Training the nation’s bronchoscopists

Senior respiratory specialists travelled from across NSW, interstate and overseas to become expert bronchoscopists at a prestigious course at The Prince of Wales Hospital in late February. 

A bronchoscope is a thin, lighted tube with a tiny camera that’s used to check the cause of a lung problem and can be used to treat lung disease such as pneumonia and breathing problems. 

Co-facilitator Dr Paul Lilburn, the Prince of Wales Hospital’s staff specialist in respiratory and sleep medicine, said one of the benefits of the course was the simulations and real-life scenarios. 

“It’s very hands on, a lot of it is about how to become expert in using bedside ultrasounds and bronchoscopy and how to deal with an emergency situation,” he said. 

“That way, when they are dealing with a real-life scenario, they’re much more likely to be confident.” 

Published 31 March 2025