AFOEM News - September 2026
Much has happened since my last message in June. The new RACP Board is in place with Adjunct Professor Susan Pascoe AM appointed by the ACNC as Interim President and Independent Chair of the Board and Dr Julian Kelly elected as President-elect. Board communiques have outlined positive and productive interactions, focused on governance and working together, and a constructive and positive Board-Council strategy day was held on 31 August. Detailed updates of Board activities can be found here.
Next month, the ANZSOM ASM 2026 will be held in Adelaide from 25 to 28 October, and I encourage everyone who is able to attend. Once again, this year ANZSOM has kindly enabled the Ferguson-Glass Oration to be held on the Monday morning of the meeting. Professor Michael Kidd, Chief Medical Officer of Australia, will be giving this year’s oration.
I’m very pleased to announce that Dr Amanda Sillcock has taken over as Chair of the Faculty Training Program Committee (FTPC). The committee is busy with a review of site accreditation and the management of trainees in two curricula. Recognition and thanks to outgoing Chair, Dr Brett Oppermann and to Associate Professor Tony Brown, who served in a number of capacities since 1995 on the previous Faculty Education Committee and now on the FPTC, including as Interim Chair. Tony also served as AFOEM’s representative on the College Education Committee for 4 years.
I’m also pleased to announce Dr Fiona Beer as trainee representative on AFOEM Council, Dr Harriet Packham as trainee representative on the AFOEM NSW Regional Committee and Dr Abhisek Ramroop as the trainee representative on the AFOEM Policy and Advocacy Committee. It’s great to see these important positions filled to ensure that the trainees’ perspectives and input are heard. Thank you to these members and to all of you who serve on our committees and contribute in other ways to the education of our trainees and the advocacy for our Faculty. I’ll take the opportunity to mention that EOIs are open for following positions:
Fellows to represent Queensland and the Northern Territory on AFOEM Council and Fellows to represent Victoria on AFOEM Council. Fellows from Queensland and Victoria are encouraged to apply.
The National Occupational Respiratory Disease Registry (NORDR) was established to track and reduce workplace-related lung diseases, which was strongly driven by AFOEM members. Registered physicians can access the regularly updated data dashboard which shows that 239 notifications (primarily silicosis) have been made since 2024. OEM physicians are encouraged to register.
Planning is underway for the 2027 Annual Training Meeting (ATM),which will be held in Perth. The dates and program will be communicated as soon as the details are available.
Lastly, with the end of year rapidly approaching and exams around the corner, I’d like to wish all trainees sitting exams this year the best of luck.
Don’t forget to check the AFOEM webpage for the list of educational events and regional training meetings for the remainder of 2026. The calendar of events will be updated in the new year to reflect the activities planned for 2027.
Dr Armand Casolin
AFOEM President
AFOEM Ferguson-Glass Oration – ANZSOM ASM 2026
This AFOEM Ferguson-Glass Oration will be held at the ANZSOM ASM at the Adeliade Convention Centre on Monday, 26 October. This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Professor Michael Kidd. Register here
AFOEM President’s Awards
Do you know a colleague who has made an outstanding contribution to the Faculty? Help us celebrate their dedication, leadership, and impact by submitting a nomination for the AFOEM President's Awards. Nominations for 2027 open on Thursday, 1 October and close Monday, 30 November 2026.
The Value of Member Contribution and Advocacy
When AFOEM members contribute their expertise to College consultations, they help shape policy, strengthen the standing of occupational and environmental medicine (OEM) and drive meaningful change. The impact isn’t always visible, but it’s real. Every contribution strengthens the College’s voice and impact and builds trust that keeps AFOEM front of mind for expert advice. Provide your input here.
Join AFOEM Council – Vacancies Open
Interested in joining AFOEM Council to help shape the future of the Faculty? Expressions of Interest are open for eligible Fellows to represent:
Trainees' corner
Stay up to date with the latest news from the trainee community and discover ways to enhance your training. From new resources to upcoming events, there's always something to support your growth and development.
2026 AFOEM Stage A and B Written Examinations Update
Congratulations to all AFOEM trainees who have just completed the Stage A and B Written Examinations. This year 34 candidates sat this year’s exams across eight venues in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Results for this exam will be released from 3pm AEDT on Thursday, 8 October 2026.
2026 AFOEM Stage B Practical Examinations Update
Wishing all candidates the very best for the upcoming assessment on Saturday, 14 and Sunday, 15 November 2026. 28 candidates will sit this year’s exam at St Vincent’s Hospital, Fitzroy VIC. Results for this exam will be released from 3pm AEDT on Thursday, 3 December 2026. We wish our trainees all the best.
For exam-related enquiries contact: Faculty.Examinations@racp.edu.au
Join one of AFOEM’s Committees
Calling all QLD/NT AFOEM Trainees
Interested in joining the AFOEM QLD/NT Regional Committee? Apply here
Calling all VIC/TAS AFOEM Trainees
Interested in joining the AFOEM VIC/TAS Regional Committee? Apply here
Calling all AFOEM Trainees
Interested in joining the Faculty Training Program Committee (FTPC)? Apply here
Career Triage: From Registrar to Consultant
Two days. Real strategies. Real preparation.
Date: Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8 November 2026
Location: Hobart, in person
View the program here
Register here
Research Projects Online Course
The Research Projects online course is designed to support trainees through a detailed walk-through of the research process.
AFOEM Events and meetings
Don’t forget to check our webpage for information on all AFOEM training, meetings and events.
For general training enquires, contact: occenvmed@racp.edu.au
Discover how you can make a meaningful impact by volunteering for an exciting opportunity within the Faculty. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, gain experience, or simply give back, there are plenty of rewarding opportunities waiting for you.
Thank you to our engaged AFOEM Fellows
A big thank you to Dr Peter Yu and Dr David Crocker for attending the SiRA Workers’ Compensation meeting in May on behalf of AFOEM.
We would also like to thank Dr Kalesh Seevnarain and Dr John Schnider for attending a meeting with the QLD Industrial Relations and Workers’ Compensation scheme.
Expressions of Interest
Calling all VIC/TAS AFOEM Fellows
Interested in joining AFOEM Council to help shape the future of the Faculty and serve as Chair of the VIC Regional Committee? Apply here
Calling all QLD/NT AFOEM Fellows
Interested in joining AFOEM Council to help shape the future of the Faculty and serve as Chair of the QLD/NT Regional Committee? Apply here
AFOEM Regional Committees
Opportunity to join a state or territory committee as Member Representative for a 3-year term
Expressions of interest are open for appointed member representative positions on multiple state and territory committees for a 3-year term commencing 2026. Closes: Friday, 2 October 2026.
Seeking an AFOEM representative for the NSW Hospital Industry Action Group
Expressions of Interest are open for one NSW AFOEM physician to join the NSW Hospital Industry Action Group (HIAG). The HIAG agenda involves providing expert advisory input to SafeWork NSW on regulatory design guidance materials, education initiatives, and opportunities for industry-wide improvement. Apply here
Keep your eye on the Standards Australia website for reviews
Standards Australia regularly reviews workplace standards, and your expert input can help improve worker and workplace health and safety. We encourage you to check the Standards Australia website and let us know which Standards you’d like to be involved with. If you see a Standard coming up for review, please email policy@racp.edu.au. We look forward to hearing from you.
View more
expressions of interest
Explore our updated events list for a chance to gain valuable insights, grow your expertise, and connect with your colleagues. Each event is designed to inspire, inform, and elevate your professional journey.
AFOEM Ferguson-Glass Oration – ANZSOM ASM 2026
Date: Monday, 26 October 2026
Speaker: Professor Michael Kidd
Location: Adelaide Convention Centre
Register: here
AFOEM Events and meetings
Don’t forget to check our webpage for information on all AFOEM meetings and events.
ANZSOM has a number of webinars and events coming up:
ANZSOM ASM 2026
Evidence & Experience in Occupational Health
Date: Sunday, 25 to Wednesday, 28 October 2026
Location: Adelaide Convention Centre
Register: here
Epilepsy at work: From seizure control to fitness for duty
Date: Wednesday 30 September 2026
Time: 6pm (AWST), 8pm (AEST), 7.30pm (ACST), 10pm (NZDT)
Cost: free for ANZSOM/AFOEM members
Location: online
Register: here
ANZSOM/SOM Medicinal cannabis in the workplace
Date: Friday, 2 October 2026
Time: 9am (UK BST), 6pm (AEDT), 5pm (AEST), 5.30pm (ACDT), 4.30pm (ACST), 3pm (AWST), 8pm (NZDT)
Cost: free
Location: online
Register: here
Previous Webinar Recordings – available to AFOEM Fellows and trainees who are ANZSOM members.
Not an ANZSOM member?
Join ANZSOM
Visit the RACP website to view the latest news and events
AFOEM contact details
AFOEM Faculty enquiries (including Council and committees):
Jane Konjevic
AFOEM Executive Officer
Email: afoem@racp.edu.au
Aotearoa NZ AFOEM office:
Email: AoNZ_AFRM@racp.org.nz
AFOEM Education and Training enquiries:
Education Officer
Email: occenvmed@racp.edu.au
AFOEM Examination enquiries:
Examination Coordinator, Assessment and Selection Unit
Email: examinations@racp.edu.au
AFOEM training site accreditation enquiries:
Site Accreditation Unit
Email: accreditation@racp.edu.au
AFOEM CPD enquiries:
Email: mycpd@racp.edu.au