FRACS stands for “Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons”
This is the only recognised and credentialed organisation in Australia to undertake the training of surgeons (recognised by AMC, Medicare, health funds, and Private Hospitals). It is the body that undertakes training of surgeons in 9 specialties including: Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Orthopaedic surgery, Vascular Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, General Surgery, Urology, Paediatric Surgery, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (ENT) and Neurosurgery.
If your surgeon has the letters FRACS after their name this indicates they have undergone the rigorous selection process, training and examination process of the College of Surgeons.
The letters FRACS(Plast) indicates that your surgeon has undergone the Plastic and Reconstructive surgery training under the College of Surgeons, the only training program dedicated to the teaching and training of plastic surgery in this country.
Please note that there is no legal requirement in this country to have this qualification to undertake cosmetic surgery. Anyone with a basic medical degree can undertake cosmetic surgery, and surgeons with FRACS but in other specialties can also undertake cosmetic surgery.
Your safeguard is to look for a fully qualified Plastic Surgeon as reflected by the letters FRACS (Plast) next to your doctor’s name and check that they are affiliated with the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). These titles and memberships are only available to fully qualified Plastic Surgeons who have undergone many years of training and exams in surgery beyond the basic medical school training.