About CTANZ

The Clinical Trials Network Australia and New Zealand (CTANZ) provides a platform for surgical Trainees, junior doctors and medical students to carry out high quality surgical research and trials to enhance patient care.

Formed in 2017 by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), CTANZ provides the tools necessary for participants to learn how to carry out investigator-led multi-centre clinical trials and cohort studies.

Executive team

Professor David Watson, Clinical Director (Honorary)
Ms Kristy Atherton CTANZ Coordinator

Our vision 

Leading the way to transforming patient care through Trainee-led clinical studies.

Our mission 

To equip the next generation of surgical Trainees with the research, management and organisational skills necessary to initiate and drive large multi-centred clinical trials and cohort studies. We will support medical students and Trainees as they work towards improving patient outcomes through evidence-based clinical research.

Since its inception, CTANZ has grown and fostered a growing number of medical student and Trainee-led networks, engaging over 1,000 Trainees, Fellows, junior doctors and medical students throughout Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand in the following specialties:

• General Surgery
• Paediatric Surgery
• Plastic Surgery
• Vascular Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopaedic Surgery

We support participants by linking researchers with collaborative networks and providing them with a structured process and tools to aid their learning. 

Trainees undergoing the Surgical Education and Training program at RACS, junior doctors, unaccredited registrars and medical students are welcome and encouraged to join CTANZ.

Email CTANZ Coordinator Kristy Atherton at [email protected] to find out how you can join CTANZ or how to develop a new network in your region or surgical specialty.

CTANZ will facilitate introductions with trainee leads of the network that best fits with your interest and location.