Royal Aust & NZ College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists RANZCOG

Royal Aust & NZ College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists RANZCOG Advocate for women's healthcare across AUS & NZ. Advocates on women’s health issues across Australia and New Zealand.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) is the leading standards body responsible for the training and education of specialists and GP obstetricians in obstetrics and gynaecology in Australia and New Zealand. It is committed to the establishment and maintenance of the highest possible standards of practice in women’s health and provides programs in training, accreditation and continuing professional development (CPD) that are responsive to the evolving health care needs of women. As such, the RANZCOG:

Sets the individual curricula, training programs and assessments to ensure that those graduating have the essential attributes and key competencies expected for clinical competency and effective practice as a medical practitioner, specialist or subspecialist within the chosen scope of practice. Provides advice to Federal and jurisdictional Government committees and other organisations. Develops best practice advice on issues relating to obstetrics and gynaecology offered in a range of formats including Patient Information Pamphlets and College Statements, Clinical Practice Guidelines, Positions and Communiques. Supports and develops educational initiatives, programs and resources for health professionals in Indigenous women’s health and those in Asia and the Pacific. Provides a CPD program facilitating training, continuing education, peer review and life-long learning. Supports research and advocacy for women’s health by forging productive relationships with individuals, the community and professional organisations, both locally and internationally. RANZCOG has approximately 5,500 members in Australia and New Zealand and internationally.

RANZCOG has written to the Health Select Committee in Aotearoa New Zealand expressing strong opposition to proposed chan...
27/08/2025

RANZCOG has written to the Health Select Committee in Aotearoa New Zealand expressing strong opposition to proposed changes to the Healthy Futures (Pae Ora) Amendment Bill.

In June, Minister of Health, Simeon Brown, announced the government’s intention to introduce legislation to “improve the effectiveness of health services delivery to patients” and Cabinet has approved a suite of amendments to the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022.

In RANZCOG’s view, this legislation represents a fundamental shift away from evidence-based, clinically informed healthcare policy toward politically driven metrics that will compromise patient outcomes and exacerbate health inequities. While RANZCOG strongly supports improving patient care, outcomes and timely access, this Bill will actively undermine these goals.

The College’s significant concerns are summarised in an article on the RANZCOG website: https://ranzcog.edu.au/news/healthy-futures-amendment-bill-submission/

Dr Jasveen Kaur, one of the 2024 past recipients of the RANZCOG Mizuno-Ratnam Young Gynaecologist Award (YGA), travelled...
25/08/2025

Dr Jasveen Kaur, one of the 2024 past recipients of the RANZCOG Mizuno-Ratnam Young Gynaecologist Award (YGA), travelled to the 2024 AOFOG Congress in Busan, Korea. These images showcase her experience there. Dr Kaur felt very grateful and privileged to have the opportunity to participate.

The YGA supports two RANZCOG Fellows or trainees aged 40 and under to attend the biannual Asia & Oceania Federation of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (AOFOG) Congress. The award recipients will have the opportunity to paricipate in the Community Fellowship Program (CFP), where they can shadow O & G departments in Victoria and New South Wales. Some chosen recipients may also have the opportunity to present their submitted work as part of the AOFOG program.

The award is open to all 23 member countries of AOFOG, so don't miss the chance to present your research to leaders from across the world in Sydney at the 2026 AOFOG Congress.

Applications for the 2026 Young Gynaecologist Award are open and close 14 September 2025. To apply for this award, applicants must submit an unpublished and unpresented scientific paper, alongside their cover letter, CV and reference letter.

Find out more on the College's website: ranzcog.edu.au/our-college/grants-scholarships/mizuno-ratnam-young-gynaecologist-award/

Despite decades of global human rights advocacy, female ge***al cutting (FGC/FGM) still affects over 230 million girls a...
21/08/2025

Despite decades of global human rights advocacy, female ge***al cutting (FGC/FGM) still affects over 230 million girls and women across around 30 countries—from infancy up to age 15. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports up to USD $1.4 billion per year in terms of cost to health systems in providing treatment for the subsequent health complications to victims of this practice.

Why does this practice persist and where did it originate? What is being done to address it? And how can clinicians educate themselves on providing trauma-informed care to those affected?

In the latest edition of O&G Magazine, Dr Divya Viswanthan demystifies FGC/FGM, exploring the history, ongoing harm, and critical future of advocacy against the practice.

Read the full article: https://www.ogmagazine.org.au/27/2-27/advocacy-against-female-ge***al-cutting/

The College's most recent update of its clinical guideline, Female Ge***al Mutilation/Cutting (C-Gyn 1), released last year, provides clinicians with a comprehensive, evidence-based resource outlining obstetric considerations for women affected by FGC/FGM.

RANZCOG has voiced its support for a global initiative to change the name of polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS) to better ...
14/08/2025

RANZCOG has voiced its support for a global initiative to change the name of polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS) to better reflect the condition and its impact on millions of women worldwide. Experts and patients alike agree that the name 'PCOS' does not convey the full scope of the condition. It is confusing, outdated, and fails to support a clear understanding of what the syndrome truly involves.

Despite its name, PCOS is not primarily about ovarian cysts. In fact, the so-called “cysts” are small fluid-filled sacs, underdeveloped egg follicles that haven’t been released during the menstrual cycle. This misunderstanding can delay diagnosis, confuse patients and contribute to the stigma.

PCOS is a complex hormonal disorder with wide-ranging effects. It can cause irregular periods, excessive androgen levels (leading to symptoms like acne and excess hair growth), and infertility. But its impact goes far beyond reproductive health. PCOS is now understood to be a systemic condition, affecting multiple organ systems including the metabolic, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, immune, and endocrine systems.

Renaming PCOS is not just a matter of semantics. It’s about improving communication, reducing stigma, and empowering patients. A more accurate name could help those affected better understand their diagnosis, advocate for themselves, and access appropriate care.

The new name should reflect the multifaceted nature of PCOS and be grounded in both scientific evidence and patient experience. Retaining the acronym while simply altering its component words is unlikely to shift public perception or clinical discourse in any meaningful way.

As with all areas of medicine, names should evolve as our understanding deepens. PCOS is a systemic disorder, not just a reproductive one. Updating its name is a necessary step toward better education, earlier diagnosis, and improved outcomes for those affected.

There's just 3 more weeks until the final Education and Engagement Day of 2025 kicks off in Perth. Don’t miss this chanc...
12/08/2025

There's just 3 more weeks until the final Education and Engagement Day of 2025 kicks off in Perth. Don’t miss this chance to connect with RANZCOG Fellows, trainees, and local WA healthcare professionals for a day of learning, collaboration, and meaningful conversation.

📅 Date: 30-31 August, 2025
📍 Location: Parmelia Hilton, Perth
🎓 Presentations, discussions, hands-on workshops, CPD opportunities, networking, & more.
👉 Final call for registrations – secure your spot today!
https://ranzcog.eventsair.com/2025-ranzcog-education-and-engagement-days-website/register-for-perth-now

RANZCOG proudly congratulates Dr Marrwah Ahmadzai (FRANZCOG Trainee) and Dr Dominic Edwards (Certificate of Women’s Heal...
11/08/2025

RANZCOG proudly congratulates Dr Marrwah Ahmadzai (FRANZCOG Trainee) and Dr Dominic Edwards (Certificate of Women’s Health Trainee) for receiving awards from the Australian Medical Association (AMA). Each year the AMA recognises exceptional achievements, leadership, and dedication across the medical profession through its awards.

Dr Marrwah Ahmadzai was named the Doctor in Training of the Year A for her outstanding work in women's healthcare and culturally safe care. Dr Ahmadzai led the ACT's first public antenatal education program for women with limited English proficiency and has been a passionate advocate for anti-racist medicine, demonstrating that doctors in training can make significant impacts through dedicated advocacy and leadership.

The Women's Health Award was presented to Dr Dominic Edwards for his transformative work advancing women's healthcare both in Australia and internationally. From volunteer work in Uganda and Cambodia to policy development and clinical mentoring, his dedication to respectful, comprehensive care has empowered communities and inspired the profession.

Please join the College in applauding Dr Ahmadzai and Dr Edwards on this momentous achievement.

Have you chosen which  workshops to attend at this year's ASM? Taking place between 17-19 October in Adelaide, South Aus...
08/08/2025

Have you chosen which workshops to attend at this year's ASM? Taking place between 17-19 October in Adelaide, South Australia, there are over 10 workshops to choose from catering to a variety of interests across the broad spectrum of O&G.

These workshops have been designed to support multidisciplinary health professionals to meet their women's health CPD requirements in an interactive setting.

Have a scroll through to find one for you.

To book your spot, visit: ranzcogasm.com.au/pre-meeting-workshop/

The coloquial phrase “designer va**na” refers to a range of cosmetic surgeries aimed at altering the l***a or va**na. On...
24/07/2025

The coloquial phrase “designer va**na” refers to a range of cosmetic surgeries aimed at altering the l***a or va**na. One such procedure is l***aplasty which decreases the size of the l***a minora (inner tissues of the female ge***alia) so that it is flush with the l***a majora (outer part of the female ge***alia). While l***aplasty is medically necessary for some individuals — for example, to relieve discomfort or functional issues — it is largely sought for cosmetic reasons.

Requests for female ge***al cosmetic surgery (FGCS) are on the rise, particularly among younger people. Alarmingly, this trend is driven by misinformation, and a widespread lack of understanding about the natural diversity of female anatomy. Non-medical marketing terms such as ‘va**nal rejuvenation’, ‘clitoral resurfacing’, ‘G-spot enhancement’ lack the rigour of scientific evaluation, yet a quick search on any social media platform will turn up scores of content endorsing procedures, and promoting benefits.

In the latest edition of RANZCOG’s O&G Magazine, Associate Professor Magdalena Simonis shares a GP’s perspective, delving into the growing demand for l***aplasty in Australia. She explores the ethical dilemmas clinicians face, and shares her research into the experiences and attitudes of GPs around FCGS, which helped shape the development of a guide to support clinicians in councselling their patients.

Read the full article: https://www.ogmagazine.org.au/27/2-27/l***aplasty-a-gps-journey-from-patient-request-to-research/

The RANZCOG Mizuno-Ratnam Young Gynaecologist Award (YGA) supports two RANZCOG Fellows or trainees aged 40 and under to ...
22/07/2025

The RANZCOG Mizuno-Ratnam Young Gynaecologist Award (YGA) supports two RANZCOG Fellows or trainees aged 40 and under to attend the biannual Asia & Oceania Federation of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (AOFOG) Congress.

The 2024 YGA recipients, Dr Jasveen Kaur and Dr Inge Putri, wrote about their experience receiving the award, attending AOFOG 2024, and presenting their research in O&G Magazine.

They returned from South Korea feeling inspired, grateful, and proud to represent RANZCOG on the international stage. From exchanging ideas in group discussions to building lasting connections with other young gynaecologists from across the Asia-Pacific, the program was a truly enriching experience for them both professionally and personally. Read more about Dr Kaur and Dr Putri's experience: www.ogmagazine.org.au/26/3-26/a-yga-adventure-in-korea/

Applications for the 2026 Young Gynaecologist Award open on 4 August 2025. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible opportunity and attend the 2026 AOFOG Congress in Sydney. Find out more on the College's website.

This week, RANZCOG's Board, Council and various committees met for the second Council Week of the year (and the last mee...
18/07/2025

This week, RANZCOG's Board, Council and various committees met for the second Council Week of the year (and the last meeting of the 13th Council) to work together on advancing initiatives, and shaping the future and the sustainability of the O&G specialty and the College.

The College would like to extend it's sincere thanks to all who participated and greatly appreciates that the members and trainees involved, take time away from their hospitals, practices, and families to contribute their expertise to driving College work forward.

RANZCOG is also grateful to the many committees and working groups that meet before, during, and after Council Week, whose tireless efforts are critical to the College’s success. We look forward to seeing you at the next one in November, welcoming in RANZCOG's Fourteenth Council.

He Hono Wāhine commissioned Allen+Clarke to undertake research to understand how RANZCOG can better support Māori doctor...
17/07/2025

He Hono Wāhine commissioned Allen+Clarke to undertake research to understand how RANZCOG can better support Māori doctors into and through specialist training in obstetrics and gynaecology.

They completed a two phase study which captured the experiences of Māori trainees and Fellows, highlighting what supports success, barriers met and where RANZCOG can take action to improve experiences of Māori within FRANZCOG training.

This research has already and will continue to guide the next steps in implementing Te Rautaki Māori me Te Ara Whakamua (the College's Māori strategy and action plan).

He Hono Wāhine would like to gratefully acknowledge the individuals who shared their experiences, to help RANZCOG build a better understanding of how to support our Māori workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Read the full article and the reports on the College's website:
https://ranzcog.edu.au/news/maori-trainee-recruitment-retention/

The College extends its congratulations to the nominees who have been successfully elected as Councillors for the Fourte...
15/07/2025

The College extends its congratulations to the nominees who have been successfully elected as Councillors for the Fourteenth Council term. The newly elected Councillors will commence office from October 2025 through to October 2027.

RANZCOG looks forward to the fresh ideas, energy, and perspectives this committed group will bring as they help advance the College’s mission and strengthen its role as a leading voice in women’s healthcare.

To learn more about the elected councillors, visit the RANZCOG website: https://ranzcog.edu.au/our-college/governance/

Address

1 Bowen Crescent
Melbourne, VIC
3004

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61394171699

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Our Story

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) is the leading standards body responsible for the training and education of specialists and GP obstetricians in obstetrics and gynaecology in Australia and New Zealand.

RANZCOG is committed to the establishment and maintenance of the highest possible standards of practice in women’s health and provides programs in training, accreditation and continuing professional development (CPD) that are responsive to the evolving healthcare needs of women.

RANZCOG supports research into women’s health and acts as an advocate for women’s healthcare by forging productive relationships with individuals, the community and professional organisations, both locally and internationally.

Our mission is to influence the standard of care delivered to our community through education and training, advocacy and policy development.