PSA 2026 ASC – Back to Future: Reinvention of the Rural Surgeon

  • Wednesday 02 – Friday 04 September
  • ORANGE Ex-Services’ Club

In 2026, the necessity of, and reliance on, fully-functioning rural and regional areas has never been more obvious in the midst of a global fuel crisis where regional industry is vital to the country.  The Provincial Surgeons of Australia Annual Scientific Conference will tap into this narrative come September in the stunning city of Orange, to bring to the forefront the importance of surgeons to their communities – vital cogs in the wheels that keeps our country running. Highly skilled, yet in tune with the nuances of surgery and communities that regional areas brings, along with the changing face of general surgery in the bush. 

Convened by Dr Stephen Hayes and Dr Chelsea Beinke, the program is dedicated to the unique complexities of Rural General Surgery and how this has changed (or not!) over the years. The program will cover important clinical updates in key areas including: Colorectal, Hernia, Breast and Endocrine, Perioperative Medicine, Trauma, Upper GI, and Surgical Technologies. Complimenting clinical deep dives will be topical sessions including: Snapshot of the Nation – state by state rural and regional centres, the progression of Rural Rural Surgery, and a Case Study: Introduction to Orange and the Regional healthcare network. ​

We look forward to seeing you in Orange this September!

About the PSA

“Verissimum non Taurum” – “Fair dinkum, no bullshit”

The Provincial Surgeons of Australia held their first conference in Shepparton, Victoria, back in 1965. Convened by pioneering rural surgeon Dr James ‘Jim’ Pryor, it was designed to provide education in, and camaraderie around, operating in the bush – a representation of rural surgeons across Australia and New Zealand. Under the banner of “Verissimum non Taurum” – “Fair dinkum, no bullshit”, the PSA aims to present and impart important and necessary education unique to the regional setting, and acts as a vital platform for maintaining high standards of surgical care in rural areas.

The PSA ASC also fosters international relationships through funding of surgeons and surgical trainees from Papua New Guinea, and works to promote rural surgery as a career choice for up and coming doctors in training.

Another very important and highly valued part of the program is connection. Rural Surgeons are cornerstones of their communities and a healthy community requires a robust healthcare service, so it is vital that doctors in training are shown the many unique benefits of a rural surgery career. Mentoring at the training level is a key component, along with encouraging and showcasing rural-specific research. Further to that, the social program forms an important backbone where a lot of the relationship building takes place.

The PSA ASC is widely known for it’s welcoming nature, robust and interesting program, and brilliant social program – all shared with the humour and spirit of the bush.  

We look forward to seeing you in Orange this September!

WHERE TO STAY

Experience art and wine culture, relax in picture-perfect villages, or enjoy heritage stays in restored convents and shearing sheds in and around the beautiful region of Orange. The town itself offers plenty of choice, or head out of town to experience the true beauty of the area. Top tip: make sure your stay includes a fireplace with a view so you can wrap yourself in warmth while witnessing the beauty of a snow flurry.

SOCIAL DINNERS

The PSA ASC is as much about education as it is about socialising and friendship. The region of Orange, with their award-winning vineyards and restaurants will lend itself perfectly this September to the camaraderie and friendship that the PSA ASC is famous for. Find out more about the social program including associates program...

SUPPORT THE PSA ASC

We are pleased to welcome our industry partners to Orange for a fantastic educational and social program. Companies who have supported the PSA ASC find it one of the more worthy conferences to join, due to the intimate and friendly environment We have a limited number of exhibition and sponsorship opportunities available...find out more.