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RACS courses coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs

Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions for RACS professional development and skills training courses.

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Which courses are going ahead?

We are aiming to resume scheduled courses from September 2020, however some previously scheduled course may not go ahead.  Priority will be given to mandatory courses for Trainees and Fellows. Please see our Professional Development and Skills Training course pages for more information.

Are all courses going to be delivered in the same way as previously?

We acknowledge that COVID-19 has changed the way we work and how we will be able to deliver courses. We are currently exploring alternative course formats.

Most courses will resume in a classroom and/or laboratory environment, please be reassured that RACS will comply with local guidelines and regulations, including, screening, physical distancing and hygiene.

I need to complete a mandatory course in 2020. Will I be given priority access?

Yes. Registrations for SET trainees will open on 20 July. There will be three registration release dates.

SET Trainees - 20 July 2020
Participants from a previously cancelled course - 24 July 2020
All eligible doctors - 29 July 2020

Fellows who need to complete Operating with Respect (OWR) and Foundation Skills for Surgical Educators (FSSE) will be contacted to register prior to the course being made available to other fellows.

 

I’m already registered on a course in 2020, will my course go ahead?

We are making every effort to run courses safely. The planning process is complex, and some courses may not proceed. If you are currently registered on a course, please wait for advice from the College regarding the status of your course.

Once I am registered to attend a course, should I book flights and accommodation?

We are making every effort to run courses safely. The planning process is complex, and some courses may not proceed. Please wait for confirmation from the course coordinator before you book flights and accommodation, you can expect to receive this confirmation four weeks prior to course commencement. RACS will not cover travel costs if the course is cancelled. 

Access information about travel restrictions.

What happens if I’m not feeling well or have symptoms? Will I be entitled to a refund?

We ask that you follow current government guidelines if you are not feeling well or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 including coughing etc. If you are feeling unwell, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your attendance. Refunds will be considered on a case by case basis.

I am worried about booking a course and having to cancel. Does your regular cancellation and refund policy still apply?

Our regular cancellation and refund policy still applies. If you need to cancel, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss. Refunds will be considered on a case by case basis.

I live in a locked down region. Can I still register for a course?

Yes, you can register for our courses. However please bear in mind the complex evolving nature of COVID-19 laws and restrictions which may mean you are unable to attend some courses. 

We encourage all participants to register for a local course to reduce unnecessary travel. RACS is not responsible for any costs incurred by the participant due to cancellation, changes to, disruption of or inability to conduct the course. This includes, but is not limited to, flights, transportation, accommodation, mandatory quarantine costs and any other fees and charges.

What precautions are you taking on the day to ensure safety and hygiene?

The safety of our stakeholders is our highest priority. Each venue and course will have specific regulations for screening, physical distancing and hygiene. Our aim is to operate within the current government guidelines. 

What’s the latest I can book onto a course?

Course registration closes once the course is full or three weeks prior to course commencement. This is to allow adequate revision and preparation time. In some instances, when courses have not filled, we will leave the registration open for a bit longer. 

I’m not ready to book a course, can you hold a place for me?

We are unable to hold places on courses.

If I can’t get onto a course in 2020, am I able to book a course for 2021?

Registration for 2021 courses, will open in late 2020. Please register for our mailing lists via the links below and we will contact you to advise when registration will open for 2021 courses.

Skills Training courses mailing list

Professional Development courses mailing list

What is RACS doing to engage with health officials regarding the re-commencement of courses?

The safety of our stakeholders is our highest priority, we are communication with the appropriate health department in each region (Australia and New Zealand) to engage them in RACS plans to resume courses from September 2020. 

Each region will have regulations for screening, physical distancing and hygiene. Our aim is to operate within the local government guidelines.

What will happen if I cannot complete a mandatory part of my training this year?

In line with COVID-19 Education Principles approved by the Board of Surgical Education and Training, Trainees and SIMGs will not be penalised if they are unable to meet mandatory requirements in 2020 such as a Skills Training course. As required, RACS will extend the time in training programs and SIMG placements by up to 12 months to ensure requirements can be met.  Mandatory groups will continue to be prioritised for enrolment into 2021.

Why are there not any courses available in my state/territory?

We are working to offer additional courses in various regions this year and currently have only advertised those which we have identified with high potential to run successfully.  Our courses rely on many factors which include interstate travel by our volunteer faculty pool, venue availability and capacity to meet government regulations.  We will keep our mailing list informed of additional courses.