Orthopaedic surgeons could leave the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and establish their own training program in a bid to reduce fees.

The Australian Orthopaedic Association (AOA) is planning a plebiscite of its members to ask if they support seeking Australian Medical Council accreditation independent to the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS).

If accredited, the AOA would take on selection, training, exams and the assessment of IMG orthopaedic surgeons wanting to work in Australia.

“The proposal being put to members is intended to deliver greater autonomy and more direct engagement with the regulator and reduce cost and duplication of services in order to improve efficiency while continuing to uphold high standards of training,” AOA president Dr Mark Moroney told AusDoc.