Welcome

The Royal College of Physicians plays a leading role in the delivery of high quality patient care by setting standards of medical practice and promoting clinical excellence.

We provide physicians in the United Kingdom and overseas with education, training and support throughout their careers. As an independent body representing over 20,000 Fellows and Members worldwide, we advise and work with government, the public, patients and other professions to improve health and healthcare.

The College was established in 1518 by Royal Charter and is one of the oldest medical institutions in the world. It is a registered charity.

What is a Physician?
Physicians are doctors who have undergone specialist training. They usually work in hospitals and treat patients who have been referred to them for specialist care by other doctors, such as GPs. They practice acute medicine and / or one of the 29 specialties, such as cardiology, neurology or oncology, but they do not carry out surgery.

Our Vision
Doctors of the highest quality, serving patients well.

Our Purpose
To play a leading role in the delivery of high quality patient care, by setting standards of medical practice and promoting clinical excellence.

Our objectives

Improve standards of clinical practice

Support physicians in their practice of medicine

Promote patient-centred care

Advise the Government, the public and the profession on healthcare issues

Promote the advance of medical knowledge

Maintain our independence as an organisation.

www.rcplondon.ac.uk