A view through the lens of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA)
For many doctors, “medical administration” sounds vague or bureaucratic. But in reality, it’s a defined specialist pathway and a vital one for health systems. RACMA is the specialist medical college for doctors who lead, manage and govern health systems in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
As a career coach for medical professionals, I find that understanding what RACMA teaches and promotes helps clinicians better communicate their leadership value and consider broader career directions. And, given that the roles of a RACMA-trained medical leader (Medical Expert, Communicator, Collaborator, Health Advocate, Manager, Scholar and Professional) are common to most clinical specialties, there are many areas that doctors have already developed during their clinical education and training. This makes administration an appealing pathway for those interested in systemic change.
Scope of Practice – 8 core dimensions
RACMA-trained medical administrators work across eight key areas:
- Strategic Planning & Implementation
- Integration
- Workforce
- Governance for Quality & Safety
- Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement
- Digital Health & Clinical Informatics
- Medico‑legal
- Research & Innovation
If you’re stepping into a leadership role, or considering one, this framework helps you:
- Understand how your experience fits
- Communicate your leadership contributions
- Prepare for future roles in health system governance
Recommended resource: The LEADS Framework from the Canadian College of Health Leaders complements RACMA’s model. It offers clear guidance on health leadership competencies: 🔗 https://cchl-ccls.ca/pld-leads/the-leads-framework/
Feel free to contact me if you’d like support in mapping your experience to these frameworks.
