding of those areas that relate to everyday anaesthetic practice.
Appendix 2 contains all of the Learning Outcomes which are examinable in the primary exam, and should form the basis of teaching and study programs for the primary exam.
Note: Resources located in Learn@ANZCA require that you first register before accessing.
This text should be studied thoroughly. It covers a large number of the primary LOs very well.
Similar to Hemmings & Egan (see above). Covers some LOs not contained in Hemmings & Egan.
This text provides excellent detailed coverage of most core areas.
Although last published in 2005, this text contains some content/chapters not covered in other texts.
The most helpful chapters are: 15, 28, 32, 70, 89, 92, 93, 94, 95, 97, 98.
The most helpful chapters are: 1.1, 1.4 and 1.5. Otherwise, use the search function to find information about specific LOs.
The most helpful chapters are: 1-7, 10-13, 26-28.
General physiology
This text should be studied thoroughly. Additional texts are needed for respiratory-, cardiac- and renal-specific physiology (see below).
Use to supplement Kam & Power (see above) as needed.
Use to supplement Kam & Power (see above) as needed.
Respiratory physiology
Use as a revision aid, after studying Nunn & Lumb's.
Cardiovascular physiology
Renal physiology
General pharmacology
Useful for basic PK/PD, and drug groups applicable to community/perioperative medicine settings.
Useful for basic PK/PD, and drug groups applicable to community/perioperative medicine settings. Use as an alternative to Katzung & Trevor.
Very detailed. Use the search function to find information about specific LOs, as required.
Anaesthetic pharmacology
See also: Integrated physiology and pharmacology section (above)
Contains detailed coverage of most areas.
Excellent coverage of local anaesthetics and neuraxial anaesthesia. The most useful chapters are: 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11.
Chapters relevant to the primary exam are: 1, 2, 3, 4 (pp. 149-155), 5, 7 (pp. 295-302), 8. Note: Only the anatomy LOs contained in Appendix 2 are examinable in the primary exam.
Our dedicated anaesthesia training resources guide provides resource support for all parts of the anaesthesia training program and curriculum, as well as an extensive list of assessment and exam resources.
Find out more
For more information about the Primary Exam (PEx), visit the college Anaesthesia exams webpage.
Learn@ANZCA
Learn@ANZCA (formerly Networks) is the college's learning management system.
Additional PEx revision resources are located in the PEx Revision Aids section of the Anaesthesia Training Resources guide.
*Please Note: The user must create a free local profile to access this feature.
Helpful information about a range of equipment and monitoring devices.
The most helpful chapters are: 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, 20.
AccessMedicine interactive modules allow for visualization of the human body in an interactive, 3D format where both male and female anatomy modules can be viewed. Additionally, there a number of discrete anatomy tours for areas of the body including the brain, muscles and nerves, the spine and many more.
The college acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises their unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to society. We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past, present and emerging.
The college acknowledges and respects Māori as the Tangata Whenua of Aotearoa and is committed to upholding the principles of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi, fostering the college’s relationship with Māori, supporting Māori fellows and trainees, and striving to improve the health of Māori.
The college recognises the special relationship between the Pacific peoples of New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific, and is committed to supporting those fellows and trainees of ANZCA, and improving the health of Pacific peoples.