The Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (Inc) is the professional organisation for cardiac and thoracic surgeons in Australia and New Zealand. The Society is committed to clinical excellence and the promotion of research. Information on cardiac and thoracic topics is delivered to our members primarily through our annual conference held in the latter half of the year. International and local speakers present a strong educational program to ensure the availability of continuing education for all our members. Additionally the Society has the responsibility for overseeing the selection and training of young surgeons under the auspices of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
The Society has developed a comprehensive database and a unique risk score for CABG patients, to enable the continuing monitoring of outcomes in our area of speciality. It is envisaged in the future that all institutions performing cardiothoracic procedures in Australia will have access to this valuable monitoring tool. At present data is gathered from nearly half of the private and public cardiothoracic surgical units and there are more coming on board in the near future. The Society owns the intellectual property of the aggregate data which ensures accountability and confidentiality are both retained.
Executive members of the society represent our members on various government committees such as the CMBS and Therapeutic Devices. Liaison with the private and public health sector to further advance the interests of our members plus negotiations for individual members when complex issues cannot be resolved is included in our charter.
