About the site

The Black Bank WIKI now back on a TEMPORARY site. Just click the link at the top. This wiki is based on recovered files and everything seems to work except links to the old site that are hard-corded. It will take a little while longer to get up again on the AnaesthesiaMCQ.com site but given the proximity of exams this temporary site version will give you access in the meantime. I will disable editing initially but if everything remains OK I'll re-enable this so (for example) MCQs from the February Primary can be posted.

This site provides a large interactive resource of tutorials, a forum, exam questions and links for anesthesia trainees. The major parts of the site are the Black Bank Wiki (containing exam questions & comments), the the Bulletin Board, and several on-line books. Access to all parts of the site is free.

The Black Bank Wiki requires username/password for access

This has proven to be an effective way of eliminating spam postings from the wiki. The username and password are the SAME as used for the Bulletin Board. See the section below titled "Bulletin Board Access" for details.

The Bulletin Board

The Bulletin Board uses open-source software known as "phpBB". The discussion is divided into sections so you can post more specifically than was possible on the old Board. You also have to register to be able to make posts to the Board. You will have to enter a username and password (of your choice) to register, and then to log-on each time you want to post on the Board. After registering, you will receive a verification message sent to the email address you enter.

Note that the Board uses a 'double log-in' procedure:

• Firstly you log on using the generic username & password as explained in the next section. Everyone uses these SAME details to enter the Board. This login is the anti-spam measure.
• Secondly, if you then wish to make a post to the Board you have to use your individual private username and password. The individual log-in identifies you to the Board. Other users can send private messages to you on the Board. You can set your browser to remember your log-on details so you do not have to enter them every time.

The OLD Bulletin Board can still be accessed here if you want to review or search old posts.

Bulletin Board Access

Access requires a username & password. This is an anti-Spam measure which has proven very successful. The log-in details are requested only the first time you access the Board in any browser session. These required details are:

• Username: Just enter the word that is in this graphic:
• Password: The password is the generic drug name that is the answer to the following question: "What hologenated vol-agent caused problems due to HePToX?" The question is cryptic to obscure the answer from spammers. The first time you log-in from your computer, check the "Remember my password" box.

If you are having difficulty with the above password, then try asking Anaesthetic colleagues at your hospital for advice. Alternatively, send me an email for advice at: kbrandis@bluebottle.com  (This is an anti-spam email address: your email is not delivered to me until you confirm that the sending email is correct). The password is not given out to people with non-hospital email addresses such as Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail. 

PayPal for Overseas Purchasers

You can purchase "The Physiology Viva" book using PayPal if purchasing from outside Australia. See the Payment Details page for further information. Payment in Australian dollars is now required for all orders.

The Black Black Wiki

The Black Bank MCQ Collection is available on a Wiki site. 'Wiki' is an Hawaiian word meaning 'quick' and refers to the very quick way in which changes can be made to Web pages. The main purpose of the wiki is to allow sharing of knowledge about the questions and any related topic. The wiki was launched in late September 2005, the wiki has grown to over 4270 "legitimate content pages", and is now averaging 125,000 page views per month.  New information is posted every day. This is an essential resource for your Anaesthetic education and exam preparation.

Search Medline/Pubmed

Link to search Medline (PubMed). Searching is free. Once you have found what you want, you may be able to access full text via the College library or your State Health Department library network.

If you are working at a hospital in one of these Australian states you will be able to obtain a password for access to your Health Department library network.  (Links to some of these networks: CKN in Queensland; CIAP in NSW; CHC in Victoria or CIAO in WA ).