Driving Change: GEM and MDI Action Plans Making Strong Progress Across the RACP
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) has made significant headway in implementing its Gender Equity in Medicine (GEM) Action Plan 2023–2026 and Membership Diversity and Inclusion (MDI) Action Plan 2023–2026 following their Board approval. These initiatives, designed to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across all levels of the College, are already showing tangible progress.
A dedicated DEI website now serves as a central hub for members, offering streamlined access to resources, updates, and key documents.
Turning plans into progress
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded in the RACP Strategic Plan 2022–2026 as core priorities. The College has formally adopted principles for gender equity in medicine and membership diversity and inclusion, integrating them into key processes such as expressions of interest, awards, prizes, College Body appointments, and event speaker selections.
The College has also endorsed a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Glossary of Terms, now available to all members, ensuring shared understanding across all activities. This glossary is a living document, updated regularly.
Gender representation and equity on College Bodies and College leadership is prioritised. The College set aspirational targets of at least 40% women and 40% men. According to the 2024 Member Statistics and Insights Report (members-only access), the College has made notable progress:
Across 198 active College Bodies, as of February 2025, membership is 48% men and 52% women.
Gender data on speakers at the College events, collected since early 2024, shows 47% men, 49% women, and 4% unspecified.
While non-binary members are not yet represented on College Bodies, four RACP members currently identify as non-binary.
The College has also developed a Calendar of Days of Significance, marking key diversity and inclusion observances to foster reflection, celebration, and allyship. These are regularly communicated to members, including through the President’s messages.
In alignment with GEM and MDI goals, the College has been systematically reviewing and updating policies to reflect inclusive language, improve event accessibility, and ensure equitable opportunities. Notable updates include:
Flexible Training Policy (effective January 2023), which expanded eligibility for part-time training, introduced “return to training” plans, and adjusted rules around interrupted training due to parental or medical leave.
Reviews of numerous policies in 2024–2025, including appointments, governance, awards, grants, writing guidelines, travel, trainee support, events, special considerations, and the overall policy framework.
The College continues to build external partnerships to address systemic challenges, including its engagement with the Advancing Women in Healthcare Leadership Program. The College will explore additional partnerships in both Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand in 2025 to strengthen collaboration and support the GEM and MDI Action Plans.
If you have any questions regarding our GEM or MDI Action Plans, please email Jiri Vrba, Project Manager, Member Wellbeing & Support at RACP.Diversity@racp.edu.au
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians
145 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Email: collaboration@racp.edu.au
Phone: 1300 MYRACP (1300 697227)