Racs Post Op Podcast

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 disease and the leading cause of blindness in Australian adults. His profile is helping raise awareness of the role sugar and processed foods play in the incidence of Type 2 diabetes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 at Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital at the time when she applied for the rural placement at Griffith Base Hospital, in the Riverina region of central New South Wales. Although it was hard to adjust at first, Dr Naseem and her young family have learned to love the regional city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Zealand. She shares her insights on how the interviews are structured, how to prepare for them, and – importantly – how to manage those nerves on interview day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, Walshs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Fernandez is a general and colorectal surgeon based in the Far South Coast, NSW and Canberra. They reflect on their work, which can involve long and odd hours, and the early days of bringing up their children. Drs Krishnan and Fernandez will be convening at the upcoming ACT Annual Scientific Meeting in August on the topic of technology and the future of surgery. For details on the ASM, please visit: https://www.surgeons.org/en/about-racs/racs-offices/australian-capital-territory/act-activities YouTube promo video from Drs Krishnan and Fernandez: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC7j_yMWNNY See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 application process. He reflects on his own experience, including what he would have done differently if he’d had his time again. SET selection requirements, process and application: https://www.surgeons.org/en/become-a-surgeon/how-do-i-become-a-surgeon/set-selection-requirements-process-and-application See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Princess Alexandra Hospital foyer from the 22nd to the 24th of June. Their ‘A Million Metres for Melanoma’ team set the world record in 2016, while raising funds melanoma. Charity founder, orthopaedic surgeon and RACS Fellow Dr Chris Conyard, discusses the reasons behind the team’s campaign, and what they hope to achieve in this year’s challenge. A Million Metres for Melanoma: https://millionmetresformelanoma.com/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 subsequently increased age-related pregnancy complications. She discusses what measures can be taken to address these issues. Medical Mums and Mums to Be (Australia & Aotearoa New Zealand) Facebook page is available to those who provide their AHPRA number. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Trainee’s Association, the medal is awarded annually to a Trainee who demonstrates the characteristics for which Dr Corboy was admired. The award is made to a candidate for one or more of the following qualities: outstanding leadership, selfless service, tenacity, and service to Trainees of the College. RACS is proud to announce the 2022 John Corboy Medal is awarded to Dr Amanda Nikolic, who has worked tirelessly to help surgical Trainees. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 approach. It includes lower speed limits, safer vehicles, safer roads, better technology, stricter policing of those driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and a significant education campaign. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 safety in healthcare, says it’s important to minimise the mistakes people make, as well as to have systems and cultures that are safe.  Dr Mark O’Brien will be speaking at RACS 90th Annual Scientific Congress, 2-6 May 2022. For more information and to register: https://asc.surgeons.org/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 information.

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 founder of Continence Matters, an online resource to educate the medical professional and the general public on bladder and continence issues. She’s also an accomplished public speaker, an entrepreneur, and author of ‘The No Recipe Cookbook’ and ‘When I’m a Surgeon’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 engagement. The working group has agreed to go with the name, Royal Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand College of Surgeons (RAANZCS). In this episode, otolaryngologist Dr Rachelle Love discusses the details. You can share your thoughts by emailing us: RACS.Communications@surgeons.org Opinions can be sent to Surgical News: surgical.news@surgeons.org  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 of tools available and how to incorporate them into your own practice. MORE INFORMATION Digital Health Hub https://www.surgeons.org/Resources/digital-health-hub Digital Health for Specialists https://www.digitalhealth.gov.au/healthcare-providers/specialists     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 hear from two surgeons who have taken advantage of flexible training: Dr Winnie Gill, a Hepatobiliary Fellow at Royal Melbourne Hospital; and Dr Tim Sladden, a general surgery SET 2 Gen Search Trainee at Brisbane’s Mater Hospital. Please note that maximum training time still applies. If you need information about the maximum training time for your specialty and how flexible training will impact your unique situation, please contact your specialty training board directly. More about flexible training: https://www.surgeons.org/en/Trainees/the-set-program/flexible-training See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 with the College - in surgical education, governance of cancer services, and facilitating the delivery of surgical services across Australia's vast and remote areas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Australia. A recent general surgical SET trainee is Dr Matt Watson. Both discuss the benefits of the program and the attraction of working and living rurally.   Learn more about Select for Rural https://bit.ly/31OyjnZ    For more information on the SET program and application to SET please visit https://www.surgeons.org/Trainees/the-set-program  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 professionalism in surgery. Recently, the College has conducted to surveys: the evaluation survey and a prevalence survey to ascertain current behaviours and attitudes relating to discrimination, bullying and harassment. Ruth Friedman is the external evaluator of the RACS Building Respect Action Plan, who has been evaluating its work to build a culture of respect in surgery. More information https://www.surgeons.org/about-racs/about-respect   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 only in medicine, and this is a key principle of the charter.  The charter is only the beginning of work on shining a spotlight on doctors’ wellbeing. It was created to start conversations about wellbeing amongst doctors themselves, and their supervisors and managers, and to demonstrate a unified approach to doctors’ wellbeing. We speak to Dr Ruth Bollard, Chair of the RACS Wellbeing Working Group, and Dr Eric Levi, a member of the working group. Dr Bollard and Dr Levi are both passionate advocates for shining the spotlight on doctors’ wellbeing. To access the Wellbeing Charter for Doctors: https://www.surgeons.org/about-racs/surgeons-wellbeing   See omnystudio.c