Tēnā koutou katoa,
The 87th Annual General Meeting of the RACP was held in Sydney and online on Friday, 29 May. The Board now consists of Interim President and Independent Chair – Adjunct Professor Susan Pascoe AM, Independent Director – Elizabeth Jameson AM, President-elect – Dr Julian Kelly, Member Directors – Professor Tissa Wijeratne, Dr Nick Buckmaster, Adjunct Associate Professor Anthony Sasse and Trainee Director – Dr Nixon Chan and me. Thank you to Professor Jennifer Martin for her time as President.
The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), which regulates the RACP, has suspended Dr Sharmila Chandran from her role as President-elect and Board Director until 20 September 2026. Although College elections have finished some roles remain unfilled. You still have the opportunity to contribute to the future of the College. If you are at all interested, please reach out to me or other members of the Aotearoa New Zealand Committee.
We had a wonderful day on Saturday, 30 May at the Convocation Ceremony where 240 new Fellows and their whānau celebrated. In addition, Professor Wayne Cutfield was awarded the College Medal. Wayne established the Paediatric Endocrinology service in Aotearoa NZ and has been a key leader in education and research.
Very best wishes to the paediatric and adult medicine trainees who have just sat or are sitting their Divisional Clinical Examinations which are being held throughout the motu. Thank you to members involved in organising the exams and to those who are examining.
The RACP LIFT series continues with regular events through the year in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. I am especially looking forward to the "In Conversation" event in Wellington where Dr Renee Liang will be speaking to David Letele, about his role in community health and wellbeing.
Congratulations to Emeritus Professor Gil Barbezat, who was made a Member of the NZ Order of Merit (MNZM) in the 2026 King's Birthday Honors. An academic gastroenterologist from Dunedin, in addition to his many leadership roles, Gil was Chair of the College Gastroenterology Specialist Advisory Committee for five years.
I encourage you to read the interview with Associate Professor Mark Lane, talking about his time as a physician, gastroenterologist and his various roles in the College including RACP President.
If there are any issues you would like the Aotearoa New Zealand Committee to consider or any concerns you wish to raise, please do not hesitate to reach out via: AotearoaNZPresident@racp.org.nz
Kia maiea tō rā
Janak de Zoysa
Aotearoa New Zealand President