Conjoint Professor Alwin Chuan

I am a Professor of Anaesthesia at UNSW Sydney and a clinician-researcher specialising in regional anaesthesia, perioperative medicine and medical artificial intelligence (AI). My research focuses on improving patient outcomes, clinical decision-making and medical education through scientific investigation, technological innovation and international collaboration.

Regional Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine

I have an established international research profile in regional anaesthesia, perioperative ultrasonography and medical education. My work encompasses ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia, simulation-based training, competency assessment, and the development of educational curricula and clinical practice guidelines.

I collaborate with researchers and professional organisations across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, North America and Asia, contributing to research, education and clinical practice initiatives that aim to improve patient care.

I have been involved in research programmes as principal and associate investigator, supported by over $4 million in competitive funding from organisations including the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA), and Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA).

Medical Artificial Intelligence and Clinical Innovation

My research in medical artificial intelligence focuses on the development, evaluation and responsible implementation of generative AI in healthcare, particularly its applications in perioperative medicine, clinical decision support and medical education.

A major focus of my work is the evaluation of locally deployed large and small language models, with particular emphasis on clinical accuracy, patient safety, reliability and the practical challenges of implementing AI in healthcare environments.

My current research programmes include:

• CALM: A research programme investigating the performance, safety and clinical utility of locally deployed language models in perioperative care. This work examines AI-generated patient information, the influence of prompting strategies on clinical safety, and the feasibility of integrating AI-assisted information support into pre-admission care.
• VIRTUE-RA (Virtual Patients in Regional Anaesthesia): An international collaborative research project investigating adaptive, generative AI-powered virtual patients as an educational tool for developing clinical reasoning and decision-making skills in regional anaesthesia.

These programmes reflect my broader interest in translating advances in artificial intelligence into clinically relevant, evidence-based applications through rigorous evaluation, multidisciplinary collaboration and responsible implementation.

My additional research interests include virtual and extended reality, medical simulation, competency-based assessment and emerging technologies in healthcare education.

Academic Contributions and International Leadership

I am co-author of the Oxford University Press Regional Anaesthesia Pocket Guide and have contributed to international textbooks, postgraduate educational programmes, and peer-reviewed scientific publications.

I have been an invited speaker at major national and international scientific meetings and have held leadership positions in Australian and international professional societies.

Selected professional contributions include:

• Chair, Australian Society of Anaesthetists SPARC Research Committee (2022–2025).
• Board member, and inaugural Research Lead, Asia-Oceania Society of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine. (ongoing) 
• Inaugural Research Lead, American Society of Regional Anesthesia Education Special Interest Group (2018–2021).
• Anaesthesia Lead, NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation Hip Fracture Care Working Group.
• Member, European Society of Regional Anaesthesia Working Group on Artificial Intelligence (2026 - )
• Inaugural member, Executive Committee ASA/ANZCA/NZSA Regional Anaesthesia Special Interest Group (ANZ-RA) since 2008.
• Scientific Convenor, Australian Society of Anaesthetists National Scientific Congress, Sydney (2019) and the Australian Symposium on Ultrasound and Regional Anaesthesia (2028)
• Director, Liverpool Hospital Perioperative Ultrasound Fellowship Programme (since 2007).

I welcome opportunities for national and international research collaboration, interdisciplinary clinical AI research, scientific presentations, and engagement with healthcare and medical technology organisations interested in the development, evaluation and responsible implementation of emerging medical technologies.