The Top Advantages of being a Royal College Member
The Top Advantages of being a Royal College Member
A Medical Royal College ensures that patients are safely and properly cared for by setting standards for the way doctors are educated, trained and monitored throughout their careers.
Becoming a member of a Royal College is one way medical professionals can enhance their career prospects both in the UK and abroad. There’s also plenty of other benefits, too; which we’ll look at in more detail in this blog.
What Royal Colleges are there?
There are a number of Royal Colleges located throughout the UK, these include:
Royal College of Anaesthetists,
Royal College of Emergency Medicine,
Royal College of General Practitioners,
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists,
Royal College of Ophthalmologists,
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health,
Royal College of Pathologists,
Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh,
Royal College of Physicians of Ireland,
Royal College of Physicians of London,
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow,
Royal College of Psychiatrists,
Royal College of Radiologists,
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland,
Royal College of Edinburgh,
and last but by no means least, Royal College of Surgeons of England.
How do I become a Royal College Member?
To become a member of a Royal College, you’ll need to first sit a postgraduate qualification examination. Most qualifications contain three exams: two written and one clinical.
Good luck!
What are the benefits of being a Royal College Member?
Career Development
Your professional development is important to your Royal College. This is why one of their key offerings is to help you develop your knowledge, skills and attitudes via both formal and informal learning activities.
Examples include regional, national or international educational meetings organised by national bodies, specialist societies or commercial providers, internal activities such as teaching programmes and clinical governance meetings and personal study via the publishing of bookings, journals and e-learning and most importantly, support networks.
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Internationally Recognised Postgraduate Qualification
Both a UK primary medial qualification and postgraduate qualification are recognised globally. UK medical qualifications are considered to provide reliable and high-quality medical training, whilst providing many benefits to the physician. Helping doctors enhance careers, strengthen medical training and improve standards of patient care.
If you plan on only residing in the UK for a short-term, it would be extremely advantageous to obtain a Royal College qualification as they’re accepted in most countries across the globe.
Access to a Supportive Network
Each Royal College will have a network of regional advisors, tutors and doctors to provide you with ongoing support. This network can provide you with advice on membership, education and examinations.
If you’re looking for something a little less informal, you could ask to be placed on their ‘Buddy Scheme’ where they match trainees for informal career support and advice.
Allows Placement within a Senior Post
Last but certainly not least, the NHS expects you to hold a Royal College Qualification before you can progress onto ST3+ level. By obtaining a postgraduate qualification and becoming a Royal College member, this confirms your detailed knowledge within the specialism and qualifies you to treat more niche medical cases.
One plus that comes with working at ST3+ level, the higher the grade you’re within the NHS – the higher the salary! Bonus!
Tip – If you’re an international doctor reading this unsure of whether to take the PLAB or Royal College pathway, have a read of our blog post here!
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