Indigenous Program – ASC Peer Support Award

Open for applications in March 2025 (dates to be confirmed)
Value: AUD $5,000 

The ASC Peer Support Award provides opportunities for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori final year medical students and doctors who have previously attended RACS Annual Scientific Congress (ASC) (held annually in May), to attend the upcoming ASC.

RACS and the Indigenous Health Committee are committed to increasing the participation of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori doctors in a surgical career by providing education, training and research opportunities. By prioritising Indigenous health, building the surgical workforce and increasing services, we can better meet the health needs of Māori, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

  • Policy and guideline

    Please refer to the:
    - Learning and Development grant policy (PDF 496.34KB)
    - Indigenous program guideline (PDF 328.39KB)

  • Who can apply?

    To be eligible for this grant you must be interested in a career in surgery AND

    - have previously attended an Annual Scientific Congress

    - possess a medical degree from, or be enrolled in, the final year at an Australian or Aotearoa New Zealand medical school

    - provide confirmation of eligibility for membership to Te Ohu Rata o Aotearoa The Māori Medical Practitioners Association (Te ORA) or provide confirmation of eligibility for membership to the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA).

  • Activity
    The grant funds return travel to the ASC, taxis, meals, accommodation for five nights at a RACS nominated conference hotel; ASC four-day registration, ticket to the ASC dinner; and invitation to the Indigenous doctors' roundtable breakfast.
  • Application requirements

    Your application is to include:
    - your career and employment details
    - a statement addressing your aspirations and commitment to pursuing a surgical career, the relevance of the activity to your current stage of training or medical career, and current and future commitment to Māori or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
    - evidence of eligibility for membership to Te ORA or to AIDA
    - evidence of medical school enrolment or registration as a medical doctor in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Selection and awarding

    Selection is based upon:

    - your statements addressing your aspirations and commitment to pursuing a surgical career
    - how the activity will help you towards a surgical career
    - how you have contributed to or are currently contributing to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health or Māori health and how you will contribute in the future

    The selection panel is comprised of members of the Indigenous Health Committee and may include other committee members and invited representatives.

    Awarding

    - payment is made directly to the recipient by 1 March in the scholarship year (following receipt of a valid invoice)

  • To apply
    Application is via the Scholarships and Grants Program online platform, RACS Unlock, hosted by Survey Monkey Apply.

    You may register as an applicant on RACS Unlock at any time, however applications will not display on your dashboard until the Scholarships and Grants Program application opening date. There is no need to re-register if you already have a RACS Unlock registration.

    Please note: emailed applications are not accepted.

    Visit RACS Unlock
  • Contact
    Scholarship and grant team
    Email: [email protected]