COLLEGE OF SURGEONS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 33, 9 February 1927, Page 12

COLLEGE OF SURGEONS

IMPORTANT MEETING

AUSTRALASIAN INSTITUTION

(By Telegraph.)

(Special to "The Evening Post.") . ; . ," . DUNEDIN, This Day.

At the meeting of the 1 founders of the College of Surgeons of Australasia, the actions taken to form the. college by various meetings of delegates of surgeons in Australia and New Zealand and the provisional executive committee which they appointed, were confirmed, with a few minor amendments, and the college is now constituted. The objects of the college are set out in the following exordium, or pledge, which every founder has signed, and which every future fellow will have to sign:— '.' Whereas it is advisable, in the interests both of the people of Australia and New Zealand, and of those who practice the profession of surgery in these countries, that—(l) the high traditions of that profession should be upheld and developed; (2) the intensive study of the science ana art of surgery, and the. extension of surgical knowledge by means of research, should be promoted; (3) facilities should be provided for the higher education and advanced technical training of surgeous and surgical specialists; (4) a high standard of moral conduct should be demanded from all who accept the responsibilities of surgeon in their relations with patients and members of the medical profession; (5) the public should be educated to recognise that the practice of surgery demands adequate and special training; (6) the standards of surgical practice in hospitals should be elevated; we, the undersigned, of our own free will, bind ourselves together for the fulfilment of the aforesaid objects and hereby form ourselves into the College of Surgeons of Australasia, and we pledge ourselves to obey all such bylaws, regulations, and ordinances as may be adopted from time to time by the college or by its governing body or duly delegated authority, arid wo will submit to any penalties, including that of expulsion from the college, that may bo imposed by the college or by the governing body, for violation of any of the said bylaws, regulations, or ordinances." The president, who will also for a .time act as .director-general, is Sir George Symo. The vice-presidents are Sir Alexander MacCormick and Dr. L. E. Barnett, the honorary secretary and treasurer is Dr. A. L. Kenny, and the other members of the council arc Drs. Gordon Craig, H. B. Devine, H. S. Newland, "W. N. Eobertsou, Hamilton Russell, Professor Sandes, and R. Worrall. In addition to the original 40 founders, a large number of foundation fellows have been elected, senior surgeons whose skill and reputation are beyond question. Future candidates for election must be nominated by their fellows, and furnish information as to their attainments and references as to character". These applications will be considered by . the credentials committee, in the Dominion or in the State of the Commonwealth in which hue applicant practices. This committee consists of senior surgeons who will make full inquiries and report to the council, which will; finally decide as to the candidate's fitness.