The Concord Institute of Academic Surgery is a collaborative hub for surgical research, education and innovation.
SydneyConnect Image: Concord Institute of Academic Surgery, academic initiatives
The Institute is at the forefront of advancing surgical practice and patient care through academic development, research translation and consumer-engaged projects.
The Institute is based at Concord Hospital.
The Concord Institute of Academic Surgery (CIAS), in partnership with The University of Sydney, works with surgeons, nursing, allied health and other surgically focused staff at Concord Hospital to deliver medical education, conduct multidisciplinary research and provide services.
The Institute’s Surgical Education Centre and Skills Laboratory, set to be officially launched in 2026, provides a space for clinicians to participate in hands-on skills training, practical workshops and peer-reviewed research sessions.
The Institute’s Surgical Early Education and Development Mentorship Program (SEED) was established in 2022 and supports junior doctors with surgical training and mentorship to help shape the future of surgery at the hospital.
SHARP Women, a mentoring network for women in surgery initiated by the Institute in 2021 and founded by Dr Justine O'Hara and Associate Professor Sarah Aitken, supports and promotes the ability, achievement, endeavour and diversity of women surgeons.
The Institute supports the Concord Hospital Surgical Senior Resident Medical Officer Network which provides clinicians with additional skills training in general surgery and surgical sub-specialities with opportunities for placements at Concord, Alice Springs Hospital in the Northern Territory and at The Children's Hospital Westmead.
The Institute also supports Surgical Grand Rounds during which surgeons and junior doctors discuss surgery related topics to enhance the clinical knowledge and critical thinking of medical students, residents and surgical trainees.
Our history
The Concord Institute of Academic Surgery was established in 2020 under the leadership of Co-Chairs Professor Pierre Chapuis and Associate Professor Sarah Aitken with Jean Mah-Collins as its inaugural Director.
With Professor Chapuis’ retirement in 2024, Professor Lewis Chan was named as the Institute’s next Co-Chair.
The Institute works closely with the University of Sydney’sClinical School to promote our education and research program and streamline research process for clinical researchers.
The Institute has a leading role in Sydney Health Partners’ Perioperative Care of Surgical Patients Clinical Academic Group which focuses on research into preventative care and wellness.
The Institute collaborates with the Surgical Outcomes Research Centre which is a partnership between Sydney Local Health District and the University of Sydney.
