RACS: Royal Australasian College Of Surgeons

About Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) is the peak surgical body in Australia and New Zealand, responsible for training, educating, and supporting surgeons to deliver safe, high-quality patient care. Founded in 1927, RACS is a DGR-endorsed charity (ABN: 29004167766) registered with the ACNC since 2012.

RACS trains approximately 90% of surgeons practicing across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand through its Surgical Education and Training (SET) program, accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). With over 7,000 Fellows holding the prestigious FRACS designation (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) and 1,300+ surgical trainees, RACS is the definitive authority on surgical standards and professional development in the region.

What is RACS?

RACS is a not-for-profit professional medical college that:

• Accredits and delivers surgical training programs across nine surgical specialties
• Sets and maintains professional standards for surgical practice
• Provides Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for practicing surgeons
• Advocates for surgical patients and healthcare policy
• Funds surgical research through scholarships and grants
• Operates the Find a Surgeon directory for public access to qualified specialists
• Supports Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) pathways to Australian practice

RACS Training: The SET Program

The Surgical Education and Training (SET) program is RACS’ flagship training pathway, producing qualified surgeons across nine specialties. The SET program combines:

• Supervised clinical training in accredited hospitals
• Structured education modules and assessments
• Surgical examinations assessed by the Court of Examiners
• Research requirements and case log documentation
• Regular progress reviews and mentor support

SET applications open annually for entry into one of the nine surgical specialties. Training duration ranges from 4-6 years depending on specialty.

Programs and Services

RACS delivers the Surgical Education and Training (SET) program across nine specialties: cardiothoracic surgery, general surgery, neurosurgery, orthopaedic surgery, otolaryngology head and neck surgery, paediatric surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, urology, and vascular surgery. Key offerings include:

• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs aligned with regulatory standards.
• Pathways for Specialist International Medical Graduates, including SET entry and recognition of overseas qualifications.
• Scholarships, grants, and professional development for career-long support.
• Annual Scientific Congress and events fostering cross-discipline collaboration.
• Advocacy on public health issues through position papers and government engagement.

Nine Surgical Specialties at RACS

RACS trains surgeons across nine surgical specialties, each with dedicated training programs, curriculum, and Fellowship pathways:

1. Cardiothoracic Surgery

Training in heart and chest surgery including cardiac, thoracic, and congenital procedures. RACS cardiothoracic surgeons perform complex operations on the heart, lungs, esophagus, and major vessels.

2. General Surgery

General Surgery Australia (GSA) is the largest surgical specialty, covering abdominal, breast, endocrine, trauma, and emergency surgery. General surgeons work across metropolitan and rural settings, often providing the primary surgical service in regional hospitals.

3. Neurosurgery

Specialists in brain and spinal surgery, treating conditions from brain tumors to spinal trauma. Neurosurgeons trained through RACS perform highly specialized procedures requiring precision and advanced technology.

4. Orthopaedic Surgery

Orthopaedic surgeons treat musculoskeletal conditions including joint replacement, fracture management, sports injuries, and spinal surgery. RACS orthopaedic training produces surgeons working across trauma, reconstructive, and elective practice.

5. Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (ENT)

ENT surgeons manage ear, nose, throat, and head/neck conditions. Training covers everything from thyroid surgery to cochlear implants, with RACS graduates practicing in both adult and pediatric settings.

6. Paediatric Surgery

Specialized surgical care for children from birth to adolescence. Paediatric surgeons treat congenital anomalies, childhood tumors, trauma, and complex conditions requiring child-specific surgical approaches.

7. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Plastic surgeons perform reconstructive procedures following trauma, cancer treatment, or congenital conditions, plus aesthetic surgery. RACS training emphasizes microsurgery, burns management, and complex reconstruction.

8. Urology

Specialists in urinary tract and male reproductive surgery. RACS urologists manage kidney stones, prostate conditions, cancer surgery, and complex urological reconstructions using minimally invasive and robotic techniques.

9. Vascular Surgery

Vascular surgeons treat diseases of arteries and veins, from aortic aneurysms to varicose veins. Modern vascular surgery combines open surgery with endovascular (catheter-based) interventions.

Find a surgeon in any specialty through the RACS directory at surgeons.org, ensuring you connect with CPD-compliant, fully qualified FRACS specialists.

How to Become a Surgeon in Australia and New Zealand

Becoming a surgeon through RACS involves a structured pathway requiring medical degree, prevocational training, SET selection, surgical training, examinations, and Fellowship. Here’s the complete journey:

Step 1: Medical Degree (5-6 years)

Complete an accredited MBBS or equivalent medical degree at an Australian or New Zealand medical school, or an internationally recognized institution.

Step 2: Prevocational Training (2 years)

Complete intern and resident years in hospitals, gaining general medical and surgical experience. Register with AHPRA (Australia) or Medical Council of New Zealand.

Step 3: SET Selection

Apply for SET (Surgical Education and Training) positions through the annual SET application process. Selection is competitive, requiring:

• Demonstrated surgical aptitude and commitment
• Clinical experience in relevant surgical areas
• Research contributions
• Strong references and interview performance
• Specialty-specific requirements (vary by specialty)

Step 4: SET Training (4-6 years)

Complete the structured SET program with supervised training, regular assessments, surgical logbook, and educational activities.

Step 5: Surgical Examinations

Pass RACS examinations assessed by the Court of Examiners:

• Generic Surgical Sciences Examination (often early in training)
• Specialty-specific examinations
• Final Fellowship examination (written and clinical components)

Step 6: Fellowship (FRACS)

Upon successful completion, be admitted as a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). Fellows can practice independently as specialist surgeons and must maintain CPD requirements.

Total timeline: Approximately 12-15 years from starting medical school to becoming a practicing surgeon.

For International Medical Graduates, RACS offers SIMG pathways including IMG assessment, area of need positions, and competent authority pathways.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for RACS Fellows

All FRACS Fellows must participate in RACS’ Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program to maintain their specialist registration and Fellowship. The CPD program ensures surgeons maintain current knowledge, skills, and professional standards throughout their careers.

CPD Requirements

• 50 hours minimum CPD per year across multiple categories
• Educational activities, conferences, workshops
• Practice evaluation and audit participation
• Peer review and professional development activities
• Annual CPD report submission to RACS

RACS CPD is aligned with Medical Board of Australia and Medical Council of New Zealand requirements, ensuring regulatory compliance.

Find a CPD-Compliant Surgeon

The Find a Surgeon directory on the RACS website lists only CPD-compliant Fellows, giving patients confidence they’re consulting surgeons who maintain current standards.

RACS Membership and Benefits

RACS offers membership to surgeons at all career stages, from trainees to retired Fellows:

Fellowship (FRACS)

Full membership for qualified surgeons who have completed SET training and examinations. Benefits include:

• Use of the prestigious FRACS postnominal
• Listing in the Find a Surgeon directory
• Access to CPD programs and events
• Voting rights and governance participation
• Networking with 7,000+ surgical colleagues
• Advocacy representation on healthcare policy

Trainee Membership

Surgical trainees enrolled in the SET program receive:

• Structured training and mentorship
• Educational resources and library access
• Scholarships and grants opportunities
• Reduced conference fees
• Career development support

International Medical Graduate Support

RACS provides dedicated support for Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) including:

• IMG assessment and qualification recognition
• Area of need placement assistance
• Medical indemnity insurance guidance
• Cultural adaptation and mentoring
• Pathway to FRACS for eligible candidates

Impact and Reach

Headquartered in Melbourne, RACS maintains offices across Australian states, territories, and Aotearoa New Zealand, ensuring local support. It upholds patient safety via standards maintenance, a comprehensive library, and publications like the ANZ Journal of Surgery. RACS funds surgical research and provides global surgery outreach, enhancing healthcare in the Asia-Pacific.

Expertise and Partnerships

Governed by elected Fellows and co-opted specialty representatives, RACS Fellows (FRACS) demonstrate expertise through rigorous exams, ongoing CPD, and commitment to high professionalism. Partnerships with regulatory bodies like AHPRA, AMC, and MCNZ ensure credible, world-class surgical training.

Get Involved

Surgeons can join as members for benefits including networking, leadership roles, and wellbeing support. Patients can use the Find a Surgeon directory for CPD-compliant FRACS specialists. Donations support research and education initiatives.