The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), one of Australia's oldest and most prestigious medical institutions, is in turmoil as a bitter internal power struggle escalates. Police were called to an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on a quiet Wednesday morning in Sydney, where members voted on whether to remove President Prof Jennifer Martin five weeks early. The meeting descended into chaos, with rival leaders holding competing sessions and accusing each other of misconduct.
Background of the Conflict
The RACP, which represents over 32,000 physicians across Australia and New Zealand, has been plagued by months of infighting. At the center of the dispute is a push for constitutional reform to separate the roles of president and board chair, championed by President-elect Dr Sharmila Chandran. Martin opposed the change, leading to a bitter rift that has paralyzed the college's governance.
Police Intervention and Disputed Vote
During the EGM, Chandran's husband called the police, claiming she felt intimidated. Officers attended but determined no crime had been committed. The vote resulted in a majority (2,179 out of 4,260) in favor of removing Martin, but the board declared the result invalid due to alleged scrutineering issues. Martin remains on the board according to some documents, while others show she has been removed.
"Our college now has two competing boards," wrote directors Dr Nick Buckmaster and Dr Janak de Zoysa in a statement to members, describing a "constitutional crisis." The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) has sought a meeting over "significant concerns."
Financial and Cultural Implications
The infighting has cost the college at least $640,000 in EGM expenses over six months, funded by membership fees that trainees must pay—amounting to $4,000 annually per trainee. Many doctors express frustration, with one pediatric trainee calling it "embarrassing" and "absurd" given the strain on the healthcare system. The RACP generated $87.3 million in revenue in 2024, primarily from fees, while employing over 400 staff.
"Physicians have been fed up with this hungry power struggle nonsense for the better part of a decade," said a Victorian fellow. The turmoil reflects a deeper culture of competition and toxicity, according to some members. "Doctors live in a world of constant competition," noted one physician. "That power struggle, that attitude of 'I will destroy you before you destroy me'..."
Broader Concerns
The RACP has a history of dysfunction, including a 2018 exam glitch that distressed hundreds of trainees and a 2019 warning from the charities watchdog. Recent legislative changes mean specialists no longer need college membership to practice, prompting some to leave. Dr Luke Gaffney, a general physician, called the situation "an absolute shitshow" and resigned. "It's so childish, so unprofessional," he said.
Questions also arise about the 2026 president-elect election, where no women are candidates, and nominees include figures with controversial stances on COVID-19 treatments. The college declined to comment on detailed questions.
The crisis has drawn attention from the Australian Medical Council, which is concerned about governance standards. As the RACP navigates this turmoil, many members fear the damage may be irreparable.
