RACS to address shortcomings in governance to alleviate regulator concerns

Associate Professor Kerin Fielding, President of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), has addressed recent concerns raised by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).

These concerns, primarily related to governance and structural issues, highlighted the need for RACS, as the accredited organisation, to maintain clear control and oversight of the training and education programs.

The regulators, AMC and MCNZ, have extended RACS’ accreditation by only six months, until October 2024, providing RACS with the opportunity to address the issues and demonstrate the excellence of its surgical education and training system.

As an orthopaedic surgeon, A/Professor Fielding emphasised the value of RACS’ unique College-association and society-led training model, where the College maintains oversight across all nine surgical specialties.

She warned that any fragmentation of this model could lead to deregulation and a loss of control over the cost and quality of surgical training.

“Patient care is a team sport and must never underestimate the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach,” she stated.

A/Professor Fielding also underscored the importance of unity within the surgical profession, noting that RACS’ ability to advocate effectively to governments in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand on behalf of nine distinct specialties is a critical strength.

“I would not like to see any weakening of our profession’s collective power. Unity is critical,” she stressed.

“Two things have become clear. Firstly, there is broad alignment with the need to address the shortcomings in the College’s current governance structure. Installing a skills-based, profession-led Board to modernise our financial and risk management is essential for our future.”

However, she also acknowledged that some of the wording in the proposed constitutional amendments was ambiguous and required refinement.

“Members have raised legitimate concerns that some of the proposed changes could diminish the role of the Council, which has never been the intention,” she clarified.

To address these concerns, RACS has instructed its lawyers to redraft the proposed amendments, pausing the process to allow for continued consultation.

A/Professor Fielding reaffirmed RACS’ commitment to maintaining the high standards associated with the FRACS qualification, stating, “Everything we are doing is aimed at ensuring that the letters ‘FRACS’ after a surgeon’s name continue to represent the highest possible standards.”

She emphasised that the FRACS designation signifies a commitment to lifelong learning and the maintenance of current surgical standards, as well as a reflection of RACS’ vision: “enhancing surgery, embracing innovation.”

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