Royal Australasian College of Surgeons

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The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
AbbreviationRACS
Formation1927
PurposeSurgery
Headquarters Melbourne, Australia
Location
  • Australia
Region served
Australia, New Zealand & Asia-Pacific region
Official language
English
President
Associate Professor Kerin Fielding
Website https://www.surgeons.org
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons building, south facade Royal Australasian College of Surgeons south facade.jpg
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons building, south facade

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) is the leading advocate for surgical standards, professionalism and surgical education in Australia and New Zealand.

Contents

Known by its common acronym RACS, it is a not-for-profit organisation, supports the ongoing development and maintenance of expertise during the lifelong learning that accompanies surgical practice of more than 7,000 surgeons and 1,300 surgical trainees and International Medical Graduates. In conjunction with the Australian Government, RACS also provides global surgery outreach by supporting healthcare and surgical education in the Asia-Pacific region [1] and is a substantial funder of surgical research.

Description

A statue of Sushruta (800 BCE), author of Sushruta Samhita and the founding father of surgery, at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) in Melbourne, Australia. A statue of Sushruta at RACS, Melbourne.jpg
A statue of Sushruta (800 BCE), author of Sushruta Samhita and the founding father of surgery, at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) in Melbourne, Australia.

The RACS is authorised and accredited by the Australian Medical Council on behalf of the Medical Board of Australia, and the Medical Council of New Zealand to conduct training and education of surgeons across nine surgical specialties in Australia and New Zealand: Cardiothoracic surgery, General surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedic surgery, Otolaryngology Head-and-Neck surgery, Paediatric surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, Urology and Vascular surgery. Training is administered in conjunction with specialist societies in each of these areas. Successful completion of surgical training with RACS earns the award of Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, denoted by the letters FRACS.

Being a Fellow of RACS (FRACS) requires ongoing learning and maintenance of knowledge and skills demonstrated through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs.

Fellowship, Specialist Registration, and Misrepresentation

In Australia, specialist registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and Medical Board of Australia as a surgeon is only possible via training with or recognition by the RACS, which has previously sparked controversy over the potential for anti-competitive behaviour. [2] [3] [4]

Procedural medical practitioners with overlapping interests, such as cosmetic doctors, have claimed that the RACS has monopolised surgical training, whilst long-running concerns also exist that doctors without RACS surgical training are misleading and potentially harming the public by representing themselves as specialist surgeons. [5] [6] [7] In Australia, the word "surgeon" alone is not a protected title under law, however misrepresentation as an AHPRA-registered surgical specialist is prohibited. [8] [9]

RACS in the community

RACS has been an active supporter of community health initiatives for several decades.[ when? ] This support has been enabled through the contributions of governments, Fellows, Trainees, IMGs and friends of RACS through the Foundation for Surgery, the philanthropic arm of the organisation.

RACS also provides specialist medical education, training, capacity development and medical aid to 18 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Visiting teams and in-country personnel provide clinical mentoring and education to the national medical workforces and deliver train-the-trainer programs.

Museum and Archive

The college maintains a museum and archive of historic items related to the history of surgery in Australia including instruments, artworks, rare and historic books, and memorabilia. It is open to the public. [10]

Equity and inclusion

The RACS was rocked by a scandal in 2015 when a Sydney vascular surgeon Gabrielle McMullin claimed during a speech that for the sake of their careers it would be safer for female surgical trainees to "comply with requests for sex from their supervisors" than to refuse and report these requests. [11] She later backed these claims with evidence that she had reported sexual harassment of trainees to the college and that the reports were ignored. [12] The original comments were highly provocative and controversial, but prompted a major bullying and harassment investigation RACS that spanned several years. [13] [14] In 2016, the RACS published an official Diversity and Inclusion plan. [15] Fewer than 15% of active Fellows in surgery in Australia are female with a variety of plans to improve representation. [16]

Arms

Coat of arms of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Notes
The arms were designed by two surgeons of the college, Sir Alan Newton and Sir Hugh Devine, both of whom later served as college presidents. [17] The latin motto was chosen for the college by antiquarian, E. Wilson Dobbs. [18]
Adopted
Granted by the Kings of Arms, 30 January 1931.
Crest
On a Wreath Or and Azure, in front of the Sun's rays Or a Sphinx affrontee proper winged Gold.
Helm
A closed Helmet.
Escutcheon
Quarterly Or and Argent, on a Cross Gules between in the first and fourth quarters a Swan Sable naiant on water proper and in the second and third quarters a Lymphad also Sable, a Torch in pale of the first between two Serpents embowed respectant in fess proper, on a chief Azure, a Sun rising Gold.
Supporters
On the dexter side a representation of Chiron, and on the sinister side a representation of Apollo both proper.
Compartment
A field of Grass Vert.
Motto
Latin: Fax Mentis Incendium Gloriae ("The flame of glory is the torch of the mind")
Other elements
Mantling Azure doubled Or.
Symbolism
Supporters: The centaur Chiron from Greek mythology is representative of wisdom, and he holds a bow which represents the protection of education. Apollo, the Greek god of healing, holds the harp, symbolising the instilling of education by gentle means. [19] Escutcheon: The Black swan is taken from the Coat of Arms of Australia, while the Lymphad, a symbol of discovery, is taken from the Coat of Arms of New Zealand. The red Cross of St George is symbolic of the English origins of the college. The two gold serpents are classical symbols of healing and medicine (such as their appearance in the Rod of Asclepius), and in circular Ouroboros form they represent regeneration and everlasting life. [20] The gold torch is symbolic of enlightenment and learning. The rising sun alludes to the Royal status of the college and is an appropriate symbol for a college based in the Eastern Hemisphere. [20] Crest: Unusually, the crest features a Sphinx affronté, rather than following the heraldic tradition of being in profile to match the helmet. The Sphinx itself is a combination of two ancient versions: the Greek (a woman's head and torso, and eagle's wings on a lion's body), and the Egyptian (a male head with headdress on a lion's body). [17]

Related Research Articles

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General surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on alimentary canal and abdominal contents including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, appendix and bile ducts, and often the thyroid gland. They also deal with diseases involving the skin, breast, soft tissue, trauma, peripheral artery disease and hernias and perform endoscopic as such as gastroscopy, colonoscopy and laparoscopic procedures.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Urology</span> Medical specialty

Urology, also known as genitourinary surgery, is the branch of medicine that focuses on surgical and medical diseases of the urinary-tract system and the reproductive organs. Organs under the domain of urology include the kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra, and the male reproductive organs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Podiatrist</span> Medical professional devoted to the medical treatment of disorders of the foot

A podiatrist is a medical professional devoted to the treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. The term originated in North America but has now become the accepted term in the English-speaking world for all practitioners of podiatric medicine. The word chiropodist was previously used in the United States, but it is now regarded as antiquated.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Podiatry</span> Medicine branch focusing on the human lower extremities

Podiatry, or podiatric medicine and surgery, is a branch of medicine devoted to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders of the foot and ankle and lower limb. The healthcare professional is known as a podiatrist. The US podiatric medical school curriculum includes lower extremity anatomy, general human anatomy, physiology, general medicine, physical assessment, biochemistry, neurobiology, pathophysiology, genetics and embryology, microbiology, histology, pharmacology, women's health, physical rehabilitation, sports medicine, research, ethics and jurisprudence, biomechanics, general principles of orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, and foot and ankle surgery.

The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) is responsible for examining and qualifying anaesthetists in Australia and New Zealand. The College maintains standards of practice in anaesthesia.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a surgical specialty focusing on reconstructive surgery of the face, facial trauma surgery, the oral cavity, head and neck, mouth, and jaws, as well as facial cosmetic surgery/facial plastic surgery including cleft lip and cleft palate surgery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Residency (medicine)</span> Postgraduate medical training

Residency or postgraduate training is a stage of graduate medical education. It refers to a qualified physician, veterinarian, dentist, podiatrist (DPM) or pharmacist (PharmD) who practices medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, podiatry, or clinical pharmacy, respectively, usually in a hospital or clinic, under the direct or indirect supervision of a senior medical clinician registered in that specialty such as an attending physician or consultant. In many jurisdictions, successful completion of such training is a requirement in order to obtain an unrestricted license to practice medicine, and in particular a license to practice a chosen specialty. In the meantime, they practice "on" the license of their supervising physician. An individual engaged in such training may be referred to as a resident, registrar or trainee depending on the jurisdiction. Residency training may be followed by fellowship or sub-specialty training.

A number of professional degrees in dentistry are offered by dental schools in various countries around the world.

A medical specialty is a branch of medical practice that is focused on a defined group of patients, diseases, skills, or philosophy. Examples include those branches of medicine that deal exclusively with children (paediatrics), cancer (oncology), laboratory medicine (pathology), or primary care. After completing medical school or other basic training, physicians or surgeons and other clinicians usually further their medical education in a specific specialty of medicine by completing a multiple-year residency to become a specialist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Australasian College for Emergency Medicine</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Medical education in Australia</span> Summary of education and training of medical practitioners (doctors) in Australia.

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The Association of Surgeons in Training (ASiT) is an independent professional organisation with the stated aim of promoting excellence in surgical training. It represents over 2,700 surgical trainees from all ten surgical specialities at both regional and national levels in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Surgeon</span> Physician with surgical specialty

In modern medicine, a surgeon is a medical doctor who performs surgery. Although there are different traditions in different times and places, a modern surgeon is also a licensed physician or received the same medical training as physicians before specializing in surgery.

In the United States and Canada, there are twelve recognized dental specialties in which some dentists choose to train and practice, in addition to or instead of general dentistry. In the United Kingdom and Australia, there are thirteen.

Raffi Qasabian is an Australian-Armenian vascular surgeon, and secretary of the NSW Regional Committee of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. He completed his surgical studies in Australia and gained additional experience in vascular and endovascular surgery during a fellowship year at St Thomas' Hospital in London in 2007. He works at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. He is also a coordinator of the Surgical Course at the Central Clinical School of the University of Sydney.

John Egan Moulton was an Australian medical practitioner. He was Chairman of the NSW Institute of Sports Medicine at Concord Hospital, team doctor of the Australian national rugby union team and Honorary Secretary of the Council of Newington College. He was a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and Edinburgh and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Moulton was honoured by his nation with the award of the Medal of the Order of Australia for his "service to surgery and medical education particularly in relation to sports medicine."

Ned Abraham was an Associate Professor of surgery at the Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales and is a general & colorectal surgeon, a clinical academic and a retired Australian Army Reserve Officer. He has spoken at multiple national and international meetings in four continents and his published articles in general, colorectal and academic surgery have been cited in the medical literature close to two thousand times. He continues to practice surgery in Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia.

The Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA) is an accredited specialist medical college comprising medical practitioners with specialist training in management and leadership of health services and systems. Fellows of the college combine clinical knowledge, skill, and judgement and apply this at an organisation wide level. This may include administering or managing a hospital or other health service, or developing health operational policy, or planning or purchasing health services. The college is responsible for the training of medical professionals as specialist health leaders in Australia and New Zealand and has responsibility for assessing candidates and awarding the qualification of Fellowship of the college (FRACMA) to medical practitioners.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ifereimi Waqainabete</span> Fijian politician

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Gabrielle McMullin MB BCh BAO FRCS FRACS MCh is an Australian vascular surgeon, author and gender equality advocate.

References

  1. Plowman, Beth (11 November 2015). Final Report: Independent Evaluation of the Tertiary Health Pacific Islands Program (PIP) and Strengthening Specialised Clinical Services in the Pacific (SSCSiP) (PDF) (Report to Government). Canberra, Australia: Mott MacDonald.
  2. "Knives out in training row". Australian Financial Review. 15 November 2004. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  3. "ACCC may intervene in doctor training". The Sydney Morning Herald. 16 November 2004. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  4. "The World Today - ACCC to strip Surgeons College of anti-competitive immunity". www.abc.net.au. 13 November 2006. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  5. "When a surgeon is not a surgeon". ABC Radio National. 11 December 2013. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  6. "Fake plastic surgeon who maimed women struck off medical register". The Guardian. 1 October 2020. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  7. Aubusson, Kate (21 November 2018). "Push to ban rogue operators from using 'cosmetic surgeon' title". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  8. List of Specialties, Fields of Specialty Practice and Related Specialist Titles. Australia: Medical Board of Australia. 1 June 2018.
  9. "Medical Board of Australia - FAQ : Recognition of medical specialties". www.medicalboard.gov.au. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  10. "College of Surgeons Museum - What's On Melbourne". whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au.
  11. "Surgeon stands by harassment remark". BBC News. 9 March 2015. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  12. Medew, Julia (1 October 2015). "Royal Australasian College of Surgeons 'ignored sexual harassment complaints'". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  13. "Why I would like to congratulate surgeon Dr Gabrielle McMullin for her suggestion that female trainees give in to sexual harassment in the workplace". My Health Career. 8 March 2015. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  14. McMullin, Gabrielle. "Sexual harassment: time for a "black box"?". InSight+. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  15. "RACS Diversity and Inclusion plan" (PDF). AMA. RACS. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  16. "RACS Women in Surgery Business Plan 2017-2021" (PDF). surgeons.org. 2017. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  17. 1 2 "College Arms". Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  18. "College Motto". Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  19. Low, Charles (1971). A Roll of Australian Arms. Adelaide: Rigby Limited. pp. 6–7. ISBN   0-85179-149-2.
  20. 1 2 Beasley, A. W. (February 1973). "The Flag of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons" (PDF). ANZ Journal of Surgery. 42 (3): 219–220. Retrieved 7 October 2023.