The Board of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) acknowledges the open letter published by the National Association of Specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (NASOG) regarding the College’s President Dr Nisha Khot’s planned participation in an event about intersectional leadership.

RANZCOG is committed to the highest standards of governance, integrity, and accountability. The Board recognises that College members, trainees and the broader community expect the College and its office bearers to act in a manner that maintains confidence in the College’s independence and governance.

The Board has been advised that the President withdrew from the event as soon as she became aware that it included a political fundraising component.

Consistent with the College’s established governance processes, the matters raised in the open letter have been referred to the Independent External Reviewer. The Independent External Reviewer will consider the matters in accordance with the College’s governance framework and applicable legal obligations, including ensuring procedural fairness for all parties. Dr Khot has advised that she intends to cooperate fully with that process.

The Board has confidence in the College’s governance processes and believes it is important that the independent review be allowed to proceed without prejudice or external influence.

Accordingly, while this process is underway, it would not be appropriate for the Board to comment further on the matters raised or to anticipate the findings of the Independent External Reviewer.

RANZCOG Board