This is the first agreement signed between RACS and a university, and the first New Zealand collaboration formed under the Action Plan: Building Respect, Improving Patient Safety.

The collaboration between RACS and the University of Otago Medical School paves the way for a continuous focus on respect as a cornerstone of professionalism, from medical school to specialist surgical training.

RACS Vice President Professor Spencer Beasley said collaborating together would assist in ensuring the next generation of surgeons come from a learning environment that is supportive, promotes greater participation of women in surgery and is free from discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment (DBSH).