RACSTA Induction Conference
The annual RACSTA Induction Conference (RIC) is held to welcome surgical Trainees from the nine specialties, across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to RACS, to the Trainees’ Association as well as focus on preparation for their coming years in the SET program.
A hybrid conference will be held Saturday, 6 December 2025.
Please see below for more information about RIC 2025.
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RACSTA Induction Conference (RIC) 2025
Dear Colleagues
On behalf of the organising committee, it is our great pleasure to welcome you to the 16th annual Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Trainees' Association (RACSTA) Induction Conference (RIC) to be held in Melbourne on Saturday 6 December 2025.
RACSTA represents Trainee interests within RACS, working to enhance surgical education, training, and the overall Trainee experience.
RIC 2025 is designed to welcome surgical Trainees in their early years across all nine specialties in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to both RACS and RACSTA, while also preparing them for the surgical training journey.
We are honoured to have a distinguished lineup of speakers who are leaders in their area of expertise and we encourage you to take advantage of the diverse range of workshops and panels designed to enrich your expertise and inspire new ideas.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors and partners for their generous support, as well as to all of you for attending and making this conference a successful and memorable experience. We hope you enjoy connecting with peers, colleagues and your RACSTA Trainee representatives.
Warm regards,
Dr Nick Lyons, RACSTA Chair
Dr Joan Tefay, RIC 2025 Convener
Dr Ben Thomson, RIC 2025 Co-Convener
Dr Helen Buschel, RIC 2025 Co-Convener
Registration
The RACSTA Induction Conference Conveners are proud to once again provide complimentary passes to all conference attendees. We are extremely grateful to our Platinum sponsor, J&J Institute.
Registration entitlements include attendance to program sessions and industry exhibition, name badge and catering.
Program
Speakers
Speakers
Dr Nicholas Lyons, Chair, RACSTA
Professor Ray Sacks FRACS, Vice President, RACS
Invited Speakers
Dr Bridget Clancy MBBS FRACS GAICD, Chair, RACS Rural Surgery Section, Vice-Chair, RACS Rural Health Equity Steering Committee
Dr John Quinn FRACS, Executive Director Surgical Affairs
Dr Pecky de Silva FRACS, Chair, Women in Surgery
Moderators and Panellists
Dr Joan Tefay, General Surgery
Dr Teagan Fink, General Surgery
Dr Nupur Shukla, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Dr Ken Chow, Urology
Dr Helen Buschel, Paediatric Surgery
Dr Ben Thomson, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
Dr James Lonie, General Surgery
Dr Frances McHugh, Neurosurgery
Sponsors and partners
Thank you to our sponsors. Please visit our sponsors and partners at the Industry Exhibition on Level 2.
Platinum Sponsor
Ruby Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Venue
250/290 Spring Street, East Melbourne
General Information
Registration Desk
The registration desk will be located in the main RACS Victoria office foyer (Spring Street main entrance).
The registration desk will be open from 8:00am - 10:00am.
Sessions and Panels
All speaker sessions and panels will be held in the Hughes Room - Level 2.
Trainee Panel Discussion #1
- Challenges of training, how to navigate training - expectations, supervisors, working hours, available support, Trainee feedback and assessments.
Trainee Panel Discussion #2
- How to prepare for the Fellowship exam, flexible training, research in training, academic surgery and advocacy.
Workshops - location TBC.
Online
If viewing online, webinar commences at 8:50am.
Industry Exhibition
The Industry Exhibition and break area will be located on Level 2.
Name Badges
Your name badge is essential for entry into all sessions and the industry exhibition. It must be worn at all times. You will receive this at check-in/registration the morning of the conference.
Dress
Smart casual.
Intention to Photograph
Please be advised that photographs may be taken during the conference and reproduced by the Conference Organiser.
These photographs may be used for the following purposes:
- Projection onsite
- Reporting on the conference in online and hard copy publication
- Marketing a future conference, including online and hard copy publications
If you do not wish to be included in a photograph, please advise the photographer.
Certificate of Attendance
Issued on request.
Special Dietary Requirements
Dietary requirements should be entered on the registration page.
Feedback
We encourage feedback about your experience, and all participants will go into a prize draw. Winner will be announced via email in the week following the conference.
Use the QR code on the back of your name tag to complete the feedback form.
Contact
RACSTA Executive Officer - Rachael Morgan