RANZCOG is an ever-evolving organisation, from humble beginnings as a subsidiary of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, we have grown exponentially to incorporate not only training of obstetricians and gynaecologists, but also advocacy, research and setting the standards for women’s health care across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. This issue of O&G Magazine will look at now and beyond, so, where are we now?

Throughout my Presidency, I have been fortunate to be involved in promoting our College as a world leader in women’s health. In the last 12 months, RANZCOG has been featured at a range of international events. In January, I was delighted to travel to India to present at the All India Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. In June, I was honoured to be invited to represent our College and deliver a plenary lecture at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists World Congress in London. In Canada, RANZCOG was invited to present an update on obstetrics and gynaecology in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, and to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. We have also had representatives from the College attend conferences in Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. Our College’s relationships with O&G organisations across the globe are testament to the increasing significance of RANZCOG on the world stage in obstetrics and gynaecology.

Our international colleagues have recognised the value of RANZCOG in advancing women’s health both at home and abroad. Our recognition on an international scale is an achievement built on long -standing relationships with our international colleagues, and one that we are confident will continue to grow into the future.

However, the priority of RANZCOG continues to be our membership.

It is you, our members, that allow RANZCOG to continue to deliver excellence and equity in women’s health. We value our membership, and strive to provide you with world-class education, ongoing CPD and opportunities.

When discussing the value we deliver to our members, the attention inevitably goes towards qualifications and postnominals. They are definitely significant and tangible member benefits, but our value to our members extends beyond that. Over the years, the role of a medical college has evolved beyond the provision of training and education. RANZCOG assumes a range of roles on various fronts, all with the view of providing value for its members in line with our strategy. It is also worth noting that throughout the Australian Medical Council Accreditation process, significant attention was directed towards the broader role of RANZCOG in delivering positive outcomes for members, trainees, and consumers.

The College continues to deliver across several critical areas. As a CPD home, we are committed to ensuring that our members are provided with ongoing professional development that is relevant and timely. We are continuing to work on further alignment of our offerings to support our members in fulfilling their (now annual) CPD requirements and obtaining high quality professional development. This is supplemented through the development and delivery of learning resources, education program, events, and publications. We also play a vital role in helping our members maintain professional standards, and in ensuring they adhere to the highest level of professional conduct and patient care.

We are committed to supporting the development and maintenance of evidence-based clinical guidelines and statements, patient information resources, and provide expert advice to assist members in delivering high-quality care. Advocacy has been a key component of our activities over these past few years.

Our advocacy has played a role in securing funding through federal budget allocations and project grants, initiating changes to Medicare rebates, and developing programs targeted at mitigating the maldistribution of our workforce

The College also offers a number of intangible benefits that help members with personal and professional growth, offers them access to community and networks, as well as access to thought leadership and influential voices within and outside the specialty. The College is a community of specialists, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we continue to develop the next generation of obstetricians and gynaecologists. Hence, a part of our membership fees is reinvested in supporting components of our training program, and our trainees.

I encourage you to engage with us and participate in the ongoing discussion around member benefits. Your input will help the us continue to refine our services for you. I also recommend participating in College activities and committee work, which is a beneficial and rewarding experience

We are an organisation that honours its history, and builds on the foundations of our predecessors to ensure the highest quality of care for the women of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, and carries with it a proud history. We have our dedicated members to thank for continuing that legacy now and beyond.