Dr Kristopher Rallah-Baker

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZO) has apologised “unreservedly” to Australian Indigenous ophthalmologist Dr Kristopher Rallah-Baker for its response to his article outlining personal experiences, including “blatant racism, degradation, training delays, bullying, harassment and racial vilification”. It has also pledged that the RANZCO Board and CEO will will undertake cultural safety training and announced that Dr Rallah-Baker, who is a member of the RANZCO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Committee, has accepted the role of vice-Chair of the RANZCO Reconciliation Action Plan committee.

The announcement comes after meetings between RANZCO and Dr Rallah-Baker at its Scientific Congress in Adelaide resulting in a joint statement which says RANZCO is working with Dr Rallah-Baker to foster a positive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees.

The move follows a public stoush between the two parties, following RANZCO’s response to Dr Rallah-Baker’s article, published in Insight. An open letter in support of Dr Rallah-Baker, signed by Australian and New Zealand health professionals and academics, and members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities was published on Australian health-focused social journalism site Croakey.org. It said in RANZCO CEO Dr David Andrews’ editorial response “Dr Rallah-Baker’s experiences were discounted and dismissed without investigation.” It went on to say RANZCO’s stance did not appear to be conducive to redressing the gross under-representation of Indigenous Peoples within ophthalmology. (See previous article here).

The full statement reads:

“We had a very positive meeting and the College acknowledges and apologises unreservedly for any distress experienced by Dr Rallah-Baker and his family including in relation to our recent communications in the press. The RANZCO Board realises that its communication could and should have been better and more understanding of Dr Rallah-Baker’s experience. We confirm our desire to work together to ensure the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders doctors in the training program and to improve health outcomes in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

“We will collaborate closely to ensure a positive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees and to improve cultural safety amongst College members. Dr Rallah-Baker is a member of the RANZCO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Committee and has accepted the role of vice-Chair of the RANZCO Reconciliation Action Plan committee. To demonstrate its commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and reconciliation and to set an example for the College, the RANZCO Board and CEO will undertake cultural safety training.

“We look forward to fostering positive relationships with other organisations involved with improving health outcomes for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples of Australia.”