President of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr David Morgan

Sydney.  December 6, 2024: The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons will closely monitor the outcome of last week’s Health Minister’s Meeting, specifically discussion regarding the proposed fast-track registration of Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs).

ASPS is concerned that the current proposal will essentially create a two-tiered system of specialist registration. The quality of specialist care Australians receive could be compromised, and will effectively be determined by a patient’s postcode.  

Dr David Morgan, President of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons said: “We hope the Health Ministers will consider the long-term consequences of hastily implementing these expedited registration processes for SIMG’s, which will lead to the establishment of differing standards across regions.  

“A new system of registration for SIMG’s could result in lower standards of medical care for all Australians, but particularly those in rural and remote Australia.”

Previous concerns that ASPS, and other specialist colleges and societies, have collectively raised about the proposed changes to SIMG pathways are listed below

• Reduced supervision requirements for newly registered international specialists  
• Shortened assessment processes that do not fully evaluate clinical competency  
• Limited oversight of the scope of practice in regional settings  
• Insufficient support structures for SIMGs in regional placements  
• Lack of clear continuing professional development frameworks
• No clear mechanism to ensure SIMGs go to areas of greatest need 

Dr Morgan continued: “All Australians deserve ready access to fully qualified specialists no matter where they live.  Effectively endorsing different standards for different regions is not the answer to our hospital and surgical challenges, especially in remote and rural regions.”

The medical sector has recommended a mentoring program offering enhanced support programs for SIMGs, via Specialist Medical Colleges. This will improve assessment efficiency without compromising surgical standards. 

Morgan said: “We acknowledge that international medical graduates have long been vital to Australia’s healthcare system. By providing structured professional development programs, will ensure SIMGS are better integrated into existing specialist networks in Australia. 

“Rushing registration processes will not solve the problem of a shortage of doctors. We need workable solutions that support international specialists. Additionally we must meet Australia’s high standards, not shortcuts that risk patient safety and professional standards.”

 Morgan concluded: “We urge Government to consider these issues carefully at today’s meeting and we look forward to working with all stakeholders to develop solutions that maintain high standards while improving access to specialist care across all regions. “

ASPS would like to work with all levels of Government and key stakeholders to propose alternative sustainable solutions and ultimately safely implement a safe program for registering SIMGs.
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For further information contact Sandra Hogg, Mohr PR on +61 403 823 218

Visit Dr David Morgan’s website here.

For a full list of ASPS Council members visit here.

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Sydney.  November 11, 2024 – The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) celebrates a groundbreaking achievement at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, which has become the first hospital in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region to introduce cutting-edge robotic technology for microsurgery.

Dr Eldon Mah, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at St Vincent’s and a member of the ASPS, is the first surgeon in Australia trained to operate this advanced technology; and alongside colleague and specialist plastic surgeon Dr Sophie Ricketts undertook the first successful patient case using the technology.

The robotic surgical system – called the Symani Surgical System – enables surgeons to operate with unmatched precision, on vessels smaller than a millimetre in diameter.

President of ASPS, Dr David Morgan said this is a groundbreaking advancement for surgical innovation and marks a new era in microsurgery and patient treatment and reflects the ambition of Specialist Plastic Surgeons to expand the field of reconstructive microsurgery for patient benefit and pave a path for the next generation of plastic surgeons

Morgan said: “The broader impact of this robotic technology is that it opens up possibilities for procedures that will significantly improve patient care, particularly in complex reconstructions after cancer, trauma, and nerve injuries. The precision offered by the technology allows surgeons to perform highly delicate operations with greater confidence and improved results. 

“ASPS is delighted to see Dr Mah, his surgical colleagues and St Vincent’s embracing this new technology to transform the way we conduct microsurgery. They are helping lead a global change that will enable specialist plastic surgeons to provide better surgical care for Australians in need,” he said.

Developed by the Italian company Medical Microinstruments Inc. (MMI), the Symani Surgical System, is a tele-operated robot that mimics the surgeon’s hand and wrist movements, scaling them down to perform intricate, delicate operations in areas of the body that are challenging for human hands to access.

This first-of-its-kind technology is set to transform reconstructive procedures by enhancing surgical precision and expanding the capabilities of microsurgery. Dr Mah and plastic surgeon colleague Dr Ed Morrison worked closely with Device Technologies and MMI to bring this unique technology to Australia.

Integral to the robot’s success are its specialised wristed instruments incorporating tremor-reduction and motion-scaling technologies, which help address the difficulties of microsurgery procedures, empowering surgeons to perform minimally invasive, complex reconstructive procedures that were previously difficult to achieve.

 Dr Eldon Mah, the first surgeon in Australia to operate on patients using the robotic system said the technology revolutionises microsurgery and changes how surgeons can repair delicate structures in the body, ultimately improving patient outcomes and expanding the range of potential treatments.

Dr Mah said:  “The ability to repair structures such as blood vessels less than a millimetre in dimension takes the degree of surgical precision to previously unimaginable levels.  Robotic microsurgery has the potential to reduce the need for multiple surgeries, minimise patient recovery time, and reduce surgeon fatigue.

“This breakthrough positions Australia at the forefront of APAC medical innovation and builds on St Vincent’s legacy of microsurgical excellence. I encourage all plastic surgeons interested in this field to follow the machine’s advancements as they unfold, we are literally on the cutting edge of what can now be achieved in microscopic reconstructive surgery.”

Initially, the Symani robot will be used in breast reconstruction, sarcoma, head and neck cancer reconstruction, and digit replantation. As the technology advances, its applications will extend to lymphatic repair, management of chronic wounds such as those associated with diabetic foot disease, and peripheral vascular disease treatment.

“Introducing the Symani Surgical System at St Vincent’s marks a pivotal moment for microsurgery in Australia and throughout the Asia-Pacific region,” said Dr Damien Grinsell, Director Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne.

“The precision and capability this technology brings to delicate reconstructive procedures represent a monumental step forward, not only in how we approach complex cases but also in the quality of patient outcomes we can achieve. This advancement sets a new standard in our commitment to providing world-class surgical care, and I am incredibly proud of our team for leading this groundbreaking work.”

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Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons elects Dr David Morgan as new President

Sydney.  May 13, 2024:  The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) announces the election of Dr David Morgan as its new President.  Dr Morgan, an eminent plastic surgeon with a surgical career spanning more than two decades, brings a wealth of experience, expertise and vision to his new role.

With a strong commitment to excellence in patient care, education and advocacy, Dr Morgan has consistently demonstrated his dedication to advancing the field of plastic surgery in Australia and beyond.  As incoming President, he will lead The Society in its mission to maintain and provide the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity, professional surgical competence and skill, and innovation in plastic surgery.

On his election, Dr Morgan said: “I am honoured to be elected as President of ASPS.  Having being a member of ASPS’ Council in various roles for eight years I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with my colleagues to further improve the standards of our profession, while ensuring the safety and well-being of our patients.”

Based in Melbourne, Dr Morgan’s medical and surgical background encompasses a wide range of plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures. His particular interests are in cosmetic and functional breast surgery, cosmetic facial surgery, minor hand surgery, and the management of skin cancer and melanoma.

Throughout his career, he has taken an active interest and involvement in research, education and training contributing significantly to the advancement of plastic surgery both nationally and internationally.

He also maintains a keen interest in managing acute facial trauma and is currently the Head of the Faciomaxillary Surgery Unit at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.

Dr Morgan continued: “My main goals as elected President of ASPS will be to continue the excellent work of my predecessor Dr Nicola Dean, in advocating for our specialty as a reasoned voice and subject matter expert in the area of cosmetic surgery; to overcome access issues for our members and their patients in the private hospital sector; and to highlight the incredible work that our members do across the breadth of plastic surgery, from post-cancer reconstruction, to delicate hand surgery, and major burns care.

“I also plan to focus on initiatives that promote education and professional development among ASPS members, foster interdisciplinary collaboration within the medical and surgical communities and advocate for government policies that prioritise patient safety and access to quality care.

Outgoing President Dr Nicola Dean said: “I have every confidence that David will do a great job as ASPS’ next President and will continue to strengthen our position as a leading authority in plastic surgery advocating for the highest standards of patient care and professional practice.”

Dr David Morgan’s appointment is effective immediately.

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For further information, please contact: Sandra Hogg, Mohr PR on +61 403 823 218

Visit Dr David Morgan’s website here.

For a full list of ASPS Council members visit here.

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Specialist Plastic Surgeons have been calling for such changes for many years.  We cannot tolerate the situation in Australia where rogue practitioners are performing cosmetic procedures in unhygienic, inappropriate premises.

There is no doubt that the various regulatory changes to-date have put cosmetic surgery on a safer footing in Australia.  However, ASPS does have some concerns about some of the details and more work needs to be done. 

In regards to psychological assessment and consent processes, it is important that the confidential doctor-patient relationship is preserved, and that the implementation of these new standards does not mean that hospital administrators are able to look at psychological test results or private patient details of consultations.

Standards should be implemented in a way that mean private hospitals are not overloaded with paperwork.  If they are, these institutions may refuse to host cosmetic surgery and patients may be pushed overseas. 

Finally, ASPS believes the standards do not go far enough in regards to the accreditation of doctors.  As it is the standards do not require practitioners performing cosmetic surgery to be qualified surgeons.  This is a significant gap. 

Cosmetic surgery is real surgery and should only be performed by surgeons. This is what the Australian community expect and deserve.

Download the National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards here.

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Attribution: Associate Professor, Dr Nicola Dean, president Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons

For further information, pls contact Sandra Hogg, Mohr PR on +61 403 823 218

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The investigative reports highlighted the horrific experiences of Australians at the hands of so-called podiatric surgeons. 

Use of the title “Surgeon” is a privilege and should be restricted for use only by specialist medical practitioners who have completed rigorous specialist surgical training approved by the Australian Medical Council (AMC). A recent change to the National Law means that if someone is registered as a medical practitioner, there are strict rules about calling themselves a surgeon, but these rules do not apply to healthcare providers outside of the medical sector.

The Australian Orthopaedic Association (AOA) recently made a submission to AHPRA calling for an enquiry into why Podiatric ‘Surgeons’ are the only group of individuals who are legally allowed to operate on the Australian public, yet do not have their training accredited, inspected or audited by the AMC.  ASPS supports AOA’s submission.

ASPS thanks the Australian Orthopaedic Association for drawing attention to this very serious issue and moving AHPRA to take action in order to protect the public.

For further information please read the article: We need our health watchdogs to protect us (theage.com.au)

For further information, pls contact Sandra Hogg, Mohr PR on +61 403 823 218

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Changes to the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009 which is hosted by Queensland – will strengthen the regulation of cosmetic surgery in Australia; increases patient safety and protection and safeguard patients against “cosmetic cowboys”.

The title ‘surgeon’ can only be used by specialist medical practitioners who have completed necessary rigorous surgical training approved by an Australian Medical Council (AMC) accredited College that provides specialist surgical training.

The new ruling follows several years of reports of patients being harmed by underqualified practitioners conducting surgical procedures.  The Health Ministers of Australia came together and worked collaboratively to look at how best to protect the public. 

Nicola Dean, President, ASPS: said: “We welcome Minister Fentiman’s announcement and are 100 percent supportive of the new ruling. Restricting the use of the title ‘surgeon’ is vital for patient safety, so that there is transparency regarding the actual training and qualifications of practitioners.

“To be able to call yourself a ‘surgeon’ is to hold a position of privilege and trust. In the past, there have been too many practitioners in the cosmetic surgery space who have abused that trust and compromised patient safety with appalling consequences. This new ruling will go a long way to help the public understand who is safe to perform surgery.”

In Australia, the only AMC-accredited training for cosmetic surgery is conducted under the umbrella of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) and is one of the components of the Plastic and Reconstructive Training SET (Surgical and Education Training) program delivered by the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Dr Dean continued: “Specialist Plastic Surgeons have 12 years of training and specific training in cosmetic surgery, but all those doctors who have a FRACS after their names are trained to high standards through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Recently we have been asking patients to “Look for the FRACS title” but now, thanks to this amendment passing, it will be even easier for the public to know who is safe. 

“By working together, the Federal Health Minster, The Hon Mark Butler MP and all the Health Ministers of Australia have demonstrated they are taking the health of women and men undergoing cosmetic surgery seriously and have delivered this great result for patient safety,” Dr Dean concluded.

Practitioners who use the title without having completed the appropriate accredited surgical training will face up to three years in prison and a $60,000 fine.  The Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency is also moving to introduce stronger laws around advertising and the use of online influencers and brand ambassadors to promote cosmetic procedures.

Other measures being taken to better regulate the cosmetic surgery industry include new licensing standards for private facilities and establishing a credentialing system to endorse qualified providers.

Australians who are considering cosmetic surgery can check a practitioner’s qualifications via the AHPRA or ASPS websites and make the most informed choice possible.

ENDS

For further information, pls contact Sandra Hogg, Mohr PR on +61 403 823 218

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Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women
The Honourable Shannon Fentiman

• The Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (Surgeons) Amendment Bill 2023 has been passed by Queensland Parliament
• The amendments will strengthen the regulation of cosmetic surgery in Australia and increase public protection
• Penalties for incorrect use of the title “surgeon” include up to three years in prison and a $60,000 fine.

The Queensland Government has passed an amendment to the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009 aimed at safeguarding Australians against “cosmetic cowboys”.

Changes to the national law — which is hosted by Queensland — will protect the title of ‘surgeon’ within the medical profession.

These changes mean only qualified doctors with significant surgical training can use the title ‘surgeon’ when promoting and conducting their services.

Doctors who use the title without having completed the appropriate accredited surgical training will face up to three years in prison and a $60,000 fine.

Other measures being taken to better regulate the cosmetic surgery industry include new licensing standards for private facilities and establishing a credentialing system to endorse qualified providers.

The Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency is also moving to introduce stronger laws around advertising and the use of online influencers and brand ambassadors to promote cosmetic procedures.

With support from all state and territory Health Ministers, the Bill was introduced to Queensland Parliament in April 2023, before being referred to Queensland Parliament’s Health and Environment Committee for consideration.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman:

“The passage of this bill is incredibly important. It will help protect Queenslanders, and all Australians, from potentially unsafe cosmetic surgery.

“This amendment was made in response to patient concerns over the lack of regulation and oversight in the cosmetic surgery industry.

“Now that this Bill has passed, it means that medical practitioners are only be able to use the title ‘surgeon’ if they possess the advanced surgical training and qualifications most people would reasonably expect.

“Prior to this amendment, any medical practitioner was able to promote themselves as a cosmetic or aesthetic surgeon, regardless of their qualifications and level of training.

“This is just another way the Queensland Government is protecting the health and safety of all Queenslanders.”

ENDS

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The AMC Correction Statement can be read here.

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The objective of the “Meet the Master Crafters” campaign is to highlight the specialist training and qualifications of ASPS specialist plastic surgeons and their advocacy for patient safety. Created using generative AI technology – a first for the plastic surgery sector – the campaign launches across paid and owned assets including SEM, Facebook and programmatic Display.

Danny Molyneux, Chief Strategy Officer, Claxon said: “We love a brave client who is prepared to pioneer the integration of AI and design into what is traditionally a more conservative field, in order to get their important messages across to Australians who may be considering or undergoing plastic surgery.

“Meet the Master Crafters is about creating a deeper connection with Australians considering or undergoing plastic surgery. It doesn’t depend on showcasing what ASPS surgeons do; it goes much deeper and tells a compelling story about ASPS’ commitment to excellence and patient safety.”

Meet the Master Crafters turns the microscope onto ASPS surgeons, highlighting their authentic human-side by sharing insight into their lives, passions and experiences outside of the operating theatre. The campaign aims to build trust with consumers and cleverly weaves in ASPS’ messages of higher qualifications and patient safety by building the association that ASPS specialist surgeons are Masters Crafters of their profession and ‘FRACS* is the gold standard’ of qualification.

Victoria Hutchinson, Art Director, Claxon said the innovative campaign reflects a forward-looking approach and vision for the future of plastic surgery.

Hutchinson said: “By embracing AI, humanity and design, the campaign forges a new era in this sector and we are thrilled ASPS has been fearless enough to embrace the technology and lead with a first-of-its-kind initiative for their specialist field. Hutchinson continued: “We have used supplied imagery of the three specialist surgeons who front the campaign, and then used the brilliance of generative AI to place them in simulated environments which talks to their lives outside of their craft, be that as a farmer or theatre or ballet devotee. “

Dr Nicola Dean, President of ASPS, said: “ASPS advocates for patient safety and welfare with transparency of the surgeon’s true qualifications and expertise. “We are delighted this unique digital campaign will help highlight the key differences in surgical training between specialist surgeons and non-specialist practitioners and will help Australians who are considering plastic surgery make more informed choices about the specialist plastic surgeon they choose.”

Meet the Master Crafters launches on July 31 running across digital and social channels for four weeks, with the expectation the campaign will be extended across more channels in future.

For further information, pls contact Sandra Hogg, Mohr PR on +61 403 823 218

Note to editors: *FRACS is a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons is a non-profit organisation with a membership that represents 95% of plastic surgeons in the country, ASPS encompasses professionals practicing in both the reconstructive and cosmetic fields, across private and public hospitals. Surgeons undergo a rigorous training process that spans at least five years of specialised surgical education, culminating in a total of 12 years of medical and surgical training. All ASPS members hold a Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS Plast).

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RACS is the only college accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) to provide training leading to registration in the medical specialty of surgery. ACCSM is an unaccredited group mostly made of practitioners who are not specialist surgeons. Read more.

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