Royal Australasian College of Surgeons

Yesterday’s RACS Surgical Leaders Forum explored the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of surgical care.

Opening the forum, RACS President Dr Philip Morreau highlighted the importance of a clear, long-term vision for surgical education and training. He emphasised the need for collaboration to respond to changes and enable continued innovation of the surgical profession.

RACS CEO Stephanie Clota gave an overview of the College’s advocacy priorities, focusing on workforce pressures, access, affordability and maintaining high standards.

“Currently, we’re at a crossroad. Access, affordability and workforce pressures are not separate issues, they are deeply connected. We require a coordinated response on behalf of the profession” said Ms Clota.

Following this, a panel looked at the evolving regulatory landscape with leaders from Ahpra, the Medical Board of Australia and the Medical Council of New Zealand discussing reforms to streamline registration pathways while maintaining patient safety and standards.

A second panel then focused on the sustainability of the private health sector with speakers from the Productivity Commission, Southern Cross Healthcare (NZ), Ramsay Health Care and Aller Consulting. They explored increasing system pressures like rising costs, declining insurance participation and growing reliance on public–private collaboration. They also highlighted impacts on training, equity of outcomes and hospital operations, while emphasising the need for better system alignment.

From the afternoon a clear message emerged, meaningful reform will require a united clinical voice with strong collaboration from the surgical profession to help shape a sustainable, patient-centred system for the future.

In this issue of Surgical News, president, Dr Phil Morreau highlights the College as a membership organisation built on the expertise and commitment of our Fellows, Trainees and staff. We are the College.

From training and assessment to standards and advocacy, its work relies on active participation. He encourages our Fellows to get involved, contribute their experience, and help shape the future of the profession together.

Read his message in Surgical News: https://bit.ly/4y05Plt

Don't miss our June Educator Studio Session

Topic: The Future of Surgery – Insights, Innovation, and Impact with Associate Professor Kerin Fielding
Tuesday 16 June 2026
Time: 6pm - 7 pm AEST
Location: Online
CPD hours available: One

Hear from Associate Professor Kerin Fielding as she reflects on her keynote presentation at the Royal College of Surgeons of England’s Future of Surgery Festival (April 2026). Her presentation explores the future direction of surgical care, including emerging technologies, workforce evolution, and the integration of innovation into clinical practice, as well as the broader implications for patient outcomes and healthcare systems.

Register now: https://tinyurl.com/mu7pxtzt

Do you know a Trainee that demonstrates outstanding leadership, selfless service, tenacity, and dedication to our future surgeons? If so, nominate them for this prestigious award for surgical Trainees, which commemorates Dr John Corboy's achievements and recognises exceptional service by other Trainees.

The John Corboy Medal is awarded annually to a Trainee who demonstrates the characteristics for which John was admired.

Our 2026 winner, Dr Helen Buschel was presented with the John Corboy Medal at the ASC in Perth recently. On receiving this award, she said:

"It is truly a privilege to receive this award and to have been nominated by my colleagues. I have spoken with many surgeons who worked with or knew of John Corboy, who speak highly of his contributions to RACSTA and his fellow Trainees. I am fortunate to be a part of RACSTA with so many wonderful people who dedicate their time and energy to advocating for surgical Trainees."

Find out more on how to apply: https://tinyurl.com/37fx4vws

Nominations close 31 July, 2026

Surgical News features how advocacy is strengthening surgery’s voice in Aotearoa New Zealand. Through the Aotearoa New Zealand National Committee, RACS is ensuring surgeons are part of the policy decisions shaping workforce, training and access to care. With representation across all specialties and a direct pathway to Council, advocacy is no longer peripheral—it’s influencing outcomes where they matter most.

Read more in Surgical News: https://bit.ly/3Pr2kmo

RACS congratulates Immediate Past Vice President Professor Ray Sacks AO, who has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours.

Professor Sacks is recognised for distinguished service to otolaryngology, clinical training, tertiary education and governance.

Over a career spanning clinical practice, surgical education and professional leadership, he has made a significant contribution to the advancement of surgical standards across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. His service to RACS includes many years on the Court of Examiners, serving as Chair from 2021 to 2025, as well as his role as Immediate Past Vice President.

A former President of the Australian Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Professor Sacks also holds academic appointments at Macquarie University and the University of Sydney and has been recognised with numerous honours for his contributions to surgical education and the profession.

His career reflects a sustained commitment to clinical excellence, education, leadership and service.

We warmly congratulate Professor Sacks on this outstanding recognition, and all members of the surgical community recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Today is day

We’re encouraging everyone to wear their brightest, boldest socks to help spark conversations about mental health in healthcare workers.

Founded by Melbourne cardiologist Dr Geoff Toogood, this national initiative reminds us that it should be safe to speak openly about how we’re really going, especially in high-performing environments like surgery.

This year’s theme, ‘Safe to speak up’, highlights the importance of creating a culture within our profession where surgeons, trainees and healthcare teams feel supported to ask for help and look out for one another without judgement.

A small act, like wearing crazy socks, can start a conversation. And sometimes, that conversation can make all the difference.

How to take part:
- Wear your crazy socks
- Check in with a colleague
- Share a photo and say how you’re creating a safe space to speak up.

Let’s keep working together to make it safe to speak up, one pair of crazy socks at a time.

Surgical News features how international training is expanding Australia’s cerebrovascular expertise. Supported by a RACS Bongiorno National Network Younger Fellows Travel Grant, neurosurgeon Dr Michael Stuart is completing advanced training in complex bypass surgery at Stanford University. His work will help build a comprehensive cerebrovascular service in Queensland, reducing the need for patients—especially children—to seek care interstate.
Read more in Surgical News: https://bit.ly/4ut7tsV
https://www.linkedin.com/company/stanford-neurosurgery/