VIC Chair's Report
Over the recent 12 months I have tried to start the process of the idea of improving engagement of our members in the College. It goes without saying that we have an organisation that now has a rich culture at promoting surgical education, both as a trainee and later in our careers. In some ways this culture of ongoing education is relatively unique in our society and it is something we should be proud of.
I accept that we all live busy lives and that sometimes it can be difficult for us to separate ourselves from our clinical practice in order to do some activities that we often deem to be of lesser value. However, it is becoming more and more relevant in modern society that the burden of administration should be borne by all of us.
I am of the opinion that if as many of us can take on some role, whether it be small or large, it will lead to a stronger and more engaged College.
This engagement also extends to areas outside our own sphere. This is both with government and the general public. If we fail to engage with these groups we will find ourselves left behind and decisions will be made that may not necessarily be helpful to us in the future.
If engagement can be improved and people can take these roles on in the future it will no doubt improve the situation in the longer term.
As such, I am encouraging everyone to engage; with their hospital, College, local health networks or otherwise.
On a more sombre note I would like to extend our support and thoughts to the family, friends, colleagues and wider medical community following the attack on surgeon Patrick Pritzwald-Stegman at Box Hill Hospital.
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Victorian Regional Committee Elections
The Victorian Regional Committee Elections were recently held with the following Fellows elected as members of the Victorian Regional Committee.
Ms Susan Shedda (re-elected) General Surgery
Mr Patrick Lo Neurosurgery
Ms Mary Ann Johnson General Surgery
Dr Adel Morsi Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
The Victorian Regional Committee can be contacted through the Victorian Regional Office. All RACS members are encouraged to engage with the Committee and bring issues of interest or concern to them for discussion.
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Free Workshop for Surgeons
Self Managed Super Funds for MEDICAL Professionals
Hewison Private Wealth are the Victorian Regional Office's newest sponsor. As part of the new arrangements Hewison are offering all RACS members a free workshop on establishing and maximising self-managed super funds.
Date: 25th July 2017
Time: 6:00pm
Location: Council Room, College of Surgeons
Refreshments will be provided.
For more information or to RSVP please contact the Victorian Regional Office on 03 9249 1253 or college.vic@surgeons.org
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Medical Students Surgical Workshop
These workshops have been designed to promote interest in careers in surgery by giving final year medical students practical hands on experience with surgical techniques and equipment relevant to the four specialties being showcased.
The first workshop of 2017, held on 21 May, saw 32 final year medical students, rotate through four skills stations in Laparoscopic, Urological, Vascular and Plastic Surgery.
The feedback from the students was again overwhelmingly positive.
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Preparation for Practice
Registrations now open
The Younger Fellows Committee, in partnership with the Victorian State Committee, is proud to offer the Preparation for Practice workshop.
Date: 19-20 August 2017
Location: College of Surgeons, Melbourne
The purpose of this two day workshop is to provide surgeons and trainees with information and practical skill to set up private practice.
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59th Victorian Annual Scientific Meeting
20-21 October 2017 | Novotel, Geelong
Registrations now open!
Friday 20 October - Professional Development Workshops
Foundation Skills for Surgical Educators - 9:00am - 5:00pm
If you would like to attend this course, please register via the online enrolment form.
Saturday 21 October - Scientific Program
Plenary, symposia and discussions, oral paper presentations and poster presentations.
Vic ASM Dinner: G J Royal Lecture and announcement of prizes and awards.
Please register via the online enrolment form.
Call for Abstracts
Abstract submission information is available here . Submit an abstract online before 25 July 2017.
For Abstract enquiries, please contact:
T: +61 3 9249 1117
E: college.asm@surgeons.org
W: www.surgeons.org/about/regions/victoria/
Please see the RACS website for full details.
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AOA 21 workshops
now comparable to RACS FSSE Course
The Federal Training Committee has reviewed the Foundation for Surgical Skills Educators (FSSE) course and noted significant content duplication with AOA 21's workshops.
As a result, AOA has sought and received confirmation from RACS that completion of four AOA 21 workshops is equivalent to completion of the FSSE.
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Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary PhD Research Program
Expressions of Interest
Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney (University of Sydney)
The HPB Unit at Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney is offering two full-time positions for enrolment in the Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine) program at the University of Sydney commencing in 2018.
One position will focus on liver and the other on pancreas.
Candidates should be accredited as a RACS trainee (SET 3 or above) up to and including new Fellows in the first two years following completion of their fellowship.
For more details contact:
Professor Thomas J Hugh (Liver)
tom.hugh@sydney.edu.au
Dr. Anubhav Mittal (Pancreas)
anubhav.mittal@sydney.edu.au
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Pledge-a-Procedure
Through the College, the Foundation for Surgery works in partnership with innovative and determined Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, clinicians and students all over Australia. This work has had success in getting more young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students to help address the inequities in Indigenous health by considering a career in surgery.
One of the outcomes of this program is that more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people are being supported to continue their medical training and consider taking up careers in surgery
The Foundation is trying to secure $55,000 for programs that are crucial to the future health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The Foundation is asking surgeons to Pledge-a-Procedure – that is, make a tax deductible donation of the proceeds from just one of your most common major operations during their Pledge-a-Procedure campaign in May and June.
If they can get the support of enough progressive and compassionate Australian colleagues, they have the opportunity to significantly reduce inequities that exist between Australians as well as powerfully contribute to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and to the surgical workforce as a whole.
Please donate online at www.surgeons.org/foundation
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Dr David T Love
Victorian Regional Chair |
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