Here’s a concise update on the latest news about the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP).
A major infighting story dominated headlines in early 2026, highlighting leadership disputes and governance tensions within the RACP. The coverage depicted rival factions vying for control of the college’s presidency and board, leading to highly charged meetings and regulatory scrutiny. This has raised questions about the college’s ability to focus on training and accreditation, with members expressing concern about distractions from core mission and standards.[1]
Separate, older regulatory and accreditation context remains relevant. In 2024–2025, the Australian Medical Council (AMC) accreditation processes signaled that the RACP’s education and training programs substantially met accreditation standards, with a four-year accreditation period granted subject to ongoing monitoring. This background helps situate the current governance debates within an established framework of program quality, even as internal leadership questions continue to unfold.[4][6]
The RACP maintains a public-facing communications and events presence. The college posts news and events outlining its training, member services, and broader activities across 33 specialties in Australia and New Zealand, which remains a core channel for member updates and governance notices. This suggests the organization continues to operate various programs and initiatives despite internal disagreements.[9][10]
Illustration: The governance turmoil is often summarized as a struggle over leadership and direction at a historically established college, with ongoing debates about constitutional changes, board governance, and member votes shaping the current landscape.[1]
Notes:
Citations:
Police called to tumultuous meeting of Royal Australasian College of Physicians, where rival leaders are locked in a battle for control. Exasperated doctors say the turmoil is a symptom of a deeper…
www.theguardian.comBreaking Royal Australasian College of Physicians news, analysis and opinion, tailored for Australian CIOs, IT managers and IT professionals.
www.itnews.com.auAs previously reported at Croakey, a recent media statement on climate change from the Royal Australasian College of Physicians generated
www.croakey.orgThe Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) trains & represents specialists from 33 different specialties, across Australia & Aotearoa New Zealand.
www.racp.edu.auprofessional development programs of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians substantially meet the accreditation standards. The 24 October 2024 meeting of the AMC Directors resolved: (i) That the Royal Australasian College of Physician’s specialist medical programs be granted accreditation for four years to 31 March 2029, subject to satisfying AMC monitoring
www.amc.org.auNo one will say what the investigation is about, but the college is vowing to continue business as usual
www.ausdoc.com.auThe Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) trains & represents specialists from 33 different specialties, across Australia & Aotearoa New Zealand.
www.racp.edu.auprofessional development programs of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians substantially meet the accreditation standards. The 24 October 2024 meeting of the AMC Directors resolved: (i) That the Royal Australasian College of Physician’s specialist medical programs be granted accreditation for four years to 31 March 2029, subject to satisfying AMC monitoring
www.amc.org.au