Victorian activities
Upcoming Victorian events
Surgeon's Awards Dinner 2026
Join us for the RACS Victoria Surgeons’ Awards Dinner
We invite Fellows, Trainees and colleagues to join the Victorian State Committee for an evening celebrating the people, research and achievements that contribute to Victoria’s surgical community.
Held at 7 Alfred Place, guests will enjoy a three-course dinner and beverages, with the evening featuring the GJ Royal Lecture by Dr Iain Skinner FRACS and the presentation of the 2026 Victorian Research Awards.
It will also be an opportunity to catch up with colleagues from across Victoria and recognise the achievements of this year’s research finalists and award recipients.
2026 GJ Royal Lecture and Medal
The Victorian State Committee is delighted to announce Dr Iain Skinner FRACS as the recipient of the 2026 GJ Royal Lecture and Medal.
Dr Skinner is a highly respected member of the surgical community, with a career spanning clinical practice, colorectal surgery, surgical education and significant contributions to the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
After completing his residency at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and spending a year as an Anatomy Demonstrator at the University of Melbourne, Dr Skinner undertook post-Fellowship training in the United Kingdom, gaining further experience in General Surgery in Canterbury, Kent, and Colorectal Surgery in Hull, East Yorkshire.
Dr Skinner returned to Australia in 2001, establishing his private practice in Werribee while also working at Western Hospital, Footscray and Werribee Mercy Hospital.
That same year, he was co-opted to the RACS Basic Skills Committee and was appointed Chair in 2002, beginning a longstanding contribution to surgical skills education within the College. While training in the United Kingdom, Dr Skinner also authored the Basic Surgical Skills Manual, published by McGraw Hill. RACS subsequently acquired the text, which was further developed and expanded through the Australasian Surgical Skills Education and Training (ASSET) Committee, evolving into Fundamental Skills for Surgery, the resource accompanying the College’s ASSET course.
The Victorian State Committee is proud to recognise Dr Skinner’s contribution to surgery and surgical education through the 2026 GJ Royal Lecture and Medal and looks forward to hearing him deliver the GJ Royal Lecture as part of this year’s dinner.
Celebrating Victorian surgical research
The evening will also recognise the outstanding research being undertaken across Victoria, with the recipients of the 2026 Victorian Research Awards announced and presented during the dinner.
Following the Victorian Research Papers presentations earlier in the day, the dinner provides an opportunity to celebrate this year’s finalists and recognise excellence in surgical research.
Join us
We invite Fellows, Trainees and colleagues to join us for an evening of recognition, connection and celebration at 7 Alfred Place.
Friday 20 November 2026
7 Alfred Place, Melbourne
Three-course dinner and beverages
We look forward to welcoming you.
Register here.
Developing a Surgical Career Workshop
This hands-on workshop is designed for medical students and junior doctors and provides practical experience with surgical techniques and equipment. Participants will rotate through a series of skills stations facilitated by Fellows and Trainees, with opportunities to engage directly and discuss surgical career pathways. The program also includes discussions on a range of topics related to training and progression in surgery.
Please note that places are limited to ensure a high-quality, interactive experience for all participants.
Participation in this workshop is eligible for 8 CPD points under Educational Activities.
Event details
Date: Saturday 5 December 2026
Time: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Location: Skills Lab, RACS Melbourne at 250-290 Spring Street East Melbourne
Cost: $130
Register here.
Keep your eye out on this page and in our Victorian newsletter for updates.
Our sponsors
RACS Victoria would like to acknowledge and thank its sponsors for their ongoing support. This partnership with the Victorian State Committee ensures the ongoing success of events.
The Victorian State Committee receives significant support from our industry partners, particularly our long-term partners Bongiorno Group, Avant, B Braun, Multigate, University of Melbourne, Rooms With Style, MIPS, Magentus and Solventum.
Major RACS Victoria event sponsor
