Currently in Australia there is no legislation to stop any doctor calling themselves a surgeon, regardless of whether or not they have had any appropriate or advanced surgical training.

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons strictly recommends that all surgery be performed only by appropriately qualified specialist surgeons. To ensure you have selected a well trained surgeon look for the FRACS qualification after their name. FRACS indicates that the doctor has undertaken significant specialized training and passed all examinations over many years to become a surgeon.

Ear Nose and Throat Surgeons, like other specialist surgeons, have completed extensive training and multiple practical and theory examinations over a minimum of 7 years following successful completion of medical school. The Ear Nose and Throat surgical training program is governed by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.