VIC Chair's Report

This is the final Victorian Newsletter for the year and it has certainly been a busy one. Once again the Victorian Regional Committee and Regional Office have worked hard to ensure that Victorian Fellows are well represented. We’ve held many successful events over the year and continued to engage with key stakeholders to advocate on behalf of RACS. Key issues have included violence against health-workers, credentialing and scope of practice, duty of candour and clinician engagement. We look forward to continuing this work in 2018.

The College has remained committed to implementing its Building Respect program and I’d encourage those Fellows who have not yet completed the online module or registered for the Foundation Skills for Surgical Educators Course to do so as soon as possible.

In the next few months there will once again be an opportunity for members to volunteer for the Victorian Regional Committee via the election process. This is a chance for members to have an active role in the future of the College. I would encourage everyone, particularly our female Fellows, to consider nominating for a position on this Committee to ensure that we can continue representing our Fellows interests into the future.

I hope that everyone can set time aside for themselves, family and friends this holiday period. Christmas can be a stressful time for many so it’s important to take time to rest, relax and recharge (both physically and mentally) and also to check in on friends, colleagues or neighbours who might be struggling.

Finally I’d like to encourage you all to approach the New Year as an opportunity to set a new challenge for yourself. Whether it is clinical, professional, administrative or something completely out of the box it’s an opportunity to think about new challenges and opportunities that we can all embrace.
 

I wish everyone a safe, restful and happy Christmas and New Year. 

Developing a Surgical Career

Resources for Junior Doctors Interested in a Surgical Career

Registrations now open!

SatuRday 3 February | Saturday 30 June | Saturday 6 October |

This is a rewarding one day professional development workshop designed to provide information and knowledge to assist Junior Doctors interested in a Surgical Career. 

REGISTER NOW via the online enrolment form. 

Operating with Respect

Time is running out to complete mandatory training

Countdown is on - Operating with Respect e-learning module

Peer Support Networks

Expressions of Interest now open

RACS Council is developing a network of peer supporters, across all regions and specialties, to provide support for Fellows, Trainees and IMGs involved in making or having been the subject of a complaint.

The role of providing peer support includes listening, enquiring as to an individual’s welfare and recommending any professional assistance required, providing advice relevant to the process of natural justice and keeping in touch periodically.

Interested Fellows, Trainees and IMGs are asked to provide a current CV and brief statement against the criteria no later than 31 December 2017.  Details are on the RACS website.

For more information please contact:
Paul Cargill, Manager Fellowship Services Department, Fellowship and Standards Division
Paul.Cargill@surgeons.org  or phone 9276 7415    

The Younger Fellows Forum - 2018

All Younger Fellows are invited to nominate for the 2018 Younger Fellows Forum (YFF) in NSW from Friday 4 May - Sunday 6 May 2018.  

The Younger Fellows Forum is held annually prior to the Annual Scientific Congress (ASC) of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

The Forum is a professional retreat of RACS Younger Fellows (a Younger Fellow is a surgeon who has obtained their fellowship within the last 10 years).

The forum offers a unique opportunity for a group of Fellows to share ideas and experiences and debate issues that affect their professional and personal lives.

 
For more information, please refer to 2018 Younger Fellows Forum

Outstanding Service Award

Robert Stunden

Congratulations to Robert Stunden who was awarded an Outstanding Service Award on December 15 for his service to the College through his nine years on the Victorian Regional Committee. We thank him for his commitment to the College and Surgical Community.

Access to Counselling Services

Medical Graduates and members of their immediate family or household can access the RACS Support Program (RACSSP)?

The program is provided by Converge International, a leading Employee Assistance Program provider, where members can access confidential support via counselling, coaching and advice on workplace, emotional and personal issues.

When you contact the RACSSP you always speak with a qualified mental health professional. Consultants are registered psychologists and counsellors, and have extensive experience in their specialty areas with a deep knowledge of, and experience in providing care to people who work in the healthcare sector.

Converge has also recently launched its EAP Connect app – download this today on your smartphone.  

More information is on the RACS website.
 

Member Benefits Program

Fellows and Trainees of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons can access exclusive discounts on a range of quality lifestyle products and financial services through the RACS Member Advantage Benefits Program.

For further information on the benefits and services available: Call Member Advantage on 1300 853 352 or visit the College website.

Save 12% on any Adrenaline experience or voucher

As a RACS member, access Adrenaline’s awesome and unique experiences. The range includes over 2,500 of the best adventures in Australia, New Zealand and now also across the USA.

Choose between Water, Driving, Flying, or Land experiences or opt for the gift vouchers if you are unsure of a gift for a loved one.