Professional Standards

Professional Standards provides the strategic direction for professional standards matters relating to Fellows and surgery. The department is responsible for the full range of issues relating to:

• the development and implementation of professional standards related guidelines, policies and position papers 
• preparing standards related advocacy and submissions
• setting policy for the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Program.

The department is governed by the Professional Standards Committee (PSC).

The RACS Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program is developed in consultation with specialty societies, associations and regional committees to ensure patient safety and maintain surgical standards.

• Overview
• How to complete your CPD
• CPD Program Guide

RACS is developing a suite of microlearning activities; these are bite sized, interactive learning opportunities, which are easily accessible via mobile phone, tablet or computer. The activities capture key messages and focus on the immediate information required with links to tools and resources for the learner to gain a deeper understanding on topics related to standards matters.

Informed Consent
Informed Financial Consent
My Health Record
Open Disclosure
Surgeons Self Care

RACS contributes to a range of consultations in Australia and New Zealand.
Professional Standards related advocacy and submissions to broad topics that effect our Fellows and are developed with input from our boards, committees, specialty groups and sections.

• RACS response to the Medical Board of Australia, Draft revised Registration standard: Continuing Professional Development
• Inquiry on steps that can be taken to reduce Australia’s road accident rates, trauma and deaths on our roads

Professional Standards develop a range of Fellow resources, such as:

• Policies
• Position papers 
• Guidelines (RACS Continuing Professional Development Guide)
• Articles 

Surgical Competence and Performance Guide

The third edition of the RACS Surgical Competence and Performance Guide provides a framework to aid the assessment and development of surgeons across all areas of surgical practice. These competencies underpin all aspects of Fellowship and provides a framework for the assessment of practising surgeons.

• Surgical Competence and Performance Guide (PDF 2.7MB)
• Assessment (PDF 184.65KB) 

Colonoscopy

The Surgical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (SGE) Committee support issues impacting endoscopy and colonoscopy in Australia and New Zealand surgeons.

For further information on this committee, please see link.

The RACS Trauma Committee and its sub-committees have a long history of development and activity in trauma prevention and the management of trauma patients.

The Trauma Verification program is a leading mechanism for quality improvement and endorsement of Australian and New Zealand trauma care.

Professional Standards
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
250-290 Spring Street
East Melbourne VIC 3002 Australia

Telephone: +61 3 9249 1274
Fax: +61 3 9276 7432
Email: professional.standards@surgeons.org