Welcome to the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh

Our Fellows and Members across the UK and internationally are the driving force of the College. Our aim is clear: to support doctors at every career stage and to provide high quality professional and personal development opportunities to progress our goal of improving medical standards. 

As a professional membership organisation and a registered charity, all of our work is enriched by the voluntary leadership, contributions and expertise of our global community of healthcare professionals. Whether you are a medical student or a recently appointed Consultant, we are here for you.

Discover the College

Leading Physicians since 1681

The College enables our global community of physicians to improve public health for the long term benefit of society, by providing the highest standards of education and training. 

We contribute to the development of medical care standards and training, influencing the direction of healthcare improvements. We advocate for evidence-based health policies and strive to ensure that physicians' perspectives and clinical experiences are considered by policymakers across the UK.

Join the College

We have membership options for every stage of your career, including free membership for student and foundation doctors.

Learning and training with RCPE

Whether you're a trainee doctor, recently appointed consultant or specialty physician, we have resources, online events and podcasts that will provide valuable insights to support your career.  

  • Inclusive, digitally accessible and family friendly 

  • Discounted rates for students, foundation doctors and doctors in low-middle income countries. Plus save on fees for specialist training and educational events 

  • Opportunities to develop your specialty and enhance your career

  • Apply for grants and scholarships

  • Free access to the Education Portal, providing hundreds of hours of clinical and non-clinical content and resources allowing you to catch up in your own time

  • Access our mentoring scheme

Making change: advancing healthcare

Sign up here

Do you want to keep up to date with our events, educational programme, podcasts and more? Sign up below. 

diploma ceremony

Our members are the driving force of the College

All of our work is enriched by the voluntary leadership, contributions and expertise of our global community of healthcare professionals. 

The College is honoured to have an esteemed network of international Fellows and Collegiate Members in over 100 countries, reflecting our global reach and influence. We offer a range of ways to become involved in our activities that can fit around your interests and availability. We have opportunities both online and in-person, in the UK and internationally.

Through our international volunteering initiatives and partnerships, we create impactful opportunities for talented individuals to expand their skills. We celebrate the remarkable achievements of our Fellows and Members who make significant contributions to medicine and healthcare across the world.

new library

Scotland's oldest medical library 

We hold over 70,000 books, including a copy of the first edition of the first book printed on medicine - the De Medicina of Celsus, published in 1478 -  and almost 1500 journals, some of which are particularly rare. Also discover our free museum where we explore the science & humanity of medicine.