International Physicians
Our College supports more than fourteen thousand members dedicated to achieving excellence in patient care by helping to reduce the cost of education and training.
Members from outside the UK are welcome to join our College. International Members benefit from a discounted annual subscription fee, use of the internationally recognised post-nominal, eLearning, and personal funding opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
Member
This is a table outlining the eligibility for Membership of the Faculty of Physicians.
We welcome applications from Pathologists and Paediatricians (with an adult clinical workload only) who hold clinical appointments. Those in non-clinical posts are not eligible.
Please also note, those working in the field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology are not eligible to apply.
| Examination Pass | Postnominal | Sponsor requirement |
|---|---|---|
| MRCP(UK) | MRCP(Glasg) | 0 |
| MRCPCH | MRCPS(Glasg) | 0 |
| I have not passed any of the 3 exams listed above and practice out with the UK | MRCPS(Glasg) | 2 sponsors (1 must be Glasgow Fellow) |
| I have not passed any of the 3 exams listed above and I practice in the UK | MRCPS(Glasg) | Please arrange to sit the relevant Membership exam as listed above. |
Internationally recognised postnominals
MRCP(Glasg) is a GMC acceptable post graduate qualification.
MRCPS(Glasg) is not a GMC acceptable postgraduate qualification.
For full advice on any matters pertaining to GMC registration – please contact them directly.
To be eligible to use a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow postnominal, you must retain your membership.
Sponsors
Sponsors must be Fellows in good standing of the Glasgow College or another UK/Irish Medical or Surgical Royal College (where applicable). If you are unable to provide sponsor(s) who are current Fellows of this College, please refer to our regional and international advisors who may be able to assist.
To help ensure your application process goes as smoothly as possible, please ensure you review the application checklist. Don't hesitate to contact the Membership Team with any enquiries.
Medical Fellow Eligibility
Fellowship by election of the College is exceptionally offered to physicians who:
- are practicing at UK Consultant level or international equivalent, within a physicianly specialty as listed below
- have evidence of career progression
- are a senior member of the medical profession and whose published works and attainments are of such distinction as to justify election
- are in the opinion of the College have made acknowledged, substantial contributions to their specialty
- contribute to the education and training of future doctors
- show willingness to contribute to College life
To meet the criteria, applicants must include the following within their detailed and comprehensive CV:
- Clear description of their current job responsibilities and date commenced
- Contribution/or willingness to contribute to College life
- Evidence of ongoing career progression
- Evidence of educational contribution
Applicants should note that simply meeting the application review criteria does not automatically lead to award of FRCP(Glasg). The decision of the Fellowship Committee is based primarily on the CV which should be unambiguous and presented professionally. The applicant's sponsors should present clear and evidence-based reasons for the Committee to consider awarding the highest award that our Medical Faculty offers.
The decision of the Fellowship Committee is final.In addition, the basic criteria below will apply:
| Examination Pass | Region | Key eligibility for application review | Sponsor(s) | Postnominal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MRCP(UK) | Practicing in the UK |
| 1 sponsor (Glasgow Fellow) | FRCP(Glasg) |
| MRCP(UK) | Practicing out with the UK |
| 1 sponsor (Glasgow Fellow) | FRCP(Glasg) |
| I have not passed MRCP(UK) | Practicing in the UK |
| 2 sponsors (1 must be a Glasgow Fellow) | FRCP(Glasg) |
| I have not passed MRCP(UK) | Practicing out with the UK |
| 2 sponsors (1 must be a Glasgow Fellow) | FRCP(Glasg) |
The following specialties are eligible to apply:
- Acute Internal Medicine
- Allergy
- Audiovestibular Medicine
- Cardiology
- Clinical Oncology
- Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics
- Community sexual and reproductive health
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology & Diabetes Mellitus
- Gastroenterology
- Genitourinary Medicine including HIV Medicine
- Geriatric Medicine including Stroke Medicine
- Haematology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Oncology
- Medical Virology
- Medical Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Palliative Medicine
- Paediatric Cardiology *if trained via the adult route with adult clinical workload
- Renal Medicine
- Respiratory Medicine
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Tropical Medicine
The following specialties are eligible to apply however applicants must have a medical background, a direct clinical focus and the MRCPUK qualification:
- Audio vestibular Medicine
- Aviation & Space Medicine
- Chemical Pathology
- Clinical Genetics
- Clinical Neurophysiology
- Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics
- Emergency medicine
- Intensive Care Medicine
- Interventional Radiology
- Pathology (with an adult clinical workload only and must hold clinical appointments - those in non-clinical posts are not eligible)
- Paediatrics (with an adult clinical workload only and must hold clinical appointments - those in non-clinical posts are not eligible)
- Pharmaceutical Medicine
- Public health medicine
- Sport and Exercise Medicine
- Medical Microbiology
- Medical Virology
- Nuclear Medicine (if Therapeutic)
- Occupational Medicine (must have a medical focus and completed a physician training pathway)
Those working in the following are not eligible to apply.
- Child and adolescent psychiatry
- Clinical radiology
- Diagnostic neuropathology
- Forensic histopathology
- Forensic psychiatry
- General psychiatry
- Histopathology
- Medical psychotherapy
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Old age psychiatry
- Psychiatry of learning disability
Current Members upgrading to Fellowship
In addition to the criteria above for Fellowship, the following applies to current Members upgrading.
| Status | Region | Key eligibility for application review | Sponsor(s) | Postnominal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current Member | Practicing in the UK |
| 1 sponsor (Glasgow Fellow) | FRCP(Glasg) |
| Current Member | Practicing out with the UK |
| 1 sponsor (Glasgow Fellow) | FRCP(Glasg) |
Click on the links below to see details on opportunities, resources and benefits for International Members. If you would like to view the full range of membership benefits please click here.
Internationally recognised post-nominal
Members are entitled to use the Royal College’s internationally recognised post-nominal to demonstrate their skills and experience.
College networks
Our international advisors provide a local source of contact for our members, providing advice and connections. Collaborations have included award evenings, web streaming of College events and educational conferences.
Verifications for employment
Support your applications for employment and demonstrate your commitment to the profession with a letter from the College verifying your membership.
eLearning
New content and courses are frequently added to our eLearning portfolio. Click below to browse.
Athens password
Gain access to 6000 full text journals (e.g. BMJ and Lancet), 80 databases, 5000 electronic books and mobile apps, and access to our College library, eBooks and library support.
Medical Training Initiative
The International Sponsorship Scheme supports international medical graduates to train in the UK to then develop health services in their home countries.
Striving for excellence is what motivates me to do a good job. I know the fact that my hard work and passion will help me achieve greater professional success and that is what keeps me going.
Ahmed Hasan Ashfaq
Comprehensive library access and support
Access to our College library, including eBooks and lending, with free inter-library loans and one-to-one library support sourcing key documents.
Discounts on subscriptions and books
20% off UpToDate subscription and 15% off all Wisepress books.
Awards and scholarships
We offer several awards to help progress research and improve knowledge. Planning to take time out of your programme to gain experience in other countries or specialist centres can be of great benefit to your training.