Wrapping up the final Council Week for the year earlier this month, including Board meetings, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of all our members and trainees who volunteer countless hours of work for the College, through the many Committees and Working Groups, and thank the College Council and the Board. Check out the 2021-2022 Annual Report, which details the College’s work to support members and trainees, and the role it has played in the advancement of women’s health.

The College also hosted the Council of Presidents of Medical Colleges for its AGM and Board Meeting at our head office, followed by a meeting with the presidents of the other specialist medical colleges and heads of the Australian Medical Council, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and the Australian Medical Association, among others. Separately, we also met with the Professional Services Review and its acting head, Dr Antonio Di Dio.

Celebrating 35 years of service

Congratulations to all Fellows and Diplomate members who have reached 35 years of service in 2022 – listed here. I had the pleasure of attending a dinner in Brisbane honouring members in the Sunshine State, including the inspirational Ted Weaver, who was not only one of my consultants when I was training but also the last Queenslander to be president of the College. While in Brisbane, I also attended a meeting of the Queensland State Committee and held discussions with the Queensland Health Minister, Yvette D’Ath.

Earlier in the month it was great to have the opportunity to attend to the Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy & Surgery (AGES) ASM in Melbourne, where I spoke about the curriculum and advanced training, particularly looking at the opportunity for trainees to stream more to gynaecology or obstetrics in their final years.

Until next time,

Ben