Royal Australasian College of Surgeons

Congratulations to Dr Phil Morreau, RACS' next president, and Dr Christine Lai, who was elected today as vice president.

They will take over from Professor Owen Ung and Associate Professor Ray Sacks at the AGM in May.

Read more: #[bit.ly/4b9lrJM

Australians and Aotearoa New Zealanders with significant hearing loss are set to benefit from clearer, faster and more consistent access to cochlear implant care, thanks to the release of new bi‑national clinical guidelines.

Read more: bit.ly/4rzZBVw
Image ©Anna Carlile

Surgical News: Broome Hospital is replacing disposable scrub caps with reusable ones—cutting waste, reducing costs & improving resilience in remote healthcare. A step toward sustainable surgery. Read more: bit.ly/44xq9gN
#SurgicalNews #RACS #Sustainability

Surgical News: Dr Caitlin Reid is redefining limits—combining surgical training with playing AFLW for the Sydney Swans. Her story shows how resilience and teamwork power success in both medicine and sport. Read more: bit.ly/4j6xutK

Surgical News: Dr Charlie Coventry completed a six-month Trauma Surgery Fellowship at London’s busiest trauma centre via the RACS Marjorie Hooper Scholarship. He’s back in SA, advancing trauma care & mass-casualty preparedness.

Read more: bit.ly/4aRv6F6

There are still a few hours left to submit your abstract for ASC 2026.

Submissions close today at 8:00am AWST.

Your research deserves its moment. Submit your abstract now: bit.ly/4sVhIq1

There are still a few hours left to submit your abstract for ASC 2026.

Submissions close today at 8:00am AWST.

Your research deserves its moment. Submit your abstract now: bit.ly/4sVhIq1

In Surgical News: Dr Maccalla Fenn, 2024 RACS Johnson & Johnson MedTech Scholar, is advancing trauma training and research while championing culturally safe care. Her story inspires future surgeons and stronger health outcomes.
Read more in Surgical News: bit.ly/3Y1mzI5

Dr Brendan Davis, FRACS, leveraged the 2024 QLD Younger Fellows Grant for a Skull Base Fellowship at Addenbrooke’s, Cambridge. Now advancing Queensland’s Skull Base Unit & Gamma Knife service. Read his inspiring journey in Surgical News: bit.ly/4oZ47ec

Don't forget: abstract submissions for ASC 2026 close on 27 January.

Got research or innovations to share? We want to hear what you've been working on.

Submit now #[bit.ly/4ney1Kx

Surgical News: From Olympic champion to surgical leader! Professor David Theile—former RACS president and Australia’s only Olympic backstroke gold medalist—embodies excellence in sport and medicine.
Read more in the latest issue of Surgical News: bit.ly/4p3Sgf1

Trauma surgeons across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand are calling on drivers to put safety first this festive season.

Read more: bit.ly/4pdAvtE

In the latest issue of Surgical News, we introduce you to our newly elected and re-elected RACS Councillors. Representing all surgical specialties across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, they will officially take office after the May 2026 AGM.

Read more in Surgical News: bit.ly/452pc04

Surgical News shares the latest as we head into the holiday season. RACS has achieved financial recovery, governance reform & stronger SIMG pathways—advocating for profession-led standards & world-class training.
Read more: bit.ly/4q8X57x

Got a spare moment over the holiday period? Now's the time to submit your abstract to be considered for inclusion in the scientific programs at ASC 2026 in Perth.

Submit before 27 January 2026: #[bit.ly/4ney1Kx

#RACS26

Have you explored the ASC 2026 program yet?
 
The ASC 2026 Section Convener Committee has been working tirelessly to shape a program that will appeal to a wide range of specialty groups at all career stages. 

asc.surgeons.org

Dr Thomas Clifton used a RACS Travel Grant to train in advanced elbow surgery in the UK. Now back in Perth, he’s applying new techniques to complex upper limb cases.
Read in Surgical News: bit.ly/4oBZcjO 
 

Registrations for the RACS ASC 2026 are open.
 
Register and view the provisional program: asc.surgeons.org/registration/
 
#RACS26 #FutureofSurgery

Read about Dr Lachlan Batty, FRACS, in Surgical News, who received the 2024 RACS Surgeon-Scientist Scholarship for his ACL research. His work on biomarkers like MMP3 could help predict arthritis years before symptoms appear—shaping the future of orthopaedic care. bit.ly/4qCH9vE

Have a say in the leadership of RACS surgical sections. Nominate for the 2026–2029 section committees.

Find out more and nominate by 28 November 2025: #[bit.ly/3KdzJOL

Trainees and future surgeons, this one’s for you. 

Don’t miss the RACSTA Induction Conference (RIC) 2025 – your launchpad into the SET years.

Join us Saturday 6 December at the RACS Melbourne office or online. Register now and be part of the Trainee community from day one: #[bit.ly/44g4Pfq

Dr Wilson Petrushnko’s RACS Fellowship is transforming rural care—bringing robotic colorectal surgery to Port Macquarie, with plans for Coffs Harbour. Cutting-edge care, closer to home.
Read more in Surgical News: bit.ly/3LjQIPD 

He’s dedicated his career to lifting up others and now it’s his turn to be celebrated. 
 
Congratulations to Dr John Mutu-Grigg, awarded the RACS Māori Health Medal for his leadership, advocacy and commitment to Māori health and equity.
 
Read more: bit.ly/49TRNYC

#MaoriHealth #SurgicalExcellence

Today is Remembrance Day, when Australians and New Zealanders pay tribute to servicemen and women who gave their lives in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations for our freedom. Today we honour their sacrifice. Lest we forget.

In Surgical News, we celebrate Associate Professor Kerin Fielding as Chair-elect of the Council of Presidents of Medical Colleges. A champion for rural health equity, she’s focused on collaboration, governance, and sustainable training.
Read the article: bit.ly/477yysY 

Featured in Surgical News: Dr Suat Chin Ng, FRACS, is one of few women colorectal surgeons in Victoria. Her journey blends surgical precision, global training, and deep compassion. She champions authenticity and patient-centred care. bit.ly/43x19Wl

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of breast screening and highlight the latest research. Peruse articles from ANZ Journal of Surgery and other journals: bit.ly/3LjJGKK

Congrats to the 2026 RACS Scholarships & Grants recipients! Over $1.5M awarded across 56 opportunities. We received 184 Learning & Development and 161 Research Scholarship applications. Huge thanks to our reviewers, donors & Foundation for Surgery!
Read in Surgical News: bit.ly/3WeqUH4 :

Abstract submissions for the RACS ASC 2026 are now open! This is your opportunity to be part of an engaging and insightful program that explores how meaningful collaboration drives innovation and improves outcomes in surgery.

Find out more here: asc.surgeons.org/call-for-abs...

Are you in your first 10 years of Fellowship
Apply now for the 2026 Younger Fellows Forum: 27–29 April at Mandoon Estate, WA.
Theme: The Art of Science and Collaboration.
Applications close in 2 weeks—don’t miss out!
tinyurl.com/mukvf73