March was a month filled with advocacy and collaboration, and I was fortunate to engage both with RANZCOG members and trainees, and other local and international healthcare organisations to share ideas and further the goals of the College.

The 14^th RANZCOG Council convened for its first meeting of 2026 in March. Our discussions spanned across the key priorities of the College, including responding to issues facing the specialty and women’s health, strengthening member value, and remaining accountable to our strategic priorities. These themes arose throughout the month, and below I’ve outlined just a few examples of the work being undertaken within the College and beyond.

Informed consent in maternity care

The on informed consent in maternity care poses an important opportunity for reflection for us all. Clinical procedures must always be supported by clear communication and voluntary consent, both which are essential components of respectful maternity care.

Trauma survivor, Larissa Gawthrop, was awarded $275,000 in damages by the Supreme Court of Victoria on 27 March,��after being pressured into a vaginal examination by a midwife with the implication that care, including pain relief would be withheld if Larissa did not consent to vaginal examination. Importantly, the court distinguished subsequent vaginal examinations and instrumental vaginal birth as being consensual.

Although this case has caused some consternation within our community, it should not be a polarising issue. Informed consent is a critical part of safe, ethical, trauma-informed and patient-centred care. It is a fundamental principle that underpins trust between patients and healthcare providers. As clinicians, we must foster environments where patients feel heard, supported, and empowered to make informed decisions about their care.

Endometriosis awareness

Following the recent allegations raised regarding a gynaecologist, RANZCOG is working with ��Safer Care Victoria (SCV), the Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy and Surgery (AGES) Society, Women’s Health Victoria (WHV), AHPRA, and government stakeholders to consider steps to strengthen collaboration and support evidence-based care.

As part of this effort, several initiatives have been delivered. On 23 March, RANZCOG, AGES, and Women’s Health Victoria co-hosted a webinar for clinicians. This session focused on supporting patients navigating endometriosis, addressed frequently asked questions from the WHV Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Surgery Concerns Line, and explored recent developments in care. Attendees also had the opportunity to ask questions. A second webinar, held in partnership with Avant on 1 April, examined medico-legal considerations related to endometriosis and pelvic pain care.

These webinars for medical professionals were complimented by a public session for consumers, held on 24 March, which provided an opportunity for attendees to submit their own questions to the panel for discussion.

A theme that ran across all sessions was the erosion of trust that patients are currently experiencing, and how we must work to rebuild this. Transparent communication, shared decision-making, and evidence-based care are the cornerstones of our specialty, and we should all be reflecting on how we can better implement these practices day to day.

Another of my key takeaways is the value of building a network of fellow clinicians you can lean on for an additional source of opinion and advice. Whether it be to seek further expertise on a clinical presentation or to refer for multidisciplinary care, having a community you can rely on will only strengthen the level of care we are able to provide to women.

I urge all members and trainees to regularly review the College’s Australian Living Evidence Guideline: Endometriosis. As a living evidence guideline, this document is reviewed and updated every six months as new evidence is produced, to ensure guidance is driven by the latest research. The most recent update was implemented in March, resulting in changes to two recommendations.

I am pleased with the recent announcement that RANZCOG has been successful in securing funding from the Australian commonwealth government to support the development of more clinical resources and initiatives aimed at improving care for women living with endometriosis and persistent pelvic pain. ��

Specifically, it will enable ongoing evidence review for the College’s Australian Living Evidence Guideline: Endometriosis, and the development of a dedicated clinical guideline and patient information for persistent pelvic pain more broadly – recognising that many women experience pelvic pain unrelated to endometriosis.

Finally, the College’s Research and Policy Team, alongside Dr Marilla Druitt, Prof Cindy Farquhar, and Magda Bofill, has worked closely with SCV to inform the development of a SCV Clinical Practice Point which highlights the role of less invasive methods, such as ultrasound and MRI, for diagnosis of endometriosis, ensuring alignment with evidence from the RANZCOG Guideline.

AGES ASM

I had the pleasure of attending and presenting at the Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy & Surgery Society (AGES) Annual Scientific Meeting 2026 in Auckland. The theme for this year’s conference was “Bridging the Divide – Surgical Experience vs Scientific Evidence”, with a focus on “embracing the power of emerging research and innovation, to guide and refine our surgical practice.”

The program featured a breadth of topics relevant to clinicians, such as highlighting the importance of consent in the patient journey and innovations in surgical practice using robotics.

����TV had a valuable meeting with AGES to discuss surgical training as a whole, and the College looks forward to continuing to collaborate with them on evolving surgical training to be the best it can be for all trainees in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Close the Gap Day

Thursday 19 March was Close the Gap Day, with the theme this year being “Community Voices: The Pathway to Justice, Equality and Healing.” This year’s Close the Gap report highlights the disparities in women’s health experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This inequity is visible in recent statistics – according to a , Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island women are projected to reach cervical cancer elimination in 2047, 12 years after the Australian government’s 2035 target. Targeted and collective action is required to improve screening participation in First Nations communities, including promoting access to self-collection.

I encourage all members and trainees to reflect on your own practice and how you can take steps to improve equity and access within your local community. The College provides a range of resources to help facilitate this reflection and promote learning and action, including the Cultural Safety Reflection Tool, and Acquire eLearning Courses.

I also urge you to read the 2026 Close the Gap Report, available .

Council of Presidents of Medical Colleges (CPMC) Meeting

The Council of Presidents of Medical Colleges (CPMC) convened at the beginning of the month at Parliament House in Canberra. The meeting included a workshop facilitated by Professor Jenny May AM, the National Rural Health Commissioner, on increasing the rural and regional specialist workforce. This supports the existing work of RANZCOG in regional, rural, and remote workforce training and skills maintenance through programs such as Obstetrics and Gynaecology Education and Training (OGET).

The Council went on to discuss a range of priorities, including accreditation and training standards, SIMG assessment, and fee transparency. The latter resulted in a shared . The Hon Rebecca White MP, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, addressed the Council to mark the launch of this framework and discussed the government’s broader priorities in improving access within the Australian healthcare system.

The framework supports and reinforces RANZCOG’s emphasis on providing equitable, patient-centred specialist care, and I advise all clinicians to familiarise themselves with its principles.

Healthcare advocacy in South Australia

In February, the South Australian College Chairs Committee, of which RANZCOG is a member, issued a three-point healthcare plan, urging parties to commit to the following:

1. Map the state’s healthcare gaps
2. Plan the medical workforce properly
3. Cut red tape that stops doctors working where they’re needed

Dr Magdalena Halt, SA Councillor and the College’s representative on the Committee, says that “Without a statewide strategy that properly maps need and plans the workforce, women and gender-diverse people are too often left waiting longer or going without essential healthcare altogether.”

In the wake of the SA state elections, I hope that all parties continue to work on these vital goals to ensure equitable access and high-quality healthcare across the state, improving outcomes for the people of SA.

RTCOG Annual Scientific Meeting

Also in February, I travelled to Bangkok to present at the Royal Thai College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RTCOG) Annual Scientific Meeting. My presentation, “Beyond Decriminalisation: Abortion Care and Access in Australia” examined the regulatory context of abortion in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, recent developments, ongoing challenges, and training pathways for clinicians.

I outlined the College’s binational Clinical Guideline for Abortion Care and the impact this resource has had in implementing abortion services, particularly in Western Australia following decriminalisation in 2023. Attempts at legislative challenges to abortion access and care continue, however RANZCOG remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for this essential aspect of healthcare. I was humbled to present this overview of our nation’s journey in this space and the College’s role in promoting access.

Collaboration within our specialty and with the broader healthcare community is vital to support excellent outcomes in women’s health. I am invigorated and inspired by the tireless effort and dedication of our colleagues both locally and internationally. Sharing ideas and experiences and collaborating on solutions is invaluable and I am eager to continue to build on the College’s relationships to support our ongoing efforts in education, training, advocacy, and more.

Dr Nisha Khot
����TV President

*RANZCOG acknowledges the need for more inclusive terminology for gender diversity. In this blog, use of the term “woman” should be interpreted to include all people requiring gynaecological and obstetric care.

In my first edition of the President’s Blog last month, I outlined my and the College’s priorities for the year – increasing training opportunities, addressing workforce challenges, and protecting women’s choice in healthcare decisions. As we move into the second month of 2026, I’m proud to see these goals progressing, with work taking shape in RANZCOG’s education and advocacy initiatives.

Much has happened throughout the month of February. I would first like to acknowledge the allegations raised regarding a gynaecologist.

I grieve for the women affected by this case who have experienced harm and had their trust eroded. As a clinician, earning and maintaining my patients’ trust sits at the forefront of my practice, and this is built on a foundation of evidence-based, informed care, and shared decision making. I thank my colleagues who have bravely spoken up.

This is a reminder to all of us of our obligation to follow the Code of Conduct in our practice.

This is a time of reflection and action for the healthcare community – we must take accountability and measures to ensure patients receive the highest quality of support and care, based on the latest evidence-based clinical guidance.

My thoughts are with women, families, and clinicians impacted. As this is an evolving situation, I direct you to the College’s statement for more information.

I also direct you to the College’s excellent resources, including the Australian Living Evidence Guideline: Endometriosis and the Best Practice Approaches to the Management of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Joint Statement.

While we respond to the serious concerns raised by the investigation, the regular work of the College must continue. The momentum gained by consistent advocacy for equitable funding and access to excellent, evidence-based healthcare services must not be lost.

There are a number of recent government initiatives and policy developments impacting, or with the potential to impact, the O&G profession – from Safer Care Victoria’s new maternity care framework to the Labor government’s promise of IVF rebates ahead of the South Australian state election.

Over the past month, I have spoken publicly on a range of issues that affect our profession and the communities we serve, representing members and trainees and reinforcing the College’s stance on matters including birth trauma and access to fertility treatment.

Below is an overview of some of these issues, and the advocacy work that the College continues to do.

Safer Care Victoria’s Respectful Maternity and Newborn Care Framework

Safer Care Victoria released the in late 2025. The framework provides guidance for doctors and midwives responding to patients who make decisions about their care which differ from clinical recommendations. It places strong emphasis on the importance of open discussions and clear communication of evidence-based information. A framework is vital to ensuring best practice and consistent quality of care across health services.

I recently spoke with the and ABC Radio National’s , welcoming this new framework and the support it will provide for both clinicians and patients navigating difficult scenarios in partnership during pregnancy and childbirth.

Birth trauma

One of the chief aims of Safer Care Victoria’s Framework is to ensure patients feel informed and heard, mitigating the risk of birth trauma occurring. This affirms teachings in the College’s Birth Trauma Education Project (BTEP) that birth trauma can be psychological as well as physical.

Following the success of BTEP in late 2025, RANZCOG has sought funding from the Australian Commonwealth Government to support the continuation of the project, with the goal of instating it as an ongoing workshop. The College is currently conducting post-program evaluations of the pilot workshop, with results to inform the future design of BTEP.

Through equipping multidisciplinary maternity health professionals with the skills and knowledge to provide trauma-informed care, this program is an important step in reducing instances of birth trauma. I spoke with about the significance of this work, emphasising that preventing birth trauma is a shared responsibility across the entire maternity care system.

Improving access to IVF

In the lead up to the South Australian state election, RANZCOG supported the Labor government’s promise to help cover out-of-pocket fertility treatment expenses. The proposed rebate would be available for two IVF cycles – $2,000 per cycle – as well as a $250 rebate for pre-IVF testing. For many individuals and couples, cost is a major barrier to accessing fertility treatment, and RANZCOG supports any initiative that improves access to fertility care.

This would be a step in the right direction, aligning with RANZCOG’s longstanding calls for equitable access to assisted reproductive services. As RANZCOG Acting SA/NT Committee Chair Dr Kate Martin asserted at the Premier’s press conference and in an , “Fertility treatment is health care and should be accessible by all.”

Workforce

I recently represented RANZCOG at the National Maternity Workforce Strategy Consultation meeting, joining multidisciplinary healthcare professionals to contribute to the Australian Government’s .

The aim of this strategy is to improve “recruitment, retention, and culturally safe services nationwide”, with specific focuses on rural, remote, and First Nations healthcare workers. The project is currently in its development phase, with the final document set to be released mid-2026.

I look forward to its publication, and to continuing our collaboration with the Department and other stakeholders to support a sustainable workforce in O&G.

Pride in Medicine

Finally, this month also provided an opportunity to celebrate and show our support for our LGBTQIA+ members, trainees, colleagues, patients, and wider community. I had the joy of joining at the Midsumma Pride March, alongside the RACGP.

The College cherishes its relationship with Pride in Medicine, having joined numerous of their previous Mardi Gras floats, and I was proud to accompany them to their first (but certainly not last!) Midsumma Pride March in Melbourne.

Across each of these areas, the College continues to engage with members, trainees, governments, and communities to improve outcomes and clinical practice. This lies at the core of RANZCOG’s advocacy work and will continue to be a priority throughout 2026 and into the future. I look forward to progressing this vital work during my term as President and beyond.

Dr Nisha Khot
����TV President

*����TV acknowledges the need for more inclusive terminology for gender diversity. In this blog, use of the term “woman” should be interpreted to include all people requiring gynaecological and obstetric care.

Professor Anna Rosamilia is a subspecialist urogynaecologist and Head of the Pelvic floor Unit at Monash Medical Centre, Southern Health in Melbourne.

In recognition of International Urogynaecology Day celebrated annually on 20 February, the College caught up with Professor Rosamilia, who shared insights into her career journey, the evolving field of urogynaecology, and why this subspecialty plays such an important role in women’s health care.

What motivated you to become a urogynaecologist?

I first learnt about urogynaecology while working in Manchester in the UK, where I spent two years as a registrar and senior registrar. The unit was led by David Warrell and Tony Smith, two giants of the field, and it was there that I was drawn to this emerging subspecialty.

Can you tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a subspecialist?

When I returned to Melbourne, I was fortunate to train with Peter Dwyer and Peter Glenning. More than 30 years ago, urogynaecology was only just beginning to develop as a distinct field, both in the UK and Australia. Being part of something so new — and so clearly needed — was deeply motivating.

Being focused on urogynaecology, I may have missed a few family planning lectures — we had four children in seven years! That period coincided with establishing a private practice and being encouraged to undertake a PhD.

From being a junior trainee at Monash just after its transition from the Queen Victoria Hospital, to being elected President of the International Urogynecology Association (IUGA) for 2025–26, I have been supported by many champions and allies.

I am especially grateful to Professor Peter Dwyer, who mentored me in subspecialty training and has been a true champion of urogynaecology in Australia and worldwide. I was encouraged along an academic path by the late Professor David Healy, and I owe much to Dr Geoff Edwards, who stepped aside so I could become Head of the Monash Pelvic Floor Unit, and to Professor Beverley Vollenhoven, the current Head of Gynaecology, who makes things happen.

For people who may not have heard of it before, what exactly is urogynaecology — and how does it differ from general gynaecology? Are there common misconceptions?

Urogynaecology focuses on pelvic floor disorders, which affect around one in four women. The most common include pelvic organ prolapse, urinary and faecal incontinence, fistula, voiding dysfunction, perineal trauma and recurrent urinary tract infections.

Every obstetrician and gynaecologist manages women with these conditions, so in that sense we all practice some urogynaecology. A subspecialist’s role is to optimise management — particularly in complex, persistent or severe cases.

A common misconception is that these problems are minor or simply part of ageing or childbirth. They can be life-altering, and they are treatable.

What might a typical day look like for you?

A typical day involves hearing women share deeply personal and confronting concerns and working with them to find solutions together.

Being a urogynaecologist has its challenges. In a single clinic day, we may need to be a psychologist, pain physician, dermatologist, sports coach, sexual counsellor and endocrinologist — as well as a skilled surgeon and thoughtful clinician.

It can feel impossible to give patients all the time they need while empowering them to make informed decisions, managing complications, and knowing when to ask for help.

On reflection, this mirrors many aspects of parenting. Whether at home or work, I try to stay humble about what I know, curious about what I don’t, and always keep communication open. We are all works in progress.

What do you find most rewarding about your work?

I am deeply proud of the Pelvic Floor Unit at Monash Health, a busy tertiary service across multiple campuses. We are a close-knit team that offers exceptional care to women and excellent training to RANZCOG Certificate of Urogynaecology (CU) trainees, as well as international fellows and observers, over more than two decades.

It is immensely rewarding to see our trainees’ become consultants in Australia and overseas, and to watch them emerge as leaders in their own right. I also value the research collaborations we have fostered — working with basic scientists and engineers at the Hudson Institute, alongside funding bodies increasingly interested in advancing urogynaecology.

Serving as President of IUGA is rewarding because it allows me to advocate for pelvic health as part of women’s health globally and raise public awareness of urogynaecology as a subspecialty. For a society more than 3,000 members strong across 110 countries, this is no less than a civic duty — especially at a time in world affairs when bold collaboration is essential.

This month we were able to add pelvic floor disorders to the Women’s Health Strategy submitted to the European Parliament. We have also published a white paper that argues pelvic floor disorders should be included in maternal health policy which will lead to increased access to care in low resource settings.

In our field, empathy is fundamental. Some may view pelvic floor problems as minor inconveniences, but they are anything but minor. Our interventions can be transformative and so rewarding for our��patients��and ourselves.

I think of the marathon runner whose continence and prolapse surgery restored her love of running. The cancer survivor with painful intercourse who was expected simply to be grateful she had survived. The woman who says “bless you, doctor” every time she does star jumps without leaking. The patient who believed the misery of recurrent UTIs would never end. The woman whose refractory overactive bladder was cured with Botox.

These are real people whose lives were transformed by thoughtful, evidence-based care.

It is often said that patients don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. As urogynaecologists — and as gynaecologists more broadly — we should commit to beginning with empathy and ending with excellence.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG, the College) is deeply distressed to learn of the allegations raised by ABC and expresses its sincere regret to the women who have experienced harm under the care of this medical practitioner. The alleged conduct does not in any way align with the values of the College.

����TV takes its responsibility for education, training and setting the standards of best practice care in obstetrics and gynaecology very seriously and remains committed to fostering the highest standards of clinical practice, demonstrated recently by the release of the College’s updated Australian Living Evidence Guideline: Endometriosis and associated learning resources in May 2025. The guideline provides a comprehensive evidence-based framework for the diagnosis and management of endometriosis, including non-invasive, surgical and other treatment options.

����TV works in parallel to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) in the regulation, assessment and training of specialists in Australia. While RANZCOG sets education and training standards and develops clinical guidelines, the College is not a statutory body and has no regulatory authority to determine whether a clinician may continue to practice.

����TV’s procedure for managing formal complaints against its members does not extend to complaints from the public about a clinician’s clinical or business conduct. This is because such matters fall within the remit of statutory regulators (AHPRA and the Medical Council of New Zealand). Upon learning of an issue, RANZCOG refers these complaints to the appropriate external authorities with the legal power to investigate and take action.

Media enquiries

Bec McPhee
Head of Advocacy & Communications
bmcphee@ranzcog.edu.au
+61 413 258 166

Happy New Year! It gives me great pleasure to kick off 2026 with the reintroduction of the RANZCOG’s President’s blog: my opportunity to share some of the work taking place behind-the-scenes at the College.

From time to time, I still hear the question: “But what does the College actually do for me?” And I admit to having felt that way in the past. Having been involved with RANZCOG at various levels of leadership, I have come to fully appreciate just how much work the College does, and the invaluable support it provides to us as O&G professionals. Most importantly, I have seen firsthand the dedication of the members and trainees who generously devote their time and energy to create something better for us all. It has been quite a journey, and one I look forward to sharing with you – College members and trainees – through this monthly blog.

With the passing of each new year comes a fresh opportunity: another chance for us to reinvigorate our purpose and momentum and refocus on achieving our goals. I’m very pleased to be working with the new and returning members of the Fourteenth RANZCOG Board and Council who started their elected term in November 2025. I’ve enjoyed getting to meet many new faces whilst supporting the transition and working together to build on the achievements of those before us, pushing the College in an effective direction for those we represent.

Key priorities

My presidency over the next two years will focus on several key priorities.

The College plays a fundamental role in training the next generation of women’s health specialists and has done for decades. Maintaining that role, as well as staying relevant in a rapidly changing environment remains top priority. Our world is an increasingly unpredictable one. We need to make sure the next generation of specialists is adaptable and well equipped with the tools and confidence to meet the challenges that lie ahead.

Ensuring every trainee has access to high-quality education and training, including surgical numbers, resources, and an ongoing connection with the College to continue learning and maintaining skills throughout their career is essential if we are to safeguard the standards we’ve worked hard to establish and support a sustainable pipeline of specialists into the future.

This brings me to workforce. As a clinician on the frontline, I know the significant challenges the obstetrics and gynaecology workforce are facing – staff shortages amidst state-mandated hiring freezes, maldistribution, rural recruitment and retention, declining numbers of GP-obstetricians, private hospital closures, burnout, and relentless pressure.

If we want to retain skilled clinicians and attract the next generation of specialists, we need to urgently address these challenges. RANZCOG maintains representation on the Australian Commonwealth Government’s Medical Workforce Advisory Collaboration (MWAC). The College will use this Collaboration to ensure decisions and policies developed around workforce are within the best interest of trainees and members, and the women and families for whom we care. The College is continuing ongoing discussions with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s Health Workforce Division and New South Wales Health to further��advance arguments on current workforce��pressures, and has contributed to conversations around the .

The last priority I’ll mention is my steadfast focus on protecting women’s choice in making their own healthcare decisions. The rights of women and girls to make autonomous decisions about their own body and reproductive functions is at the core of their fundamental right to equality. We must stand against ongoing attacks on women’s sexual reproductive autonomy and access to essential healthcare, such as abortion and contraception services. Abortion must remain a decision between women and their healthcare providers; it does not belong in political discourse.

Synonymous with maintaining women’s choice and autonomy is safeguarding access, by ensuring patients can access all models of care, both public and private, irrespective of where they reside. RANZCOG’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology Education Training (OGET) Project has expanded – most recently to Tasmania – and continues to build momentum, now with 12 regional hubs across Australia. This expansion has significantly enhanced access to onsite, localised education and skills maintenance across more than 60 peripheral rural and remote health services.

These are my priorities. But I’d also like to hear from members and trainees about what matters most to you. As your President, I am committed to working with you, and making sure RANZCOG listens to and supports you to deliver the best possible care for women. You can write to me any time via president@ranzcog.edu.au, or get in touch with your local state and territory representative.

Activities and achievements

Now, on to some updates on activities and achievements from across the past few months.

����TV has successfully delivered the pilot of its Birth Trauma Education Project (BTEP): an education initiative aimed at addressing the core causes of birth trauma. This government-funded Project emerged from the findings of the NSW Parliament’s Select Committee on Birth Trauma Inquiry report, and ongoing collaboration with the Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

Co-designed and delivered with Birth Trauma Australia, the program comprised three webinars and three in-person workshops held in November and December. Feedback from multidisciplinary participants was overwhelmingly positive. The College is seeking extended funding to continue and expanding on this important program into the future.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, RANZCOG is working with Birth Trauma Aotearoa, the New Zealand College of Midwives, and other stakeholders to research experiences of birth trauma in Aotearoa. This work will inform the development of an education program specific to New Zealand.

Birth trauma is, quite rightly, a consistent focus across policy and media landscapes. I have had the opportunity to represent members and trainees in public discourse, advocating for the system-level reforms needed and reinforcing our collective responsibility to tackle birth trauma across the entire maternity care system.

At the end of 2025, RANZCOG made pre-budget submissions to the Australian Commonwealth Government seeking ongoing and new funding for key initiatives, including OGET, maintenance of the Australian Living Evidence Guideline for Endometriosis, Birth Trauma Education, Sexual and Reproductive Health, and a Gendered Review of the MBS. If successful, this funding will enable the College to continue delivering impact in these critical areas, in alignment with its strategic priorities.

Looking to the year ahead, I am optimistic about what we can achieve together. I see the passion and commitment of our incredible members and trainees every day. If we can harness this energy and work together as one unified movement, then I know we will support each other to improve outcomes for women.

Dr Nisha Khot
����TV President

*����TV acknowledges the need for more inclusive terminology for gender diversity. In this blog, use of the term “woman” should be interpreted to include all people requiring gynaecological and obstetric care.

����TV is deeply saddened by the tragic events in Bondi and extends its thoughts and support to the Jewish community, including RANZCOG members, trainees and staff, and all those affected by the senseless violence. The College gratefully acknowledges the first responders, emergency services, and medical professionals for their swift, skilled and courageous response in the face of this abhorrent event.

����TV unequivocally condemns all forms of violence and affirms its commitment to fostering connection, compassion, and inclusion within the communities we serve.

The College is here to support members and trainees who may have been affected either directly or indirectly by this incident. RANZCOG’s Member and Trainee Wellbeing Hub contains a range of support resources, including external support services.

Members and trainees feeling distressed are also encouraged to contact the Member and Trainee Support Unit for assistance:

Carly Moorfield and Conor Clerkin

• Email: mtsu@ranzcog.edu.au
• Phone: +61 8 6102 2096 (Aus) +64 4 399 1376 (NZ)

Sincerely,
The RANZCOG Board

The FRANZCOG Selection process is a rigorous application process which determines which doctors get accepted to the FRANZCOG training program to become a specialist obstetrician gynaecologist. The Selection process aims to recruit the most suitable trainees into the program to ensure the workforce meets the needs of women and families across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.����

Over the next three years (2026-2028), RANZCOG will be implementing several changes to the Selection process, including changes to eligibility. This article explains everything prospective applicants might need to know about what’s changing.������

The process will remain as a National Selection Process and applications for Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand will be processed as two separate pools.��

What exactly is changing?

A full summary of all changes to FRANZCOG selection which will be implemented between 2026-2028 can be found on the FRANZCOG Selection page.

There are changes to both how the selection process works, and to the eligibility criteria (who can apply). These changes are summarised below.��

Be sure to check the full eligibility criteria/process information on the FRANZCOG Selection page as this table details only what’s new in each year of implementation.����

Table 1

Implementation timeline

Table 2

The table below details how the components of selection will evolve over the next three years:

Frequently asked questions

������’s a few FAQs around what these changes actually mean:����

Contact us

If you are a prospective trainee and have any questions about these changes or the Selection process more broadly, RANZCOG welcomes you to contact the team via: trainee_selection@ranzcog.edu.au

����TV advises all Members that, with the commencement of the 14th RANZCOG Council, a number of important changes to the College’s Committees, reporting lines, and Terms of Reference (ToR) have taken effect.

These changes form part of a broader governance review to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment across all College committees and project groups.

Global changes to committee terms of reference

• Committee appointments will now be made by the RANZCOG Board, rather than by the President
• Chairs and Deputy Chairs of Committees will no longer automatically be Board Members or Councillors
• The Board may, when appropriate, extend the term of a Committee Chair or Deputy Chair beyond the maximum term

Retirement of committees

20 Committees have been formally retired as part of the governance restructure commencing with the 14th Council:

Please note

• The Cervical Quality Improvement Program (C-QuIP) Committee, Fetal Surveillance Education Program (FSEP) Committee, and Nuchal Translucency Ultrasound, Education and Monitoring Program (NTUEMP) Committee will be replaced by Clinical Advisors.
• The Obstetric and Gynaecology Education and Training (OGET) Steering and Resource Development Working Groups will merge into the OGET Project Group subject to funding.
• The work of the Endoscopic Surgery Advisory Committee (ESAC) will continue under the Research, Policy and Guidelines Committee (RPGC) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Committees, with subject matter experts invited as needed.
• ����TV will also establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy & Surgery (AGES), New Zealand Association of Specialist Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (NASOG), and Urogynaecology Society of Australasia (UGSA) for future collaboration.

����TV sincerely thanks all members of the retired Committees for their time, contributions, and dedication. We hope you will continue to be involved in other College activities and initiatives.

Name changes

����TV has introduced consistent naming conventions across all committees to ensure College-wide alignment and better reflect their functions. Accordingly:

• Committees established for specific, time-limited purposes will now be called Project Groups
• Groups that meet on an ad-hoc basis to review, assess, or make recommendations will now be called Panels
• Ongoing or standing bodies will continue to be called Committees

Changes to reporting lines

To enhance alignment between governance bodies, the following Committees will now report to different entities:

Appointment of Deputy Chairs

• Deputy Chairs of State and Territory Committees must be RANZCOG Councillors from the same State or Territory as their Committee
• For the Aotearoa New Zealand Committee, if the Chair is not a Board Member or Councillor, a Deputy Chair must be a Councillor from Aotearoa New Zealand
• The updated Terms of Reference reflecting these arrangements are now available on the RANZCOG website

The updated Terms of Reference (ToR) reflecting all of the above changes have been uploaded to the ����TV Committees Directory. Some details are still being finalised, so further updates may be published as required.

For any questions regarding these changes, please contact the Governance & Legal Team at governance@ranzcog.edu.au.

Thank you to all members for your ongoing contributions to College activities.

Notice is hereby given that the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Fellows of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists will be conducted as a hybrid meeting.

Details of AGM

• What: RANZCOG AGM
• When: Tuesday, 21 October 2025
• Time: 5.30pm Australian Central Daylight Saving Time (ACDT)
• Where: Hall A, Upper Level, Adelaide Convention and Exhibition Centre and online

Attending online

Our AGM will be hosted online by the meeting provider Vero Voting, an independent voting and meeting service provider appointed by RANZCOG.

Once you register with Vero Voting, from Tuesday, 30 September 2025, you will be able to:

• Securely view the Notice of AGM and the relevant documentation
• Submit questions in advance (must be submitted by 5.30pm (ACDT), Sunday, 19 October 2025)
• On the day of the AGM:
  • Watch the live AGM webcast
  • Ask questions live

All Fellows eligible to vote can participate in the live voting.

Are you a Fellow eligible to vote but cannot attend the AGM?

• Nominate a proxy online (must be submitted by 5.30pm (ACDT), Sunday, 19 October 2025)
• Your proxy must be another Fellow

Vero Voting guide

• Find out how to register, nominate a proxy and submit questions
• Find out how to watch the webcast and cast live votes

Alternate access

If you are a Fellow who does not wish to use the Vero Voting platform or you cannot attend the live AGM and vote, there is an alternate way to access the documents and nominate a proxy to vote on your behalf (only a Fellow may be appointed as your proxy).

to view the Notice of AGM and the relevant documentation, and download a proxy voting form; you will find the documents under the Resources tab.

If you are using the PDF proxy voting form, please email your completed form to the Secretary at ceo@ranzcog.edu.au by 5.30pm (ACDT), Sunday, 19 October 2025.

Further information

If you are a RANZCOG member and have not received an email, please contact ceo@ranzcog.edu.au.