Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians of London (RCP London) is a prestigious accolade held by some of the most innovative and exceptional physicians in the world. Here is all the necessary information newly elected fellows need to understand what opportunities are available to them.
Becoming an RCP fellow
The RCP’s work draws upon the knowledge, skills and experiences of all our members and our strength and authority as an organisation depends on our fellows and members’ sustained engagement. We want our fellows to play an active role in the RCP, because the commitment that you make is one of the key factors that will determine our future success and ability to lead physicians from around the world.
Fellows assist with the RCP’s main objectives by supporting and contributing to the RCP to:
- champion the values of the medical profession
- promote and improve patient-centred care
- influence the health care agenda
- improve standards in clinical practice.
Why be a fellow?
As an RCP fellow you will have the right to use the FRCP postnominal. In addition, fellowship enables you to:
- influence national health policy via personal representation on groups and committees and input into consultations
- play an active role in the direction and governance of the RCP, through voting and having the opportunity to stand in elections and sit on Council
- be involved in the development of specialty specific curricula, core medical training, educational support and national guidelines and standards which improve patient safety
- sit on the appointments advisory committee
- deliver the MRCP(UK) exams and SCEs both in the UK and internationally
- provide local support through college tutors and regional advisors of trainees and consultants
- propose colleagues for fellowship.
As an international fellow you can also:
- use the FRCP postnominal, being recognised internationally as a physician of high standing
- act as an ambassador for the RCP in your local region and country
- help the RCP to understand how it can be most effective as an international organisation.
How much does it cost?
On acceptance of fellowship there is an administration fee of £270 to be paid. Your fellowship subscription will then begin from the following January. Fees vary depending on location (UK or international), career grade and number of PAs worked (UK). Concessionary rates apply to UK fellows in the first four years of fellowship and start from £416 in the first year.
Fellowship candidates who have recently been elected to fellowship, by the RCP Council, will be sent an email which will allow access to our acceptance form. These candidates will need to complete and submit our acceptance form and pay an admission fee (currently £270) in order to accept our award of fellowship.
In order to maintain fellowship our elected fellows will need to adhere to bye-law 152.
Information on fellowship feesNew fellows ceremonies
Our new fellows ceremonies are a celebration of the best of medicine where we welcome new fellows, and on occasion honorary fellows, from all over the world. The ceremonies are led by the president, and registrar, and you will also get the chance to meet other medical officers of the RCP.
New fellows ceremonies