Indigenous Program – ASC Award

Open for applications from 3 March to 14 April 2025

Value: AUD $5,000 each (7 grants on offer)

The ASC Award provides opportunities for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori final year medical students and doctors with an interest in surgery to attend the following year's RACS Annual Scientific Congress (ASC).

The grant enables recipients to participate in the educational program of the ASC and enjoy opportunities to network, gain an understanding of RACS activities and discuss career path issues with RACS leadership.

RACS and the Indigenous Health Committee are committed to increasing the participation of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori doctors in a surgical career by providing education, training and research opportunities. By prioritising Indigenous health, building the surgical workforce and increasing services, we can better meet the health needs of Māori, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

  • Policy and guideline

    Before applying, please refer to the:
    - Learning and Development grant policy (PDF 288.7KB)
    - ASC Award guideline (PDF 157.8KB)

  • Who can apply?

    To be eligible for this grant you must be:
    - interested in a career in surgery

    AND

    - provide confirmation of eligibility for membership to Te Ohu Rata o Aotearoa The Māori Medical Practitioners Association (Te ORA) or the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA)
    - possess a medical degree from an Australian or Aotearoa New Zealand medical school OR at the time of application, be enrolled in the final year of a medical degree at an Australian or Aotearoa New Zealand medical school

  • Activity
    The grant enables recipients to participate in the educational program of the RACS Annual Scientific Congress (ASC) which will provide opportunities to network, gain an understanding of RACS activities and discuss career path issues with RACS leadership.

    The grant funds return travel to the ASC, taxis, meals, accommodation for five nights at a RACS nominated conference hotel; ASC four-day registration, ticket to the ASC dinner; and invitation to the Indigenous doctors' roundtable breakfast.
  • Application requirements

    Your application is to include:
    - your career and employment details
    - a statement addressing your aspirations and commitment to pursuing a surgical career, the relevance of the activity to your current stage of training or medical career, and current and future commitment to Māori or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
    - evidence of eligibility for membership to Te ORA or to AIDA
    - evidence of medical school enrolment or registration as a medical doctor in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand.

  • Selection and payment

    Selection
    Written applications will be reviewed by members of the Indigenous Health Committee and may include other committee members or invited representatives. Applications will include statements addressing your aspirations and commitment to pursuing a surgical career, how the activity will help you towards a surgical career, how you have contributed to or are currently contributing to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health or Māori health and how you will contribute in the future. 

    Payment
    Payment is made directly to the recipient in one instalment by 1 March in the grant year (following a receipt of a valid invoice which will be requested by the Scholarships and Grants Team)

  • Recipient obligations

    All grant recipients will be required to provide an activity report at the end of the grant year when requested by the Scholarships and Grants Team.

    ASC Award recipients may be invited to present at ASC and ASE events. 

  • To apply
    Applications are submitted via the Scholarships and Grants Program online platform, RACS Unlock, hosted by Survey Monkey Apply.

    You may register as an applicant on RACS Unlock at any time, however you will be unable to apply until the Learning and Development Program application opening date. There is no need to re-register if you already have a RACS Unlock registration.

    Please note: emailed applications are not accepted.
  • Contact
    Scholarship and Grant Team
    Email: [email protected]