2026 Younger Fellows Forum delegates

Held at the picturesque Mandoon Estate in Western Australia, the 2026 Younger Fellows Forum brought together 24 emerging surgical leaders. They were joined by four international delegates, alongside RACS Councillors, for two and a half days of connection, insight and forward-thinking discussion. 

Day one focused on building connections and broadening perspectives. Interactive sessions fostered collaboration early, setting a collegiate tone for the Forum. Professor Owen Ung shared reflections on Mentorship Reimagined, highlighting the growing importance of ethics, humanity and professionalism, and the value of building a sustaining life beyond surgery. Dr Phil Morreau provided insights into evolving surgical training pathways, sparking strong engagement among delegates.

L to r: Dr Chinkin  Coruña (Philippines), Dr Jacky Ho (Hong Kong SAR),

Dr Alexander O'Neill, Dr Helen Ballal, Prof Owen Ung,

Dr Komol Chaivanijchaya (Thailand), and Dr Aslam Ijaz (USA)

International perspectives were a highlight, with speakers from USA, Thailand, Hong Kong SAR and the Philippines exploring the common goal that underpins all systems—delivering high-quality patient care, despite differing challenges.

The keynote address by Professor Fiona Wood AO, Translating Innovation into Surgical Impact, encouraged delegates to embrace curiosity, back themselves and actively engage with challenges. Her message was clear: progress in surgery begins when you choose to question and act.

Day two shifted to leadership, wellbeing and the future of the profession. Dr Phil Morreau shared practical, hard-earned advice, reinforcing that Younger Fellows are the College and that leadership starts early. 

Presentations then followed from RACS Councillors Professor Deborah Bailey and Professor Henry Woo. Professor Deborah Bailey emphasised the importance of developing leadership capabilities to drive change within complex health systems. Professor Henry Woo highlighted the role Younger Fellows are already playing across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, alongside the importance of maintaining balance beyond medicine.

Forum delegates during ice breaker

Delegates explored key areas including workforce, wellbeing, education, innovation and digital health, as part of forming the recommendations to Council. Themes of collaboration, patient safety and adaptability, particularly in the context of AI and evolving care models, were central throughout.

"Congratulations for convening this event. It is beyond successful. I will advocate to my friends back home and even abroad not just to consider YFF application, but to strongly consider participation in various RACS events,” Dr Chinkin Coruña from the Philippines.

The event was generously supported by Medtronic, Bongiorno National Network, Ramsay Health Care, MIGA and Baxter.

Recommendations from the Forum will be shared with Council in June. The Forum once again demonstrated the strength and vision of the next generation of surgical leaders, leaving delegates energised, connected and ready to shape the future of our profession.  

Next year’s Forum will be held in Melbourne during our centenary year. Surgeons within their first 10 years of Fellowship are encouraged to apply when applications open later this year. Visit RACS Younger Fellows for more information.

 

l to r: Younger Fellows Committee members:Dr Su Mei Hoh, Dr Pamela Caleo, and Dr Marli Williams