1 Jun 2017

The Presidents of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and the Royal College of Physicians, London today signed a Letter of Intent to establish a new joint venture, the Academy of Physicians Colleges UK, building on the existing relationship known as the Federation of Royal Colleges of the United Kingdom.

This statement to set up the new organisation, due to be launched in early 2018, demonstrates the Colleges’ ongoing commitment to work closely together to develop and deliver examinations, training and education to physicians in the UK and across the globe.

This move represents an exciting opportunity for the Colleges to identify and exploit new opportunities, while continuing to:

  • innovate and deliver membership and specialty examinations that are recognised as quality benchmarks of medical knowledge and clinical skills around the world via MRCP(UK)
  • develop high quality core medical and specialty curricula and provide expert support for doctors in order to maintain the highest standards in UK physician training
  • provide high quality tools, such as the CPD online diary, to support and develop physicians throughout their careers.

Professor Derek Bell, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, said:

“I am pleased to sign this letter of intent today to establish the Academy of Physicians Colleges UK.  The new venture will allow us to take forward the examinations, training, curricula and CPD activity that we have delivered to physicians for the past 50 years with our sister Colleges. 

“I would like to thank all of our Fellows and Members who work with us to deliver the MRCP(UK) and other exams. I very much look forward to continuing to work with you to ensure the future success of the Academy and the services it will provide to physicians in the future.

The Presidents also wished to thank all college officers, fellows and partners, both in the UK and internationally, for their continued support and hard work to deliver these important and valued services for candidates, doctors in training and senior physicians.

Contact: Lisa Rooke - 0131 247 3688 / l.rooke@rcpe.ac.uk