I am writing this after a busy month of travel, my last stop being Sydney to speak at a National Health Workforce Summit. The conference looked at the barriers around flexibility, inclusivity, and workplaces, as well as addressing burnout. I was on a panel with other College presidents and the Immediate Past Chair of the Council of Presidents of Medical Colleges, speaking about the challenges we are facing for a sustainable future workforce.

Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association 2022 Conference

RANZCOG was proud to support this conference, held on the Gold Coast. Addressing delegates, it’s hard not to feel the optimism – yes, there are challenges, no doubt – of the passion and drive in Australia to make a difference in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and medicine. I am also excited for the future of O&G, having enjoyed talking and listening to Indigenous medical students and graduates interested in pursuing the speciality. RANZOCG welcomes four First Nations trainees commencing in Australia 2023.

Annual Scientific Meeting

What an event! It was great to see so many colleagues join us on the Gold Coast for five days of outstanding presentations and panels, fascinating workshops and a great exhibition – plus plenty of fun social events. Thanks to everyone who helped make it so special. Planning is already underway for next year’s ASM, to be held in Perth.

And speaking of the west, I visited our members and trainees at Armadale Hospital, Bunbury Hospital and King Edward Memorial Hospital during a whirlwind trip, capped off with a meeting with WA Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson. Observing workplaces and hearing members’ first-hand experiences helps the College in its advocacy with governments across Australia and New Zealand.

I am looking forward to the third and final Council Week for the year, which gets underway next month (7-11 November).

Until next time,

Ben