Your RACS membership connects you to a powerful professional community and a wide range of resources designed to support your surgical career, wellbeing, and leadership. The 2026 Member Benefits Guide outlines how you can maximise your membership through recognition, development, advocacy, and connection.

Recognition and professional identity
The FRACS postnominal is a globally recognised symbol of surgical excellence, professionalism, and trust. It links you to the largest network of surgeons across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. You can access the FRACS branding kit to reinforce your professional presence across email, signage, stationery, and websites.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
RACS offers a comprehensive CPD program aligned with Medical Board of Australia and Medical Council of New Zealand - Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa standards. You can manage your CPD via the RACS app, track progress, log activities, and access accredited events, webinars, and online modules. CPD activities span surgical audits, peer reviews, cultural safety, and leadership training. The program supports lifelong learning across all nine surgical specialties.

Education, scholarships and grants
RACS provides more than $1.9 million annually in scholarships and grants to support research, education, and innovation. Opportunities are available for Fellows, Indigenous members Trainees, and SIMGs. You can also contribute to the surgical profession through teaching, mentoring, examining, or participating in RACS Global Health initiatives.

Advocacy and representation
RACS advocates for surgeons and patients, influencing policy on workforce planning, patient safety, and surgical standards. Recent wins include title protection for accredited surgeons and reforms in podiatric surgery nomenclature. We encourage you to engage in consultations, committees, and Council elections.

Wellbeing and support
The RACS Support Program—in partnership with Converge International—offers free, confidential counselling for you and your immediate families. Peer support, mentoring, and wellbeing resources are available, along with flexible payment options for those experiencing financial hardship.

Connection and community
You can join sections, interest groups, and committees, attend local and national events, and participate in the Annual Scientific Congress (ASC)—the largest multidisciplinary surgical conference in the southern hemisphere. The RACS Library provides 24/7 access to research databases and journals, including the ANZ Journal of Surgery.

Career tools
Use the ‘Find a Surgeon’ directory, access surgical vacancies, and manage your professional records via the Member portal. These tools help you stay visible, informed, and ready for your next career step.

Explore what’s available and discover how your RACS membership can work harder for you on our website.