Collaboration and collegiality for a stronger surgical voice
Our College has achieved a significant milestone in successfully securing accreditation for surgical education and training (SET) for three years, until October 2027.
We worked closely with the surgical societies to make necessary improvements to demonstrate the excellence of our surgical education and training system. We have strengthened the systems, governance, and capabilities needed for a successful and sustainable networked model of education and training.

The result is closer, more collaborative relationships, with shared accountability and openness across RACS and the specialty societies, something which our regulators—the Australian Medical Council and Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa - Medical Council of New Zealand—commended us on. This recognition highlights the strength of our united efforts and the progress we've made.

The work doesn’t stop here as we continue to focus on a plan of continuous improvement, but this is a significant achievement for our College and the surgical community and I would like to thank everyone involved.

Advocating for our profession
As RACS president, I hold a senior leadership position on the Council of Presidents of Medical Colleges (CPMC), the peak body for Australia’s specialist medical colleges. Through CPMC, RACS is playing a key role within this network of peers and actively advocating on federal and jurisdictional issues in Australia. Through this work, the specialist medical colleges are presenting a united voice to government on issues critical to the medical profession and patient care. These include the fast-tracking of Speciality International Medical Graduates and the National Health Practitioner Ombudsman. Read our press release on the former on the RACS website.

At CPMC, the financial challenges facing the private health sector in Australia has also been a topic for discussion and is something that is of great concern for our College.
Safeguarding the future of private healthcare

Private hospitals have long been a critical component of the Australian healthcare system, providing timely access to elective surgeries and reducing the burden on public hospitals. As these facilities struggle financially, the availability of surgical services is at risk, potentially leading to longer wait times and reduced access to essential procedures for patients. The financial instability of private hospitals may also impact the professional environment for our membership, who rely on these facilities to be able to provide high-quality care.

RACS is eager for an equitable solution to be found and is committed to working collaboratively with government, private hospitals, health insurers, and the medical profession to safeguard the future of private healthcare in Australia.

We want to hear from you

As we continue to engage with stakeholders on this issue, I encourage you to share your experiences with us. Has the financial instability of private hospitals impacting you? Have you experienced any cancellations or reductions to your surgical lists? Please complete our five-minute survey. Your insights are invaluable as we urgently work to address this issue.

Take the survey now

Thank you for your ongoing support, your hard work, and your dedication to the highest standards of surgical practice. Together, we will continue to navigate these challenges and ensure that the College remains at the forefront of surgical education, advocacy, and patient care.
 

Associate Professor Kerin Fielding
President