One of the great strengths of RACS is our ability to step into the public conversation on issues that matter to surgeons and their patients. With a pan-specialty membership and nearly a century of experience, we can draw on thoughtful, well-developed position papers and guidelines across a wide range of topics to help shape debate, inform opinion and ensure the surgical voice is part of the national conversation.

A recent example was when I was asked by the Sydney Morning Herald to comment on concurrent surgery. It’s not an issue I give much thought to day-to-day, but I was able to speak confidently and with balance by drawing on the College’s clear, practical guidelines. While my personal preference is not to perform concurrent procedures, our guidance recognises that some surgeons do and sets out how to do so with patient safety front of mind. RACS supports its members with a wide range of position papers and practical guidelines, helping surgeons navigate complex professional decisions while giving the public, hospitals, and governments confidence in the standards our members uphold every day.

You may also have seen me in the media recently in conversation with AusDoc journalist Paul Smith. We covered a wide range of topics from workforce shortages, SIMGs, unaccredited registrars, generalism and the future of the surgical profession. A theme I keep returning to is the essential role of specialist medical colleges. I truly believe we must have organisations that represent doctors. Any splintering of that role risks weakening the profession, leading to inconsistent training and standards, a dilution of our collective voice in advocacy, and ultimately disadvantaging patients. A strong, unified college ensure surgeons are supported, professional standards are maintained, and public trust in our care remains high.

That is the message we’ve been sharing with our orthopaedic colleagues as well, in our discussions with the Australian Orthopaedic Association (AOA) and New Zealand Orthopaedic Association (NZOA) as together we explore alternative models of accreditation for surgical education and training. Cost is of course an important consideration for all of us, as members of the College, our specialty societies and likely other organisations as well. RACS is working hard to seek efficiencies to deliver value, as demonstrated by the 2025 fee freeze for Fellows and Trainees. In life, of course, I personally need to spend wisely, but the bottom-line dollar amount is not the only thing that drives my decision making. While the individual rewards for my membership are many, the collective benefits are significant and result from a tremendous amount of work done consistently by our College staff and pro bono Fellows. Where RACS is concerned, what price do we put on professional excellence and public trust? These are the foundations that define us as a College and as a profession.

Finally, it’s Council election time and I encourage you to all get involved. With the new Board focused on finance and risk, it is the Council that guides the strategic direction of RACS and brings our mission to life, improving access, equity, quality and delivery of surgical care for our diverse communities. This year, there are three vacancies for Fellowship Elected Councillors, and four for Specialty Elected Councillors in Neurosurgery, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Urology. Whether by standing yourself or supporting candidates, your participation helps shape the future of our College.

Warm regards,
Professor Owen Ung
President