The value of FRACS
Overview
The letters FRACS after a surgeon’s name mean that their education and training, professional qualifications, surgical competence, and ethical conduct have passed a rigorous evaluation, and are consistent with the high standards established and demanded by the College, regulators, health departments and the community.
Your FRACS post-nominal sends a reassuring message to your patients that they are being cared for by a surgeon who has attained the highest standards in their profession and is committed to lifelong learning and surgical care by participating in RACS’ Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program.
Being a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) signifies a thorough evaluation of a surgeon's education, training, qualifications, surgical proficiency, ethics, and compliance with stringent standards set by regulators, health departments, and the community.
FRACS logo and branding
The College provides a range of identity guidelines, including a logo and stationery templates specifically for the use of Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS).
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How do I apply for a Fellowship of RACS?
Fellowship of RACS is not automatically attained after passing the part two examinations and is not a degree. It is admittance to membership of RACS where being a Fellow of RACS indicates a comprehensive assessment of a surgeon's education, training, qualifications, surgical skills, and ethics.
There are three pathways to become a Fellow of RACS – and obtain a Fellowship of RACS
• Surgical Trainees - by application after successful completion of training requirements and passing the Fellowship Examination
• Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) - successful completion of the RACS Fellowship Examination in the relevant specialty, the RACS Operating With Respect eLearning module and other components of a designated period supervision in accordance with the RACS SIMG policies and the specialist assessment.
• SIMGs - successful completion of all components of a designated period of clinical assessment under supervision oversight.
Find more information on admission to fellowship here.
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What value do I get from a RACS membership?
A RACS Fellowship—FRACS—is a symbol that patients and the healthcare system trust due to the rigorous training surgeons undergo.
There are many benefits that you get from the College, ranging from advocacy, education and training for professional development, access to scholarships and grants, and networking with peers, among others.
As a membership organisation encompassing nine surgical specialties, RACS possesses the authoritative capacity to address a wide range of topics within these specialties. Despite being distinct entities, these specialties often operate in isolation, yet they share numerous challenges in common.
The RACS continuing professional development (CPD) program, which is developed by surgeons for surgeons, meets and often exceeds the rigorous requirements of the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) and the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). Your subscription fee includes access to the full CPD program.
In addition to providing an online portal to log in and track CPD participation, RACS provides access to a range of CPD activities and services that include:
· high quality professional development and skills programs
· range of conferences, scientific meetings, and programs such as the annual scientific congress and events, and scientific meetings in your jurisdiction
· an online procedural logbook (MALT) and the option of requesting support for peer review of surgical audit and clinical reports
· micro learning activities on key surgical standards
· webinars and events organised by sections and special interest groups
· access to publications such as the ANZ Journal of Surgery to assist in maintaining current knowledge of surgical research and literature, the fortnightly electronic newsletter, Fax Mentis and Surgical News, our popular bi-monthly member magazine
· an online CPD Plan template
· facilitation of re-entry or re-skilling requirements
· surgical advisors and a dedicated CPD team for advice and support
· a well-stocked library with most resources available through the member portal 24/7
· scholarships and grants that can support you in your research and learning and development activities in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas
· you may also be eligible to receive a variety of RACS awards that recognise your career and contribution to surgery in your local area, Australia, and Aotearoa New Zealand.
· you can come into any RACS office and use the premises
· RACS representatives in your nearest local offices are available to help and support you on the ground.
RACS advocates to the government on issues that are important to both surgeons and patients. This includes addressing various matters affecting surgical practice and patient care.
The College also offers you the opportunity to contribute to your field by sharing knowledge or conducting assessments. You can broaden your horizons and make an impact as a trainer, mentor, examiner, join an interest group, donate to the Foundation for Surgery or get involved in RACS global health activities.
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What benefits does the FRACS post-nominal bring to patients?
A RACS Fellowship—FRACS—is a symbol that patients and the healthcare system trust thanks to the rigorous training surgeons undergo.
The FRACS post-nominal assures patients that they are receiving care from a surgeon who has achieved the highest standards in the profession. It indicates a commitment to lifelong learning and surgical excellence through participation in RACS Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program. It also signifies an individual’s adherence to the College's rigorous standards set by regulators, health departments, and the community.
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How does RACS contribute to advocacy efforts?RACS advocates for issues important to both surgeons and patients. The organisation's advocacy work is shaped by the concerns of its members and their patients. This includes addressing various matters affecting surgical practice, patient care and includes the protection of use of the title of ‘surgeon’.
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What do I get for my fees?
The fees you pay offer a range of services and benefits that enhance your membership experience. These include access to educational resources, high quality professional development and skills programs, access to a PD program, scholarships and grants, and many other benefits. Your fees also contribute to the cost of administering education, training and other services to you.
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Are membership fees tax deductible?
Membership fees should be tax deductible – please check with your financial advisor.
You will receive a receipt automatically when you renew your subscription and is also accessible from the member portal to submit for reimbursement by your employer if relevant or for tax purposes.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, the subscription fee is reimbursed on a pro rata basis for Fellows working in the public system.
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Why have fees increased?
As previously communicated, there will be a 25 per cent increase in the annual subscription. This is an essential step in a broader initiative to ensure the College’s financial sustainability and to continue to provide the best support and service to Fellows.
We've diligently refrained from raising fees beyond the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for a while.
We have had to take this necessary step to improve the College’s financial situation brought about by various factors, including inflation, post-COVID-19 education delivery challenges, staffing adjustments to meet growing service demands, and investments in a digital transformation to enhance efficiency and retire legacy systems so that we can better support you.
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What is my fee category?
Your fee category is determined based on a number of criteria such as length of Fellowship, retired status, location and many other factors.
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How do I pay my fees?
Your annual subscription renewal is due by 1 January 2024. You can choose to make a one-time payment or opt for convenient quarterly instalments, charged to your nominated card. To select the instalment option, please indicate your preference by xx January 2024. A nominal five percent administration surcharge applies to instalment payments.
In addition the College provides a facility for Fellows subscriptions to be paid by instalments. A five per cent instalment charge is imposed on subscription invoices where a Fellow elects to pay the subscription by instalments.
The subscription is payable in four equal instalments using a Visa, MasterCard or Amex card only. Subscription instalments cannot be paid online or by cheque, EFT or BPay. The first instalment is payable by 15 January of the subscription year together with any other amounts currently owing. Instalments two to four are automatically charged to the nominated credit card on or around 15 April, 15 July and 15 October.
Please reach out to us at college.subscriptions@surgeons.org or call +61 3 9276 7439. Please be aware that this is a peak period and rest assured that we will respond as promptly as possible.