They might be an exceptional clinician whose work has changed practice. An educator who has inspired generations of Trainees. A researcher whose discoveries have advanced surgical knowledge. A colleague who has devoted years to strengthening the College. Or someone whose quiet commitment has made a lasting difference to their peers, their community, or the delivery of surgery in rural and regional Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
RACS awards honour these contributions and more.
Nominations are now open for the College’s awards program, which recognises excellence in surgery, education, research, innovation, leadership, service, and contributions to the communities we serve. Awards recognise individuals, teams and groups, as well as people whose impact has extended beyond the operating theatre and into education, advocacy, rural health, international surgery and community service.
Excellence in surgery, education and research
Some awards recognise outstanding achievement at the highest levels of surgery.
The Award for Excellence in Surgery honours world-class achievement in clinical performance, research or education. Recipients are recognised for leadership, innovation, sustained excellence and the highest standards of surgical ethics. The award may be presented to an individual, unit or group.
Other awards celebrate exceptional contributions to surgical education, research and training. The Sir Alan Newton Surgical Education Medal, for example, recognises a distinguished and substantial contribution to surgical education over a prolonged period.
Service to the College
Many of the College’s achievements are made possible by people who give their time, expertise and leadership in service to RACS.
The RACS Medal recognises singularly valuable and dedicated service to the affairs of the College, while the Companion of the College honours those who have made significant contributions to advancing the College’s academic purposes, building connections with other organisations, or supporting surgical education and surgery.
The Sir Hugh Devine Medal is the highest honour the College can bestow on a Fellow during their lifetime and recognises meritorious service to the College.
Contributions that shape surgery
Other awards recognise people whose influence extends across the surgical profession and the wider community.
The ESR Hughes Award honours distinguished contributions to surgery by Fellows and others, while the Colin McRae Medal recognises outstanding contributions to the art and science of surgery and surgical leadership in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Sir John Ramsay Award celebrates achievement in surgical innovation.
Additional awards recognise contributions in areas including trauma care and education, international surgery, surgical research and rural surgery.
Recognition takes many forms
Not all RACS awards recognise Fellows, and not all honour contributions made within the operating theatre.
The Barbara and John Heslop Medal, for example, recognises individuals who have made a long-term and outstanding contribution to surgical education and training, including many who are not Fellows of the College.
Honorary Fellowship is one of the College’s most prestigious honours, recognising distinguished members of the medical profession and other eminent individuals whose contributions have advanced surgery in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
Who comes to mind?
Take a moment to think about the people who have influenced your career, advanced surgical practice, strengthened the College, supported Trainees, or improved the lives of patients and communities.
If someone has made a difference, this is your opportunity to ensure their contribution is recognised.
Explore the RACS awards program, find the award that best reflects their contribution and submit a nomination before nominations close on 7 September.
