Who is Dr Goldman
Dr Robert Goldman is a FRACS (Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons ID 141033) registered surgeon with a special interest in Breast and Body procedures.
Dr Goldman lives in Perth and practices out of his Mt Lawley consulting rooms and performs surgery in Joondalup. He has been a surgeon for over 27 years and performs both surgical and non-surgical procedures.
Understanding FRACS: What It Means and Why It Matters
When choosing a surgeon, you may come across the abbreviated term FRACS. As stated above, FRACS stands for (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons). This credential is more than just a title—it represents the highest level of surgical training and expertise in Australia and New Zealand.
FRACS is a qualification awarded by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). This organisation is responsible for maintaining and regulating surgical training standards across both Australia and New Zealand. Surgeons who attain FRACS must complete a minimum of twelve years of medical and surgical education, including five years of specialist postgraduate training.
Becoming a FRACS-Certified Surgeon
Achieving FRACS is not a simple process—it requires years of dedication and advanced training. To earn this qualification, a surgeon must:
- Complete a recognised medical degree and initial postgraduate training.
- Undergo an extensive specialist surgical training program under the supervision of RACS.
- Pass rigorous examinations that test their technical knowledge, clinical skills and decision-making.
- Demonstrate ongoing commitment to professional development, ethical practice, and patient safety.
This qualification is not merely an endorsement; it is an assurance that the surgeon has met the strictest competency and ethical standards set by RACS.
Why FRACS Matters When Choosing a Surgeon
In Australia, any medical practitioner can perform surgery, but not all doctors performing surgery are fully qualified surgeons. Some healthcare providers may offer surgical procedures without having undergone the extensive specialist training required for FRACS certification. This distinction is crucial because:
- FRACS-certified surgeons have received the highest level of accredited surgical education and are recognised as specialists in their field.
- They are held to strict professional and ethical standards, ensuring patient safety and best-practice care.
- They engage in ongoing education and skill development, staying up to date with the latest advancements in surgical techniques.
The title ’surgeon’ has recently been designated by law to apply only to FRACS-titled surgeons and, therefore, only to those who are specialist surgeons. Choosing a surgeon with FRACS accreditation provides confidence that you are in the hands of a fully trained, skilled professional.
