Title of surgeons and cosmetic surgery standards

In late 2022 RACS welcomed the announcement from Australian health ministers that the title of ‘surgeon’ would be restricted to those registered in the specialties of ‘surgery’, obstetrics and gynaecology, and ophthalmology. This has been a long-term advocacy priority of RACS for many years. In recent months the College has continued to advocate for surgical standards in this area. Our latest advocacy work has included:

• Response to the Draft National Licensing Framework for Cosmetic Surgery

• Response to the ACSQHC National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards

Mid-term review of the National Health Reform Agreement Addendum 2020-2025

RACS has provided a submission to the mid-term review of the National Health Reform Agreement (NHRA) Addendum 2020-2025 to outline recommendations to improve collaboration between health systems and provide maximum benefits to all.

The main areas that were examined in the submission included the impact on rural and Indigenous communities, elective surgery, innovation and robotics, low value care, the impact of COVID-19 on Surgical Education and Training, outpatient surgical services, workforce, and national bodies.

National climate and health strategy
In the October federal budget, the Australian government announced funding for a National Health and Sustainability Climate Unit, and the development of a National Health and Climate Strategy. RACS has joined with other colleges in calling for immediate action for these two initiatives in a media release. In response to the release National Health and Climate Strategy Consultation Paper, RACS will be developing a submission, and we will share our response in future issues of Surgical News.