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Operating with Respect course
The Operating with Respect (OWR) course gives surgeons the skills they need to create a safer and more respectful workplace. It is evidence-based, tailored to our profession and provides practical strategies and skills to deal with unacceptable behaviour. The course equips surgeons to deal effectively with behaviour that impacts on how Trainees learn and on the quality of surgical care. We are now developing a course tailored for Trainees.
Each OWR course is led by a senior faculty member (course director), supported by three faculty who have completed an Operating with Respect instructor course.
All surgeons in the groups below must complete the course within six months of their appointment:
- SET Supervisors
- SIMG Supervisors
- Research supervisors
- The following RACS committees
- Council
- Advocacy Board
- Education Board
- Board of Surgical Education and Training
- Specialty Training Boards
- Clinical Examination Committee
- Regional State, Territory and New Zealand (STANZ) Committees
- New Zealand National Board
- Professional Development and Standards Board
- Prevocational and Skills Education Committee
- Court of Examiners Executive
Speak Up app
We are continuing our work to give a voice to people who wish to speak out about unprofessional behaviour and launched an app to help surgeons to speak up when they see unacceptable behaviour.
The Speak Up app complements the Operating with Respect (OWR) course and keeps the knowledge and skills fresh for participants. It is most relevant to RACS Fellows who have completed the OWR course. Enrol through the link above.
The app includes a useful framework to prepare for a Cup of Coffee Conversation (CCC) and has a bank of helpful scripts, phrases and other resources.
A CCC is an informal, respectful conversation between colleagues that helps to raise awareness of concerns, prompt reflection and reinforce professionalism. Evidence suggests a properly conducted CCC supports respectful behaviour and deals with issues of concern in more than 75 per cent of cases.
The OWR course and Speak Up app both help foster a culture in which people have confidence and permission to speak up. They help create safe opportunities for people to adjust their behaviour and help build a culture of respect.
Download the Speak Up app free on the App Store and on Google Play.
Foundation Skills for Surgical Educators course
Do you teach or train SET Trainees or supervise International Medical Graduates?
The Foundation Skills for Surgical Educators (FSSE) Course gives surgical educators the skills they need to provide high quality training and effective and constructive supervision. It is mandatory for:
- SET surgical supervisors
- Surgeons in the clinical environment who teach or train SET Trainees
- IMG supervisors
- Research supervisors
- Education board members
- Board of Surgical Education and Training
- Specialty training boards
New appointees need to complete the FSSE within six months of their appointment to the role.
Operating with Respect eModule
Nearly 100 per cent of us have completed this online training in discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment. This introductory course, developed specifically for surgeons, is now a pre-requisite for application to surgical training.
It is relevant to RACS Fellows, SET Trainees, International Medical Graduates and all skills courses faculty. It has been adopted, with RACS approval, by other specialist medical colleges who are doing their part to build a culture of respect in medicine.
Recognising and responding to sexual harassment eModule
Recent research with members of our profession tell us sexual harassment is an still issue in surgery, just as it is in the wider workforce in Australia.
RACS’ micro module ‘Recognizing and Responding to Sexual Harassment’, is available online, providing CPD points to participating surgeons.
Further information can be found here
Other courses
Through our education programs, we offer training to surgeons so they can develop the skills they need to operate with respect. Our courses support leadership and professionalism and reflect our shared commitment to improving patient safety.
Surgeons as Leaders in Everyday Practice
Our Surgeons as Leaders in Everyday Practice course provides leadership training to support and develop the leadership skills and potential of senior surgeons in leadership roles.
Human Factors Module
Being a good surgeons takes more than technical excellence. RACS Human Factors Module aims to strengthen surgeons’ professional skills in ongoing surgical education. We have developed the content and framework for this course, based on review and feedback from subject matter experts.
Promoting Advanced Surgical Education (PrASE)
Promoting Advanced Surgical Education is a two-day course which builds on knowledge and skills developed during the Foundation Skills for Surgical Educators course. It empowers surgical educators to deliver excellence in training and education by exploring learner-centred surgical education, trust and feedback, trainees at risk, assessment and supervision, and leadership in surgical education.”
Difficult Conversations with Underperforming Trainees
Difficult Conversations with Underperforming Trainees is a one-day course that assists surgical supervisors to undertake a respectful and procedurally fair conversation with a trainee who is not meeting required standards despite previous feedback.