2024 is well underway and all of us here at the College are looking forward to what is ahead this year. 2023 was a very successful year for RANZCOG, with the AMC/MCNZ Reaccreditation, redevelopment of the FRANZCOG curriculum, and opening of the Assessment, Learning and Education Centre, to name a few of our major accomplishments. We are carrying this success into 2024 and are aiming even higher this year.

The reaccreditation report has now been published by the AMC & MCNZ, and we are very pleased with the outcome. The College received very positive feedback across the board, and we will continue to work to address the conditions and recommendations that have been identified as part of the reaccreditation process.

We are now reaching the halfway point of the Fostering Respect Action Plan, which was launched in 2022. The College is committed to improving working environments for our members and trainees, to ensure that all O&G units in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand are safe and respectful workplaces.

In 2024, we will be releasing the College’s Reconciliation Action Plan. This has been a significant undertaking by the College, and we thank RANZCOG’s First Nation’s members and trainees who have guided the development of this critical document.

Workforce issues continue to be a major concern for the College. We are working with the regulatory bodies in both Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to advocate for GP Obstetrician-led rural maternity services, increased emphasis on rural training, and reviewing the assessment and placement of SIMG candidates.

We are excited to host the 2024 Regional Symposium in Glenelg, South Australia. This event has an exciting program over the course of two days, and we hope to see many of our members and trainees there. Support for our regional and rural clinicians is a priority for the College, and events such as these provide an excellent platform for targeted information and networking for our members, trainees and GP obstetricians.

In March, we are proud to be hosting the Women’s Health Summit at Parliament House in Canberra. The Summit is part of our ongoing advocacy work to improve outcomes in women’s health. We anticipate a high number of stakeholders in attendance and have been very pleased with the involvement from the RANZCOG membership in the planning of this important event.

With another busy year ahead of us, I would like to thank all our members and trainees for your engagement with the College, and for your commitment to delivering excellence an equity in women’s health across the region.