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Overview
The reputation of the qualification, FRACS, allows you to enjoy considerable autonomy of professional practice in your community. With that autonomy comes a responsibility to self-regulate, ensuring your patients' needs are pre-eminent and that you reflect on your professional behaviours, your standards of practice, and its surgical outcomes.
Your success in gaining the Fellowship highlights how the training and accreditation of surgeons is a core business of our College.
We encourage you to proudly use the post nominal FRACS and the associated logo on your letterhead, business card, web site and other material. It is a proud tradition that as Fellows we are willing to pass on our knowledge and skills to the next generation.
Below are important resources including the FRACS logo, and publications on surgical standards to assist you with your professional development and daily practice.
RACS Portfolio
The RACS Portfolio was launched in June 2015 as part of a comprehensive digital strategy to deliver better access to:
- Lifelong learning
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Professional development activities
- Assessment and examination systems, and
- Opt-in to Find a Surgeon and create a Practice Card.
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).
Upholding the FRACS
Code of Conduct
The Code is based on longstanding ethical and professional principles, reflects community expectations and incorporates the College's definition of surgical performance. All Fellows must be aware of their obligations under the Code and comply with its provisions.
Access your Code of Conduct (PDF 4.44MB)
Let's Operate with Respect
RACS is committed to building respect and improving patient safety and this involves identifying and addressing unacceptable behaviours. In line with legislation in Australia (at federal, state and territory levels) and in New Zealand, unacceptable behaviours are defined in this factsheet.
Access the unacceptable behaviours factsheet
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
All Fellows have a requirement to complete CPD annually, the program aims to support and promote a culture of lifelong learning and self-reflection. The College has developed the RACS Portfolio, and a range of electronic resources to support Fellows meet their requirements.
Surgical Audit and Peer Review Guide
Surgical audit and peer review are important strategies in maintaining the standards in surgical care at the clinical level. The purpose of this guide is to provide information on how to clinically analyse the quality of surgical care and that it is reviewed by peers against explicit criteria or recognised standards.
Access your Surgical Audit and Peer Review Guide (PDF 118.79KB)
Surgical Competence and Performance Guide
The Surgical Competence and Performance Guide is a framework to assess the performance of practising surgeons. It is important that surgeons provide input and leadership to the development and evaluation of tools and processes to assess surgical performance.
Access your Surgical Competence and Performance Guide (PDF 118.79KB)
RACS Professional Development
The RACS Professional Development program for Fellows aims to support surgeons in aspects of their professional life, encouraging professional growth and workplace performance.
Access your Professional Development activities guide (PDF 409.62KB)
Preparation for Practice - A Guide for Younger Fellows
The Younger Fellows group represents those who are in the first 10 years of their Fellowship. The preparation for practice booklet has been created to help young Fellows deal with some of the complex issues involved in setting up a practice, establishing themselves as a surgeon and easing the transition to consultant surgeon.
Access the Preparation for Practice - A Guide for Younger Fellows (5th Edition) (PDF 471.63KB)
Surgeons and Trainees interactions with the medical industry position paper
Interactions between medical practitioners and the medical industry are subject to greater scrutiny by government, the media and society than ever before.