The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) has revised its Code of Conduct to promote respect in surgery, through high standards of surgical performance and clear expectations of professionalism.
The Code defines professional behaviour for surgeons and reflects the values of service, integrity, respect, compassion and collaboration, and the College Pledge that all Fellows make.
It requires surgeons to demonstrate objectivity and compassion, place their patients’ interests first and always respect a patient’s dignity and autonomy.
The RACS Code aligns with the expectations of medical regulators in Australia and NZ and complements the more specific codes for each surgical specialty developed by each Specialty Society.
“There is no room for discrimination, bullying or sexual harassment in our profession and we have revised our Code of Conduct to make our expectations very clear,” said RACS President Mr Philip Truskett AM.
RACS reviewed the Code in consultation with the surgical specialty societies and associations, and relevant RACS Committees and Boards.
“The consultation process strengthened the Code and assured individual surgeons that it reflected the standards expected of them by their peers,” Mr Truskett said.
The revised RACS Code of Conduct defines professional conduct, makes clear that all Fellows are accountable for their conduct in the workplace, and re-affirms RACS commitment to ensuring an inclusive surgical culture in Australia and NZ.
Discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment are specifically identified as breaches of the Code.
“The Code is binding on all Fellows, Trainees and International Medical Graduates and we expect everyone involved in the College to operate with respect,” Mr Truskett said.
Fellows found to have breached the Code may be subject to sanctions, including loss of privileges and in the most serious proven cases, loss of College Fellowship.
