Royal Australasian College of Surgeons

In this issue of Surgical News, RACS member magazine, meet Associate Professor Sarah Olson, one of only 42 women neurosurgeons in Australia. She uses cutting-edge robot-guided laser therapy—the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere—to treat brain tumours with tiny incisions. Her path wasn’t easy—often underestimated and faced with a tough workload. But with the support of mentors, she forged ahead, advocating for diversity and compassionate care in Neurosurgery. Balancing a demanding profession with family life, she advocates for a shift in surgical culture to value compassion, communication, and flexibility. She believes these “superpowers” will help bring more women into neurosurgery. Her advice? Explore new, minimally invasive techniques that enhance patient quality of life. Read her story and be inspired in our current issue of Surgical News: https://bit.ly/3A9Qkyh

Patients and doctors are the victims in private health funding dispute, says the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). In a media statement released today (Tuesday 5 November), RACS is calling for an immediate resumption of negotiations between Australia’s only national private hospital operator and private health funds, to avoid out of pocket price escalations for patients. From 26 November 2024, private hospital operator Healthscope says it will begin charging an out-of-pocket fee to Bupa and Australian Health Service Alliance members in its 38 hospitals after failing to reach an agreement with the funds. “At a time when we know that cost of living pressures are hurting Australians, this will result in healthcare costs going up and may lead to patients deferring or cancelling their surgeries or opting to undertake them in the public hospital system," says RACS President Associate Professor Kerin Fielding. "This would only create issues downstream or add significant pressure to an already under pressure public health system." Read the full media release: https://bit.ly/3NWNS1f #RACSurgeons #advocacy #privatehealthdispute #mediarelease

We are excited to welcome Dr. Havish Srinath, a NSW based colorectal surgeon with a special interest in Robotic Colorectal Surgery, as our keynote speaker at our upcoming South West General Surgery Conference 2024 in WA! Dr. Srinath will be sharing cutting-edge insights and the latest advancements in robotic colorectal surgery, a must-attend for all surgeons looking to stay ahead in this evolving field. Be part of this interesting session at the conference, running from 22–24 November 2024 in Bunbury. Register now https://bit.ly/4elEaQV

Consider yourself shoulder tapped. We're looking for nominees for the 2024 RACS Council elections. Are you a Fellow who is interested in surgical leadership? Do you have ideas around the strategic priorities of professional development, research, education and training, and advocacy? You might be an excellent addition to Council, the College's key body for member representation. Nominations close Monday 11 November. Find out more and make your nomination today: https://bit.ly/40tfiTG #RACSurgeons #councilelections #nominationsopen #memberrepresentation

Want to play a role in the strategic leadership of the surgical profession? Nominations for the 2024 RACS Council elections are open. With a significant number of Councillors coming to the end of their terms, now is your chance to put yourself forward for election to our College's key body for member representation. Council focuses on the core strategic priorities that matter to surgeons, leading the development of professional standards, research, education and training, as well as its critical role in advocating on behalf of the profession to government. Nominations close Monday 11 November. Find out more: https://bit.ly/40tfiTG #RACSurgeons #councilelections #nominationsopen #memberrepresentation #makeyourvoiceheard

Join us for the South West General Surgery Conference 2024 in Western Australia from 22–24 November 2024! Don't miss this incredible opportunity to be part of valuable discussion shaping the future of general surgery. We’ve lined up an exciting program featuring expert speakers, including Dr. Havish Srinath, our keynote speaker, who will share cutting-edge insights into Robotic Colorectal Surgery, plus a special Breast Endocrine session with Amy Pearn, a Registered Genetic Counsellor from the Gene Council. Secure your spot now: https://bit.ly/4elEaQV

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) firmly believes in the principles of medical neutrality and that safe access to health care for all must be protected in areas and times of conflict. This position is supported by international law and the ethics on which our profession is based. Particularly critical in conflict zones is the requirement of all parties to allow the safe passage of healthcare personnel, equipment, supplies and vehicles, and to allow healthcare facilities and professionals to safely provide services to all. This includes the protection of professional surgeons, who must be allowed to continue their life-saving work, even in war-affected conditions. #RACSurgeons

Mystery prize up for grabs – donate now! The Foundation for Surgery Spring Campaign is seeking donations to support essential services provided by Global Health. Thanks to Corporate Traveller, the largest donation made by 31 October will receive a mystery prize. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4cguGpn

Join your colleagues at the Melbourne Museum for the Trauma Symposium 2024. From 7–8 November 2024 we'll hear from leading Australian experts on road safety and trauma rehabilitation. The symposium will include presentations and discussion on the burden of transport-related trauma; health system usage; the journey from acute trauma to rehabilitation; trauma survivorship and navigators; and compensation and legal perspectives. An evening charity cocktail function is included with registration, with a portion of the registration fee going towards the Damian McMahon Trauma Research Grant. Register: https://bit.ly/40lVfXj

Abstract submissions for the ASC 2025 are now open! This is your chance to be part of a remarkable program that is set to push the boundaries of surgical knowledge and shape the future of surgery. Submit your abstract now: https://bit.ly/40eZ00J