In just four weeks, the 32,000 members of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians will vote on whether to remove their incoming president.

The unprecedented situation is unfolding amid mass board resignations, allegations of toxic leadership, and a looming legal battle, with critics of Dr Sharmila Chandran reportedly preparing a fallback plan to force another vote should the first one fail on 31 October.

Late last week, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) revealed the membership would vote on three resolutions at an EGM, including whether to oust the president-elect from the board.

Last month, the Melbourne renal physician was subject to a vote of no confidence by the board, accusing her of “adversarial and disrespectful behaviour” and contributing “to a toxic culture at the board table that has led to the early departure of directors”.