I recently had the privilege of speaking at the New Zealand Association of General Surgeons (NZAGS) conference in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. It was there that I was reminded of the deep roots of our profession in both Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. In 1920, Professor (the late Sir) Louis Barnett from Ōtepoti Dunedin proposed forming a body to raise surgical standards and recognise surgical expertise. His efforts, though initially met with resistance, led to the establishment of our bi-national College in 1927. This historic moment laid the foundation for the work we continue today. As we look ahead, we are proud to stand on the shoulders of such visionary leaders whose legacy continues to guide and inspire us.

Embracing change
At the same time, we recognise that the world we operate in is evolving. The surgical profession is changing, and so too is our College. We’re seeing a significant shift towards greater diversity within our ranks. For instance, women surgeons now make up 27 per cent of active surgeons aged 44 and under. This shift, celebrated recently on International Women’s Day, reflects not only the progress we’ve made but also the work still ahead of us.

Increasing diversity is also reflected in our leadership. As I prepare to take on the role of RACS President in May, I am deeply honoured to be the first president of Asian origin. This milestone is a testament to the ongoing progress of our College, but it’s only one example of how we’re working to ensure our leadership mirrors the rich diversity of our membership. With eight new Councillors joining this year—each bringing their own unique perspectives and backgrounds—we’re building a leadership that’s as diverse, inclusive, and forward-looking as the profession itself.

Playing our part
As we reflect on the past and look toward the future, it’s important to remember the value of our College’s unique ’for surgeons, by surgeons‘ approach. Whether through mentorship, training and education, or advocacy work, the commitment to lifting others up is woven into the fabric of our surgical community. It’s this spirit that sustains us and continues to define our shared values.

I encourage you to think about the ways you might contribute to this legacy. How can your unique perspective enrich the profession, and how can you support others in their journey? The future of surgery is shaped by each of us, and the power of our collective effort will ensure its continued strength.

A resilient future
The governance changes we implemented last year are already beginning to take shape and will continue to guide the College towards a more sustainable and future-facing organisation. With the groundwork done, this year the focus is more on taking time to reflect and think strategically as we take the next steps towards a more resilient and modern College.

Just as our foundations were forged from resilience and vision in the early 20th century, the future of our College will be shaped by the values of inclusivity and adaptability. By embracing both our rich history and the exciting changes ahead, we’re creating a College that not only honours where we’ve come from but also leads the way toward an inclusive, dynamic future that I am honoured to be part of.

Warm regards,
Professor Owen Ung
Vice President
Chair Governance Committee
Chair International Engagement