The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), formed in 1927, is a non-profit organisation training surgeons and maintaining surgical standards in Australia and New Zealand. The College's purpose is to be the unifying force for surgery in Australia and New Zealand, with FRACS standing for excellence in surgical care.
The RACS is an internationally recognised organisation for 7,100 surgeons, including 1,650 trainees who are based mainly in Australia and New Zealand. Approximately 90 per cent of all surgeons practising in Australia and New Zealand are Fellows of the RACS (FRACS). These surgeons were trained by the RACS in nine surgical specialties through its Basic Surgical Training and Specialist Surgical Training and Assessment programs. The College is also responsible for maintaining surgical standards in Australia and New Zealand through its Division of Fellowship and Standards. Formed in 1927, the RACS is a non-government organisation run by a Council made up of elected members from throughout Australia and New Zealand who work in an honorary capacity. There are also co-opted members to represent surgical specialties. Also working in an honorary capacity are the surgeons who make up the New Zealand, State and ACT Committees, as well as the 32 Committees of Council which have been formed to address issues affecting surgeons in a wide variety of areas.
RACS is the leading advocate for surgical standards, professionalism and surgical education in Australia and New Zealand.
Their values:
