Best Royal Australasian College Of Surgeons Podcasts (2024)

1
Resilience and sustainability in the Northern Territory 14:57

1y ago14:57

14:57

For nearly 20 years, general and acute care physician Dr Simon Quilty has witnessed up-close the poverty that inflicts indigenous communities in the Northern Territory. The conditions are exacerbated by systems failures and lack of health care. Despite the incredible challenges, there are opportunities. Dr Quilty commends the Royal Australasian Col…

1
A surgeon’s journey from Texas to Queensland 13:52

1y ago13:52

13:52

When Dr Emilia Dauway decided to relocate to regional Queensland from Texas, she didn’t intend for it to be permanent. The 40-bed Queensland hospital she relocated to was a far cry from the 700-bed academic hospital in the US where she was Chief of Breast Surgery and Director of the Breast Cancer Program. Now, based permanently in Harvey Bay, Dr Da…

1
Striving for better Indigenous health 7:33

1y ago7:33

7:33

The Surgical Education & Training (SET) One-Year scholarship that Dr Jamie-Lee Rahiri received is an opportunity she says to help continue her passion to promote health equity among Indigenous people, particularly among the Maori and Pacifika community of Aotearoa New Zealand. That passion is exemplified by many things she’s done, including her PhD…

1
Welcome the new RACS President 18:41

1y ago18:41

18:41

This month, we welcome the College’s new president, Associate Professor Kerin Fielding. Based in the New South Wales regional centre of Wagga Wagga since 1992, Assoc Prof Fielding has been a role model to younger surgeons working in rural areas. She was the first woman in New South Wales to become an orthaepedic surgeon, and only the third in Austr…

1
Pathway for specialist international medical graduates 15:31

1y ago15:31

15:31

Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) with formal postgraduate specialist qualifications in surgery who wish to work in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand can apply to RACS for an assessment of their qualifications and experience. Graeme Campbell, Clinical Director for SIMG Assessment & Support at RACS, explains the application process…

1
RACS 2023 ASC – Equity in Surgery 11:54

1+ y ago11:54

11:54

The 2023 RACS Annual Scientific Congress will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on 1-5 May. There’s been a lot of work behind the scenes to prepare for what should be an exciting event, with a variety of topics and speakers. The theme this year is ‘Equity in Surgery’. Convener of the 2023 RACS ASC is Professor Amal Abou-Hamden, who discusse…

1
Great strides in combating trauma 8:54

1+ y ago8:54

8:54

RACS’s Trauma Committee has been pivotal in helping prevent acute trauma in the community. That includes encouraging surgeons to pursue a trauma specialty. Instrumental to its success is Dr Li Hsee, who stepped down as Chair of the Aotearoa New Zealand Trauma Committee in late 2022, after eight years in the role. Among other leadership roles in tra…

1
It’s hip to be active – from world champ to surgeon 17:53

1+ y ago17:53

17:53

Dr Mat Brick’s journey into the world of surgery wasn’t the most conventional. He studied at medical school, but shifted direction to focus on running and cycling. He is a two-time world champion duathlete and he’s represented Aotearoa New Zealand at the world championship level in cycling. That passion for sports and activity-related injury entice…

1
Pride in Medicine – building awareness and respect 18:10

1+ y ago18:10

18:10

WorldPride is the biggest event on the world’s LGBTQIA+ calendar. This year, it’s being hosted by Sydney – the first time WorldPride is held in the Southern hemisphere – coinciding with the iconic Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. This year, RACS is participating in WorldPride alongside several other medical colleges. The involvement has come about …

1
Freeing up cashflow for surgeons 17:36

1+ y ago17:36

17:36

Economically, it’s a tough time right now. Interest rates are rising, there are labour shortages, residential rents are up, house prices are down, almost everything is more expensive – all these issues are exacerbated by world events including the war in Ukraine. And that means cash flow is tight for everyone, including those in the medical profess…

1
Debut novel shines light on gruelling surgical career 10:58

1+ y ago10:58

10:58

A new novel shines the light on excessive workloads faced by junior doctors and specialist trainees. The Registrar is written by debut author, Dr Neela Janakiramanan, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon specialising in hands and wrists. She tells the story through protagonist Emma Swann, a surgical registrar who not only is overwhelmed by a punish…

1
What’s behind pregnancy complications among female doctors? (Re-release) 11:29

1+ y ago11:29

11:29

An Australian-first study investigating fertility and pregnancy complications among Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand doctors discovered greater pregnancy complications than the general population. Dr Jasmina Kevric was one of three doctors who conducted the survey of 1099 doctors. She says training requirements have delayed family planning and s…

1
Norway’s vision of zero road deaths (Re-release) 19:19

1+ y ago19:19

19:19

In 2019, Norway’s capital of Oslo recorded just one death from a traffic accident. From a peak of 570 annual roads deaths in the 1970s nationwide, in recent years Norway’s toll has been reduced to just 80 deaths a year. Senior Advisor at the Norwegian Council for Road Safety Bard Johansen says its success has been a multi-faceted and integrated app…

1
A determined path to a surgical career (Re-release) 17:16

1+ y ago17:16

17:16

Dr Samantha Pillay graduated from the University of Adelaide Medical School in 1992 to become the first female urological surgeon in South Australia. From a very early age a physical condition prevented Dr Pillay from being able to walk. But it’s made her all the more determined to pursue her dreams and to help others in need. Dr Pillay is the foun…

1
From patient to doctor – a desire for change 15:38

1+ y ago15:38

15:38

Ben Bravery was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in his late 20s. That led to many months of treatment and much of his time in hospital wards and doctors’ clinics. He was confronted with over-worked and stressed medical staff and a health system which placed grades over patient bed-side manner. Once treated, he decided to enact change in the health…

1
Surgical practice: owning your own room 13:33

1+ y ago13:33

13:33

There comes a time in a surgeon’s career when they’ll start to think about obtaining their own medical practice. It’s a big decision, with a substantial financial outlay. There’s much to consider, including the location, the size of the space, and whether to obtain a room on their own or with others. Also important are the tax implications, structu…

1
A new foundational course in surgical robotics 15:52

1+ y ago15:52

15:52

Technology in surgery continues to evolve in leaps and bounds, particularly the advances of robotics. A little under 20 years ago, Professor Tony Costello performed the first radical prostatectomy using robotics in Australia. Since then, he has performed 2,500 robotic procedures and has trained dozens of international robotic surgeons at Internatio…

1
Trauma prevention: within four walls 10:10

1+ y ago10:10

10:10

The incidents of domestic violence resulting in trauma (injury) would probably shock a lot of people. In Australia, a report from the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare showed that more than 29,000 people had at least one hospital stay due to family and domestic violence in the seven years between 2010-11 and 2017-18. In fact, the leading cau…

1
The Pasifika Medical Association: serving the pacific 13:39

2y ago13:39

13:39

Since 1996, the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) has worked closely with governments and communities to meet the health needs of people across the Pacific region. The PMA helps boost the workforce of Pasifika healthcare professionals and to increase the number of Pacific people in leadership roles. It also provides disaster support for Pacific co…

1
Behind the curtain: ANZ Journal of Surgery 21:49

2y ago21:49

21:49

First published in 1931, the ANZ Journal of Surgery is a prestigious publication serving the surgical community in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia It’s purpose? To publish articles that further the art and science of all of surgery. It’s the job of Professor Julian Smith, Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Editor in Chief of the ANZ Journal of Surgery, …

1
Eyes on the battle against Type 2 Diabetes (Re-release) 30:29

2y ago30:29

30:29

In 2020, Dr Muecke was awarded Australian of the Year in recognition for his many decades of pioneering blindness prevention, particularly in South East Asia. He cofounded ‘Vision Myanmar’ and ‘Sight for All’, both initiatives to help prevent and treat blindness. These days, Dr Muecke is championing action to prevent Type 2 diabetes – a preventable…

1
A tree change with RACS’s New Fellow Rural Place 14:12

2y ago14:12

14:12

As a new Fellow, Dr Zainab Naseem was hoping to achieve a more comfortable work-life balance when she came across an advertisement for the New Fellow Rural Placement – or NFRP – on the College’s website. The NFRP is an initiative delivered by RACS through the Specialist Training Program, funded by the Australian Department of Health. Dr Naseem was …

1
How to prepare for a RACS Surgical Education and Training interview 16:31

2y ago16:31

16:31

One of the requirements for Surgical Trainees is the RACS Surgical Education and Training interview. If you’re a junior doctor who has yet to face your questioners, don’t fear! With the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be so daunting. Someone who has been through the process is Dr Teriana Maheno, a SET 3 Orthopaedic Trainee in Aotearoa New Zea…

1
Important Australian superannuation changes 9:48

2y ago9:48

9:48

Before the Australian federal election, the Coalition had legislated a number of changes to superannuation, which came into effect in July this year. What are those changes and what do you need to do to take advantage of tax concessions with your own super? For answers we turn to Michael Walsh, CEO of chartered accountants and financial advisors, W…

1
Two surgeons stitched together in marriage 13:02

2y ago13:02

13:02

Have you ever thought what it’s like to be married to another surgeon? Well, for married surgical couple Dr Sandra Krishnan and Dr Adrian Fernandez, it’s been a blessing, not only for each other (of course!) but also for the surgical work they do. Dr Sandra Krishnan is a senior breast and surgical oncologist in Sydney and Canberra. And Dr Adrian Fe…

1
Insider’s tips on getting into surgical training 17:15

2y ago17:15

17:15

There comes a time when a medical student or junior doctor decides to proceed on the path of a surgical career. The first step is the process of surgical training, education, and assessment conduct by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Dr Joseph Xavier, General Surgery SET Registrar, SET 4 Trainee, and RACSTA Committee member explains the …

1
Doctors breaking world records for melanoma awareness 7:27

2y ago7:27

7:27

Despite decades of media campaigns, more work still needs to be done to raise the awareness and treatment of skin cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia – two countries with the highest rates of melanoma in the world. To help fight the disease, ten doctors have committed to reclaim their world record of rowing for 60 hours in Brisbane’s Princ…

1
What’s behind pregnancy complications among female doctors? 11:08

2y ago11:08

11:08

An Australian-first study investigating fertility and pregnancy complications among Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand doctors discovered greater pregnancy complications than the general population. Dr Jasmina Kevric was one of three doctors who conducted the survey of 1099 doctors. She says training requirements have delayed family planning and s…

1
John Corboy medalist’s commitment to help others 7:43

2y ago7:43

7:43

Since 2010, the College has awarded the John Corboy Medal in recognition of exceptional service of surgical Trainees. The medal is named after Dr John Corboy, former Chair of RACS Trainee Association, who gave generously to his peers and who offered energetic service for surgery despite facing personal adversity. On the recommendation of the Traine…

1
Norway’s vision of zero road deaths 19:00

2y ago19:00

19:00

In 2019, Norway’s capital of Oslo recorded just one death from a traffic accident. From a peak of 570 annual roads deaths in the 1970s nationwide, in recent years Norway’s toll has been reduced to just 80 deaths a year. Senior Advisor at the Norwegian Council for Road Safety Bard Johansen says its success has been a multi-faceted and integrated app…

1
An advocate for quality and safety 12:31

2y ago12:31

12:31

Health care delivery has shifted from one of blame-seeking to a more enlightened and sophisticated understanding of a modern complex system. That’s according to Dr Mark O’Brien, Associate Fellow & Programme Director, Oxford Healthcare Leadership Programme, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. Dr O’Brien, a passionate advocate of quality and …

1
Australian federal budget take-outs for surgeons 9:09

2+ y ago9:09

9:09

Although the Australian federal election had yet to be announced, it was very much on the minds of everybody when the Australian federal budget was delivered by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on the 29 March. Michael Waycott, Director of The Bongiorno Group, discusses the key take-outs for surgeons in Australia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i…

1
A determined path to a surgical career 16:52

2+ y ago16:52

16:52

Dr Samantha Pillay graduated from the University of Adelaide Medical School in 1992 to become the first female urological surgeon in South Australia. From a very early age a physical condition prevented Dr Pillay from being able to walk. But it’s made her all the more determined to pursue her dreams and to help others in need. Dr Pillay is the foun…

1
Time for a name change? 10:00

2+ y ago10:00

10:00

RACS is considering a proposal to change the name of the College following a request from our Fellowship. RACS Council appointed a working party to progress the matter and it was agreed that an electronic vote of members on the proposed name change will be conducted later in 2022, allowing ample time for member and stakeholder education and engagem…

1
Embracing digital health technologies for better care 9:42

2+ y ago9:42

9:42

Surgeons have benefited greatly in recent years with a range of digital tools allowing them to innovate, learn and communicate with patients. One benefit of digital health technologies is that they enable efficiencies in the workplace, says Dr Jill Tomlinson, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Melbourne. Dr Tomlinson outlines the range o…

1
Experiences of flexible surgical training 8:11

2+ y ago8:11

8:11

Flexible training increases diversity in the surgical workforce by enabling Trainees to broaden their experience and pursue wider interests and opportunities while progressing towards Fellowship. The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Trainees' Association (RACSTA) supports trainees pursue more flexible training if required. In this episode we …

1
A life-time of service in the NT (Re-release) 17:00

2+ y ago17:00

17:00

Forty-one years after first arriving in the Northern Territory, general surgeon Assoc. Prof. Phillip Carson has retired from clinical practice. He talks about his career highlights in the Top End, including his immense satisfaction being involved with the local and surgical communities of the NT. Assoc. Prof. Carson continues his active engagement …

1
How SET selection helps health outcomes for rural people 18:19

2+ y ago18:19

18:19

The Surgical Education and Training (SET) Program is designed to ensure surgical trainees become competent surgeons to the communities they serve, which include regional areas of Australian and New Zealand. Associate Professor Matthias Wichmann is a general surgeon who has been highly supportive in mentoring SET aspirants in Mount Gambier in South …

1
Delivering respect in surgery 18:23

2+ y ago18:23

18:23

It’s been almost six years since the College commenced work on the Building Respect Improving Patient Safety initiative. A 2015 investigation led by an expert advisory group – or EAG – uncovered issues around discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment. Since the findings, the College has been implementing a long-term program of work to support …

1
Wellbeing Charter for Doctors 15:54

2+ y ago15:54

15:54

The Wellbeing Charter for Doctors was created by medical colleges to signify the importance of the role that such colleges, hospitals and health jurisdictions have to play to support doctors and ensure that they have the opportunity to prioritise their physical and mental wellbeing. It is important that doctors thrive in all aspects of life, not on…

1
Benefits of surgical overseas volunteering (Re-release) 12:12

2+ y ago12:12

12:12

Volunteering overseas is a goal for many doctors. While it’s not for the faint hearted it’s also incredibly rewarding, as Dr Thomas Schaefer, an orthopaedic surgeon in Western Australia explains. Making a difference to in-need communities like those in Gaza, is what humanitarian work is all about for Dr Schaefer. He lets us into his journey from Sw…

1
Building respect through a new information-sharing protocol 14:33

3y ago14:33

14:33

This year a new protocol has been in development aimed at supporting information sharing between the College and hospitals. Instrumental in its evolution is the College’s Censor-in-Chief, Dr Adrian Anthony. He explains how the information-sharing protocol is about supporting patient safety through a culture of respect. More information https://www.…

1
Combating the rise of mental illness (Re-release) 12:51

3y ago12:51

12:51

After facing his own battle with mental illness, cardiologist Dr Geoffrey Toogood champions mental health support for fellow medical professionals and the general public. He says it's important for people to talk about mental health issues in order to break down the stigma. For support and advice, talk to your GP, or contact Oz Lifeline 13 11 14 or…

1
Phasing out of gendered titles 7:16

3y ago7:16

7:16

The only profession that continues to use gendered titles in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand is surgery. Spearheading a push to phase out its archaic and discriminatory usage is Dr Christine Lai, a general surgeon based in Adelaide, and Chair of the Fellow Services Committee at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. She’s encouraging surgeo…

1
Doing your bit for the environment 12:17

3y ago12:17

12:17

Climate change and other environmental issues may not be at the front of your mind when you’re dealing with any number of minor or major medical crises. But, it might surprise you how much healthcare contributes to emissions. So says thoracic surgeon Dr Ben Dunne, who’s taken up the mantle of raising awareness among Fellows in the College. Dr Dunne…

1
Important changes to income protection insurance 8:55

3y ago8:55

8:55

Australian financial regulator APRA has announced major reforms to income protection insurance, which will reduce the amount of benefits available to Australian policy holders . So, if you haven’t looked at your current cover for a while, best you do so now. That’s according to Michael Waycott, Director of The Bongiorno Group, who discusses the cha…

1
Learning and Development Grants: A travelling grant for rural surgeons 12:15

3y ago12:15

12:15

RACS Rural Surgery Fellowship for Provincial Surgeons helps provincial surgeons to take time away from their practice to travel and develop existing skills or acquire new skills. Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Sarah Coll, who is based in Cairns in Far North Queensland, was delighted to discover she was entitled to apply for a Learning and Development grant…

1
Improving surgical care with CTANZ 16:37

3y ago16:37

16:37

The RACS Clinical Trials Network Australia and New Zealand – or CTANZ – was formed in 2017 to provide a structure for RACS Trainees, Junior Doctors, and medical students to lead – and be involved in – high quality surgical research and trials. Since then, CTANZ has driven improvements in surgical care by enabling investigator-led multi-centre trial…

1
The benefits of a Learning and Development grant 9:11

3y ago9:11

9:11

One of the largest providers of scholarships and grants for the surgical community worldwide is the RACS Foundation for Surgery’s Scholarships and Grants Program, which offers two rounds of applications each year. Consultant colorectal surgeon Mr Ryash Vather was awarded a Bongiorno National Network Younger Fellows Travel Grant to undertake a pres…

1
Eyes on the battle against Type 2 Diabetes 30:13

3y ago30:13

30:13

In 2020, Dr Muecke was awarded Australian of the Year in recognition for his many decades of pioneering blindness prevention, particularly in South East Asia. He cofounded ‘Vision Myanmar’ and ‘Sight for All’, both initiatives to help prevent and treat blindness. These days, Dr Muecke is championing action to prevent Type 2 diabetes – a preventable…

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Royal Australasian College Of Surgeons Podcasts

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