This year's theme, Innovation. Precision. Excellence., reflects the event's future-focused program and its role as a key connection and collaboration point for surgeons across all nine RACS specialties.
More than 1600 surgeons, Trainees and healthcare leaders from Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond are expected to attend, with 253 new Fellows - the largest cohort in recent years - to be formally welcomed at the Convocation Ceremony on Saturday evening.
"ASC 2025 is designed to inspire and challenge," says congress convener Professor Henry Woo.
"It's a chance for surgeons to connect across specialties and geographies, hear from international leaders, and explore how innovation and leadership are shaping the future of care-from operating theatres to entire health systems."
This year's program puts a spotlight on cross-disciplinary collaboration, with sessions covering robotics and AI in surgery, rural surgical innovation, Indigenous health, and leadership development.
Event highlights include:
• Dr Glaucomflecken (Dr Will Flanary), a US ophthalmologist and viral medical comedian, presenting Dr Glaucomflecken's incredibly uplifting and really fun guide to American healthcare on Sunday 4 May at 4pm. A cancer survivor and healthcare satirist, Dr Glaucomflecken brings a unique dual perspective as both clinician and patient. This ticketed plenary session is open to the general public.
• A surgical affair: question time with Tony Jones, a high-profile panel session chaired by veteran journalist Tony Jones, follows directly after. The discussion will tackle elective surgery waitlists and workforce challenges, with panellists including Australian Medical Council President Dr Danielle McMullen, NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Health Dr Michael Holland MP, and Queensland Health Chief Medical Officer Associate Professor Catherine McDougall.
The Congress also features a strong line-up of international speakers:
• Dr Callisia Clarke (USA) on diversity and political division in healthcare.
• Dr Doug Anderson (USA) on the future of xenotransplantation.
• Dr Ian Currie (UK) on innovations in organ donation and retrieval.
• Dr Stephen Wexner (USA), one of the most cited colorectal surgeons globally.
• Professor Hyung Seok Park (South Korea) on robotic breast surgery.
RACS ASC is recognised as the College's flagship educational event and one of the most significant surgical meetings in the region. It showcases the latest in surgical research, innovation and practice, while providing a platform for shared learning, professional connection and leadership.
