Your College Update – 12 August 2026
What your membership fees deliver
Dear members,
Many members have asked for greater visibility of how their fees are invested, so this month we are sharing a breakdown of member expenditure in 2025.
A chart showing the breakdown and the fully audited financial report are available in the 2025 Annual Report.
What stands out most is our strong focus on education and professional development, which makes up almost half of all member expenditure. From supporting trainees through their learning journey to providing ongoing CPD opportunities for our Fellows, we believe investing in the future of the profession remains a key priority.
This breakdown provides a clear picture of the programs, services and initiatives that provide value to you, our members, every day.
Education is our largest area of investment, representing 44 per cent of our total spend.
A significant portion of this supports trainees as they work towards Fellowship.
| Proportion of spend |
What it delivers |
| 26% |
- Trainee courses
- Trainee exams
- Curriculum development and improvement
- College Learning Series
|
| 18% |
- CPD resources
- Program development
- Accreditation
- OTP programs
|
These investments ensure members have access to learning opportunities at every stage of their professional journey.
Sixteen per cent of our spend is dedicated to providing member and committee services helping you stay informed, connected and represented. The College committees play a crucial role in driving professional standards, providing expert advice and creating opportunities for member involvement.
Policy and advocacy, together with publications and communications, account for a further 10 per cent of expenditure. These functions help ensure you have access to timely information, professional resources and a strong voice on issues that matter to you and the profession.
Our two ambitious IT expenditure programs, the Training Management Platform (TMP) and TRELLiS, accounted for 10 per cent of the spend in 2025, and our enterprise costs, which include governance, strategy initiatives, website management and library services was eight per cent.
Administration costs across the whole organisation, including the Aotearoa New Zealand and Australian state and territory offices were nine per cent. These investments give the College a solid operational foundation and ensure we remain well governed, financially stable and equipped to support you now and into the future.
The 2025 spending profile highlights our continued focus on supporting members through education, advocacy, professional development and member services. While investment in governance, administration and digital platforms remains essential to operating a contemporary College, the largest share of our resources continues to be directed towards helping members to learn, to grow professionally, and to contribute to both the profession and the communities they serve.
Good wishes
Adjunct Professor Susan Pascoe AM
Independent Interim Chair |
|
Dr Julian Kelly
President-elect |
Celebrating the 2026 RACP Trainee Research Award recipients
Each year, the RACP Trainee Research Awards recognise trainees and New Fellows whose research demonstrates curiosity, innovation and a commitment to better health outcomes.
Congratulations to our 2026 recipients, Dr Jack Turley (Paediatric Medicine) and Dr Malcolm Borg (Adult Medicine), whose outstanding research contributions have earned them this prestigious recognition.
The 2026 Trainee Research Award (Paediatric Medicine) winner, Dr Jack Turley, showcases one of the most challenging aspects of neonatal care: how families and clinicians make difficult decisions together.
A final-year Advanced Trainee in neonatology, Dr Turley's award-winning research explored parents' experiences of shared decision-making in neonatal intensive care, particularly when caring for critically ill infants. His work highlights the emotional and ethical complexities families face and the importance of meaningful communication between clinicians and parents.
With a Master of Bioethics and plans to commence a PhD in 2027, Dr Turley is combining clinical practice with research that has the potential to improve the experiences of families navigating some of medicine's most difficult moments.
Find out more about Dr Turley's research, Parental experiences of decision-making in the grey zones of neonatal intensive care: a multi-centre, mixed methodology, phenomenological study.
For 2026 Adult Medicine Trainee Research Award recipient, Dr Malcolm Borg, great research starts with asking practical questions that could improve patient care.
A consultant endocrinologist, PhD candidate and Clinical Associate Lecturer at the University of Adelaide, Dr Borg's research explores how the timing of metformin affects glucose absorption and hormone responses in people with type 2 diabetes. His work is helping to build a better understanding of how an established medication could be used to improve outcomes for patients.
Alongside his clinical work, Dr Borg is completing a PhD investigating the metabolic effects of artificial sweeteners and continues to explore the role of gut–nutrient interactions and diabetes technologies in improving patient health and wellbeing.
Find out more about Dr Borg's research, Metformin slows intestinal glucose absorption in type 2 diabetes, irrespective of the timing of its administration.
The Trainee Research Awards are currently open and we encourage all eligible members to apply. Find out more below.
A new chapter in medicine was celebrated on Saturday, 1 August, as 91 New Fellows were recognised at our Perth Convocation – the largest regional ceremony to date. The New Fellows were presented to Dr Julian Kelly, RACP President-elect in front of their families and peers.
The proceedings were led by Western Australia Committee Chair, Dr Helen Van Gessel, and Dr Aresh Anwar, Chief Medical Officer of the Western Australia Department of Health, gave the keynote speech.
Professor Asha Bowen received the 2025 Eric Susman Prize for outstanding research. Dr Anna Kelly was presented with the Adult Medicine Division Bryan Hudson Medal. Dr Anne Khouri from the Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine received the Deane Southgate Aware and Dr Nathan Scott received the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine Sue Morey Medal.
This milestone represents years of dedication, learning, exams, training and commitment to caring for patients and communities. We congratulate every New Fellow on this outstanding achievement and warmly welcome you to Fellowship.
Planning is now underway for the remaining Convocations in Adelaide and Melbourne, where we look forward to celebrating more of our newest Fellows.
Explore the photo galleries
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Join us on Thursday, 20 August from 6pm to 9pm AEST in Brisbane or join us virtually, for our final Rapid-Fire Clinical Update in this year’s RACP LIFT event series.
Join Dr Gogna as she facilitates presentations and a panel discussion with Dr Sarah Brown, Dr Simon Quilty, Honorary Associate Professor Linda Selvey and Dr Greg Parker. The panel will discuss the latest developments on the burden of care on our healthcare systems and physicians.
Through expert presentations and peer discussion, you will explore:
- how to optimise acute care and trajectories for older people
- prioritising Indigenous Australian clinical needs and community-led solutions
- gaining a clearer understanding how climate‑related drivers impact acute presentations and chronic disease
- applying contemporary models of palliative and supportive care
- current insights linking bedside decisions to population health, equity and systems level changes.
Don't miss these rapid-fire clinical updates. Register now
View program l Register now
7 to 8 November 2026 | In person | Hobart
The transition from training to Fellowship requires skills that extend beyond traditional clinical training. This two-day conference on Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8 November brings together trainees, early-career Fellows and Overseas Trained Physicians to build practical capabilities, expand professional networks, and gain the confidence to thrive in the next stage of their careers.
In just two days, you'll:
- learn how to step into consultant practice with confidence
- build leadership and advocacy skills early
- connect with other physicians and paediatricians from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand
- walk away with practical tips on sustaining a long career in medicine
- gain valuable insights on how to thrive in your early years as a Fellow
- gain practical insights from exclusive sessions with leading providers on insurance, accounting and financial planning.
Save over 35% with the early bird offer. Hurry, secure your place by 17 August, before prices increase.
View program l Register now
The RACP Evolve Artificial Intelligence in Medicine Webinar Series explores what AI means for physicians and the future of clinical practice. We're exploring emerging applications and opportunities, while examining the practical challenges of adopting and using AI safely and effectively.
Join Professor Ian Scott on Wednesday, 19 August from 6pm to 7.30pm AEST for the next part of the series, the Evolve AI Roundtable Webinar – Challenges and future directions.
This interactive discussion will examine the challenges of scaling AI in healthcare, including implementation in practice, emerging applications, and the responsibilities involved in testing, monitoring and designing AI tools for clinical use.
Professor Scott will be joined by expert panellists Professor Daniel Capurro, Professor Clair Sullivan, Professor Tim Shaw, Dr Sandra Johnson and Associate Professor Stephen Bacci. Register now to hear from these expert voices as we explore what’s next for AI in medicine.
You can also access recordings and real-world case studies from the previous three webinars in the series.
Register now
Physicians and paediatricians need clear, practical support to navigate informed financial consent (IFC) requirements and have transparent conversations with patients about healthcare costs.
In our submission to the Australian Government’s fee transparency and IFC consultation, we advocated for education, guidance and practical resources to help physicians confidently apply existing IFC arrangements in their practice.
The submission highlights the importance of:
- nationally consistent education and practical tools to support physicians in discussing costs with patients
- a nationally endorsed IFC education program for healthcare professionals
- clearer guidance to help patients understand costs, ask questions and access complaint pathways when needed.
These measures would help physicians meet their professional responsibilities while supporting open, informed discussions with patients about the costs of care.
Read more
What will it take to ensure every Australian has access to specialist physician care, no matter where they live?
Join us on Wednesday, 23 September from 5.30 pm to 7pm AEST, as we launch our new report, Australia's Regional Healthcare Crisis: A snapshot analysis of the physician workforce and five-point plan. In this interactive webinar, we'll explore the report findings, hear our five-point plan to improve access to specialist care in regional, rural and remote Australia, and learn what action is needed to build a stronger, more sustainable physician workforce.
Hear a keynote address from National Rural Health Commissioner, Professor Jenny May AM, followed by firsthand perspectives from RACP members delivering care in regional, rural and remote communities.
You'll also hear practical solutions and discuss the changes governments and health systems can make to improve access to specialist care in an interactive Q&A. This webinar is exclusively for RACP members.
Register now
Your voice. Your training. Our future
Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand trainees are encouraged to share their insights through the 2026 Medical Training Survey and Torohia: Medical Training Survey.
These annual surveys provide a valuable snapshot of physician training, helping identify what's working well and where improvements are needed. Whether it's supervision, learning opportunities, workplace culture or wellbeing, your experiences contribute to a clearer picture of training across both countries.
Your voice matters
- Contribute to meaningful change: Survey findings help inform improvements to training environments and support ongoing quality assurance.
- Recognise excellence: Highlight positive experiences, strong supervision and training practices that are making a difference.
- Strengthen the trainee voice: Your collective experiences provide important evidence to guide future decisions.
- Safe and confidential: Responses are anonymous, ensuring honest feedback can be shared with confidence.
The Medical Training Survey
The Medical Training Survey is for Australian trainees and Overseas Trained Physicians currently undertaking the specialist assessment pathway in Australia.
- Survey dates: Monday, 3 August – Thursday, 8 October 2026
- How to access the survey: A survey link will be provided to trainees once they renew their registration with Ahpra
- Find out more: Medical Training Survey website
- Enquiries: MTS@ahpra.gov.au
Torohia: Medical Training Survey
Torohia is Aotearoa New Zealand’s annual national Medical Training Survey led by Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa | Medical Council of New Zealand. It gives RACP trainees in Aotearoa New Zealand an opportunity to provide feedback about their training experiences.
- Survey dates: Monday, 31 August – Monday, 28 September 2026
- How to access the survey: Unique survey links will be emailed to trainees by the Medical Council of New Zealand
- Find out more: Torohia website
- Enquiries: contact@torohia.org.nz
The 2026 Divisional Clinical Examination (DCE) was successfully completed this year with 1,122 candidates sitting the examination in Australia, and 147 candidates in Aotearoa New Zealand. A total of 997 candidates sat the Adult Medicine DCE, while 272 candidates completed the Paediatrics & Child Health DCE. Examination results have now been released to all candidates.
We commend all candidates for their dedication and perseverance in reaching this significant milestone in their training. Preparing for, and undertaking, the examination requires substantial commitment, and we acknowledge the effort invested by every candidate.
We also extend our sincere gratitude to the Directors of Physician/Paediatric Education for their ongoing support and guidance of trainees throughout this process. Their dedication plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of physicians. We also thank our Local Examination Organisers, Examiners and Candidate Support Officers for their invaluable support on examination day, helping create a calm, respectful and supportive environment for candidates.
Finally, we acknowledge and thank the RACP team members and administrative staff whose professionalism and commitment were instrumental in delivering the examination.
If you have any questions about the DCE or the release of results, please contact our Member Support Centre.
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Do you have research you're proud of? Don't miss the opportunity to showcase your work, gain national recognition and present alongside leading researchers.
Applications are now open for the
2027 RACP Trainee Research Awards, giving eligible trainees and New Fellows across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand the chance to present their research, connect with peers and leaders in the field, and strengthen their professional profile.
Submit your abstract by
Monday, 31 August.
Why apply?
- Gain recognition for your research and achievements.
- Present your work to peers and leading physician researchers.
- Build your presentation skills and professional network.
- Be eligible to publish your abstract in an RACP supplement of the Internal Medicine Journal or the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health.
The Prize
Jurisdictional winners will receive return airfares, accommodation and official recognition to support their attendance at the 2027 Trainee Research Awards Symposium.
Whether you're taking your first steps in research or building an academic career, this is your opportunity to have your work recognised.
Submit your abstract before applications close on Monday, 31 August 2026.
Find out more
College Meritorious Awards and Prizes
Help celebrate the physicians and paediatricians who make a lasting difference. If you know a RACP member whose leadership, research, clinical service or commitment to the College deserves recognition, nominate them for a College Meritorious Award or Prize. Hurry, nominations are open until Monday, 31 August.
- The John Sands Medal: Celebrate a Fellow whose exceptional service and leadership has made a lasting impact on the RACP and its members.
- College Medal: Recognise a Fellow whose outstanding contributions to specialist practice, healthcare and community health have advanced the physician profession.
- Eric Susman Prize: Honour excellence in research by recognising the best contribution to the knowledge of internal medicine across adult medicine and paediatrics.
- Trainee of the Year: Celebrate a trainee whose outstanding contributions to the College, their peers and the wider community exemplify leadership and commitment early in their career.
- Mentor of the Year Award: Honour a Fellow who has inspired, supported and guided trainees, making a lasting difference to the next generation of physicians
- International Medal: Celebrate a College member whose outstanding service has improved health and strengthened healthcare in developing countries.
- Medal for Clinical Service in Rural and Remote Areas: Recognise a Fellow whose exceptional commitment has improved access to high-quality clinical care in rural and remote communities across Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand.
Internal Medicine Journal: Volume 56, Issue 7, July 2026
The July edition of Internal Medicine Journal is now live.
The Editor’s Choice is Evolving treatments for Sjögren disease [PDF].
This review explores the rapidly evolving treatment landscape for Sjögren disease, highlighting promising targeted therapies that could become the first disease-modifying options for this complex autoimmune condition. It also examines advances in disease assessment and what these developments could mean for future patient care.
Other items in this edition include:
- Evolving treatments for Sjogren disease
- Coronary artery calcium scoring guidelines
- Antipsychotics in the emergency department
- Patients with adrenal incidentaloma
- Intestinal transplantation Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease
Read now
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health: Volume 62, Issue 7, July 2026
The July edition of Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health is now live.
This edition features a case report, the effective use of subcutaneous tocilizumab in a case of castleman disease progressing from unicentric to multicentric form.
Other highlights in this edition include:
- Guideline for the diagnosis and management of heritable IFNAR1 deficiency in Oceania
- Investigation for bleeding disorders in suspected abusive head injury
- The role of AI in identifying and correcting paediatric health misinformation for parents
- Maternal smoking, vaping and infant sleep practices in sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) in Aotearoa New Zealand
- ARROW: OM-85 protocol for preschool wheeze
Read now l Connect on LinkedIn
REWIND<< Medical fitness to drive
Listen now
This popular episode, first released in 2019, explores one of the most challenging conversations physicians can have with patients: fitness to drive.
In Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, where driving is often essential for independence and daily life, assessing a patient's ability to drive safely can be complex. The episode examines the medical conditions that should raise concerns across a range of specialties, the key pathways that bring clinicians to these decisions, and the difficult balance between patient autonomy and public safety.
The more straightforward is when a patient presents with a medical assessment form. It's the Driver Licencing Authority in each state which ultimately issues the driving permits and may require the recommendation of a medical professional.
The other way is when the clinician detects a new or worsening condition in a patient who is already licenced. They are expected to warn their patients off driving and in some jurisdictions to report them to the DLA if this advice isn't being heeded.
Guests
- Dr Genevieve Yates FRACGP (Principal Medical Educator RACGP, MDA National's Education Services Advisory Group, Black Dog Institute)
- Professor Roy Beran FRCP FAFPHM FRACP FRACGP FACLM (University of UNSW)
- Marilyn Di Stefano PhD (Victorian Department of Transport and Planning)
- Serge Zandegu (Victorian Department of Transport and Planning)
Subscribe, claim CPD and get the transcript
To be among the first to find out about our latest podcasts, subscribe to new episode email alerts. All our podcasts are now available on YouTube. You can also search for them in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox, or any podcasting app. Did you know you can record listening and reading as a prefilled learning activity by logging on to MyCPD? For a transcript and supporting references of our podcast, please visit our podcast webpage.
Get involved
We're seeking Australian physicians to join the Assessing Fitness to Drive condition-based Specialist Working Groups. Share your expertise and help shape future fitness-to-drive guidance. Expressions of interest close 30 September.
