A total of 1970 attendees—including surgeons Trainees, health leaders, and industry partners—gathered in Perth and online for the 94th Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) Annual Scientific Congress (ASC), exploring this year’s theme, The art and science of collaboration.

Across four days, the ASC brought together local and international experts to examine the evolving role of surgeons—from global health and professionalism to artificial intelligence (AI) and the future of care. Among scientific sessions, keynote lectures, there was also opportunities to connect and catch up with the surgical community through section dinners, yoga, speciality meetings and more.  

Conveners Associate Professor Mary Theophilus and Associate Professor Rob Love set the tone early, emphasising the need to move beyond traditional boundaries in surgical practice.

“The idea that excellence sits within silos no longer holds sway,” Associate Professor Theophilus said. “To compete, protect, differentiate is increasingly out of step with modern surgical care.”

Collaboration extended across disciplines and borders, with sessions highlighting how surgeons can improve access, equity and outcomes. Global health discussions underscored the importance of building local capability, while Professor Annie Sparrow challenged delegates to rethink antimicrobial resistance as a systems issue shaped by global inequity.

Convocation was a standout moment, with more than 100 new Fellows welcomed to the College. In his George Adlington Syme Oration, Professor Mark Edwards reflected on the meaning of legacy: “Legacy is not built on victories. It’s how you carry your failures.”

A key moment of the ASC came at the Annual General Meeting and Congress dinner, where Dr Philip Morreau and Dr Christine Lai formally began their roles as RACS president and vice president. The occasion was marked with a special performance by attendees from Aotearoa New Zealand, who sang a waiata in honour of the new College president.

Technology and innovation were key themes throughout the ASC. In a compelling plenary, engineer and inventor Dr Jordan Nguyen explored the balance between technology and human connection in surgery.

“Trust is such an important aspect of surgery. Technology should not replace human connection.”

RACS Councillor Associate Professor Matthew Clark reinforced that change is inevitable: “As a surgeon, will I still have a job in 10 years? Yes, but it will be different.”

Sessions also examined the growing role of AI, with Chelsea Gordon noting measurable benefits when used appropriately: “Where surgeons were assisted by artificial intelligence, specificity increased by 18 per cent, and precision increased by five per cent.”

The ASC also turned inward to examine surgical culture, standards and accountability. Dr Rachelle Love challenged the profession to address behaviour and uphold standards: “The standard you walk past is the standard you accept. Culturally safe care uplifts everyone.”

Beyond the plenaries, delegates connected through section dinners, the Women in Surgery networking event and breakfast, Trainees yoga sessions and informal networking across the exhibition hall. 

The RACS booth was a hive of activity with RACS staff handing out 1300 pairs of socks, more than 1000 goodie bags, while 50 Fellows completed their CPD. The RACS Foundation for Surgery booth raised awareness about their initiatives. There were exhibitor displays from surgical technology to a LEGO operating theatre, a coffee van—creating a vibrant hub of activity.

As RACS looks ahead to its centenary in 2027, this year’s ASC highlighted both the challenges and opportunities shaping the next chapter of surgery, and the collective role of Fellows and Trainees in leading that future. 

Thank you to our conveners, Associate Professor Rob Love and Associate Professor Mary Theophilus and the ASC organising committee. We appreciate the generous support of our sponsors, for a great four days of bringing the surgical community together in Perth.

You can catch up on our daily recaps at Annual Scientific Congress | RACS

Next year’s ASC will be held in Melbourne at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 29 April to 2 May.