FELLOWSHIP OF THE

ROYAL COLLEGE OF
PHYSICIANS OF IRELAND
GUIDELINES FOR APPLICANTS
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GUIDELINES FOR APPLICANTS
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GUIDELINES FOR APPLICANTS 3

INTRODUCTION PATHWAYS TO FELLOWSHIP

We are a globally connected community of doctors learning There are six pathways to becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland:

together to improve people’s health. When you join as a 1 Holding a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Specialist Training from the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland
Fellow it means that you are part of this prestigious global 2 Through being registered on the Specialist Division of the Register of the Medical Council of Ireland
network of physicians collaborating to improve health.
3 Having successfully graduated from our International Clinical Fellowship Programme
It means that you have been recognised by your peers for your contribution
to your specialty. 4 Holding Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland
You will have opportunity to get involved in the College and the Faculties and 5 Holding Fellowship of another recognised College
Institutes in improving healthcare, designing the health service and shaping the
6 Holding Membership of another Recognised College
future of medical education and training for the next generation of doctors.

There are specific criteria the applicants are required to meet under each of these pathways to Fellowship.
The criteria under each pathway are outlined on the following pages.
All applications must be submitted on the Fellowship Application Form.
THE PROCESS OF APPLYING FOR FELLOWSHIP

1 Submit completed
application form
Your application must include two nominators – two individuals who are
Fellows of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland in good standing.

2 Review and
Recommendation
A preliminary review is carried out to confirm eligibility and ensure
all required information has been provided.
to RCPI Council
The RCPI Credentials and Awards Committee assesses applications against the
criteria set out in these guidelines and makes recommendations to RCPI Council.
The Committee may engage with specialty or regional advisors to confirm
information. You may be asked to submit further information during the process.

3 Approval by
RCPI Council
All applications for Fellowship require the approval of RCPI Council.

4 Undertaking of Fellowship,
Payment of Fees,
If your application is approved by RCPI Council, you will be contacted
and invited to be admitted as a Fellow. You will be asked to complete a
Invitation to Ceremony form of undertaking to abid by the rules and regulations of Fellows of
the College and to pay the relevant fees. You will be invited to attend
an admission ceremony or you may be admitted in absentia.

5 Admission to
Fellowship
You will be admitted as a Fellow at an admission ceremony, which
is ordinary held in our historic home, No 6. Kildare Street in Dublin.
If you are unable to attend you will be admitted in absentia.
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GUIDELINES FOR APPLICANTS 5

PATHWAY 1 PATHWAY 2
via Holding a Certificate of Satisfactory via Specialist Division of the Register
Completion of Specialist Training from the of the Medical Council of Ireland.
Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (or
faculties/institute of RCPI).

Fellowship via this route is recognition of the fact that Fellowship via this route is demonstration of an
the individual has met the high standards required to individual’s contribution to the medical profession, its
successfully complete specialist training through the standards and practice. It is recognition of the fact that
Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. In the opinion of the individual has achieved the standard to be included
the College, doctors who achieve fellowship through this on the Specialist Division of the Registrar of the Medical
route have demonstrated excellence and are making a Council of Ireland.
substantial contribution to their specialty.

CRITERIA: CRITERIA:

• Hold of a Certificate of Satisfactory Competition • Enrolled on a specialist professional

of Specialist Training from RCPI competence scheme under the Royal
College of Physicians of Ireland
• Be in good standing with RCPI (if
the applicant holds MRCPI) • Currently Registered on the Specialist Division of
the Register of the Medical Council of Ireland
• Statement of Compliance with Local
Professional Competence Requirements • Ordinarily holds a consultant or equivalent post
for at least 12 months prior to applying for
• Submission of a Full CV
fellowship. Consultant post must be in a public
• Two nominators are required. Nominators or private hospital or in the broader healthcare
must hold Fellowship of the Royal College of system. A letter from the nominee’s primary
Physicians of Ireland and be in good standing. place of work will be required to confirm this.
Locum or Temporary Posts are not eligible.

• Be in good standing with RCPI (if the applicant holds

a MRCPI or a faculty membership or fellowship)

• Statement of why Fellowship is of Value

• Statement on current contribution to Irish medicine.

• Statement on the current or intended contribution

to the Strategic Objectives of RCPI. This can
include carrying out work on behalf of the College
including training, examinations, education etc.

• Submission of a Full CV

• Two nominators are required. Nominators

must hold Fellowship of the Royal College of
Physicians of Ireland and be in good standing.
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CRITERIA
PATHWAY 3 PATHWAY 4
Members who have pursued Members who have pursued a career in Members who have pursued a career
via Graduation from the International Clinical via Membership of the Royal College a career in medicine another area of medicine outside of medicine
Fellowship Programme of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (eg, general practice, psychiatry) (eg, journalism, science, art, music)
of Physicians of Ireland.
Medical qualification. Medical qualification. Medical qualification.

Holder of Membership of the Holder of Membership of the Holder of Membership of the

Royal College of Physicians of Royal College of Physicians of Royal College of Physicians of
Fellowship via this route is recognition of the fact that Fellowship via this route is a demonstration of Ireland for at least 4 years. Ireland for at least 4 years. Ireland for at least 4 years.
the individual has met the high standards required to commitment to the College and an acknowledgement of
Be in good standing with RCPI. Be in good standing with RCPI. Be in good standing with RCPI.
successfully graduate from the Royal College of Physicians an individual’s contribution to medicine, its standards and
of Ireland’s International Clinical Fellowship Programme. practice. Fellowship of the College (FRCPI) is awarded
to doctors who, in the opinion of the College, have Statement of compliance with local Statement of compliance with local Statement of compliance not required.
made substantial contributions to their specialty/area professional competence requirements. professional competence requirements.

CRITERIA of expertise, or who are senior members of the medical

Ordinarily hold a consultant or Holding a consultant post is not Holding a consultant post is not
profession, and whose published works and attainments
• Successfully graduated from the Royal College of equivalent post for at least 12 months required but the nominee will be required but the nominee will be
are of such distinction as to justify election
Physicians of Ireland International Clinical Fellowship prior to nomination being made. required to outline their career required to outline their career
Programme of at least two year’s in duration. Note that individuals who hold Membership of the Consultant appointments must be choice and progression, how they choice and progression, how they
Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (MRCPI in General in a public or private hospital or in have contributed significantly to their have contributed significantly to their
• In addition, provide evidence of an additional two the broader healthcare system. A area of expertise, and how they are area of expertise, and how they are
Internal Medicine, MRCPI in Obstetrics and Gynaecology,
years of specialist training or specialty experience letter from the nominee’s primary distinguished in their area of expertise. distinguished in their area of expertise.
MRCPI in Paediatrics) may be nominated to Fellowship
that they have completed following the International place of work will be required to
via this route.
Clinical fellowship Programme. If the International confirm this. Locum or temporary
Clinical Fellowship Programme is more than two The College also recognises that individuals who posts are not equivalent or eligible.
years in duration, these additional years can be have achieved Membership of the Royal College of
counted towards this. Fellowship training outside Physicians of Ireland may have pursued a number of Description of why Fellowship Description of why Fellowship Description of why Fellowship
of RCPI after the completion of the ICFP may be career pathways – both within medicine and outside is of value. is of value. is of value.
included or experience in a full-time specialist role. of medicine. Therefore, Fellowship of the College via
this route is also open to those individuals who have Evidence of postgraduate specialist Evidence of postgraduate specialist History of postgraduate specialist
The 12-month period of time required in consultant
training achieved during career to date. training achieved during career to date. training not required.
post ( specified below) may also count towards this. successfully achieved Membership of the Royal College
If there is no evidence of structured If there is no evidence of structured
of Physicians of Ireland and who may have, for example,
• Ordinarily holds a full-time consultant or equivalent postgraduate specialist training, the postgraduate specialist training, the
pursued a career in another area of medicine (such as
post for at least 12 months prior to applying for nominee must provide information on nominee must provide information on
general practice or psychiatry) or in an area outside of what training they have undertaken what training they have undertaken
fellowship. Consultant post must be in a public
medicine (such as journalism, sports, music, literature, during their career to date. Nomination during their career to date. Nomination
or private hospital or in the broader healthcare
arts, sciences). forms received with no evidence forms received with no evidence
system. A letter from the nominee’s primary
of structured training programme of structured training programme
place of work will be required to confirm this. Whatever the career pursued, the individual must
undertaken by the nominee will require undertaken by the nominee will require
have achieved excellence in their area of expertise,
• Be in good standing with RCPI (if the applicant holds an additional level of assessment an additional level of assessment
distinguished themselves and contributed significantly
a MRCPI or a faculty membership or fellowship) by the Credentials Subgroup. by the Credentials Subgroup.
to their area of expertise, have published works
• A Full CV and attainments of distinction to justify them being A full Curriculum Vitae (See A full Curriculum Vitae (See A full Curriculum Vitae (See
considered for Fellowship. Information to be Included in a Information to be Included in a Information to be Included in a
• Two nominators are required. Nominators
The specific criteria required in order for a nomination Curriculum Vitae document). Curriculum Vitae document). Curriculum Vitae document).
must be Fellows of the Royal College of
Physicians of Ireland in good standing. form to be considered are as listed opposite:
Two nominators required to Two nominators required to Two nominators required to
complete and approve nomination. complete and approve nomination. complete and approve nomination.
Nominators must hold FRCPI Nominators must hold FRCPI Nominators must hold FRCPI
and must be in good standing. and must be in good standing. and must be in good standing.
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CRITERIA

PATHWAY 5 Medical qualification.

via Fellowship of Another
Holder of Fellowship of the recognised College for at least
Recognised College 12 months prior to nomination being made.

Be in good standing with the College where Fellowship

was obtained.

Statement of compliance with local professional

This route to Fellowship acknowledges the Royal College Institutions in Ireland competence requirements.
of Physicians of Ireland’s affiliation with a number of
• Faculty of Occupational Medicine, RCPI
other institutions and colleges (listed below) Ordinarily hold a consultant or equivalent post for at least
• Faculty of Paediatrics, RCPI 12 months prior to nomination being made. Consultant
Doctors who apply for Fellowship via this route are
appointment must be in a public or private hospital or in
asked to demonstrate their commitment to the Royal • Faculty of Pathology, RCPI
the broader healthcare system. A letter from the nominee’s
College of Physicians of Ireland or their contribution to • Faculty of Public Health Medicine, RCPI primary place of work will be required to confirm this Locum
Irish medicine. They are also asked to demonstrate that
or temporary posts are not equivalent or eligible.
published works and attainments are of such distinction • Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists,
that as to justify being admitted as a Fellow. RCPI ( Members of the Institute are Description of why Fellowship is of value.
considered equivalent to Fellows here)
Alternatively, individuals of distinction in their fields Statement on contribution to Irish medicine. This can
internationally who have outstanding achievements in include doctors who are in positions such as officers of
Colleges outside of Ireland
the science or practice of medicine may apply through any of these institutions or colleges may apply through this
this route, if they are Fellows of one of the institutions or • Academy of Medicine, Malaysia
pathway, if nominated by the President of the Royal College
colleges listed for this pathway. • Academy of Medicine, Singapore of Physicians of Ireland.
Finally, doctors who are in positions such as officers of and/or
• American College of Physicians
these institutions or colleges may apply through this Statement on contribution to the strategic objectives
pathway, if nominated by the President of the Royal • Australian Faculty of Public Health Medicine of RCPI. This can include carrying out work on behalf of
College of Physicians of Ireland. • College of Medicine, South Africa RCPI in areas such as training, education, examinations or
healthcare advocacy.
Individuals who hold Fellowship of the following • Faculty of Occupational Medicine (UK)
or
institutions or Colleges may be nominated for Fellowship
• Faculty of Public Health (UK) Statement on your achievements in the Science or Practice
via this pathway, if they meet the criteria for applicants
applying through this pathway: • Hong Kong Academy of Medicine/ of Medicine and/or your affiliation or your institution’s
Hong Kong College of Physicians affiliation with RCPI.

• Royal Australasian College of Physicians Evidence of postgraduate specialist training achieved

• Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (UK) during career to date. If there is no evidence of structured
postgraduate specialist training, the nominee must provide
• Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (UK) information on what training they have undertaken during
• Royal College of Pathologists (UK) their career to date. Nomination forms received with no
evidence of structured training programme undertaken by
• Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh
the nominee will require an additional level of assessment
• Royal College of Physicians, London by the Credentials Subgroup.

• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Canada A full Curriculum Vitae.

• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow Two nominators required to complete and approve
nomination. Nominators must hold Fellowship of the
The specific criteria required for an application to be Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (FRCPI) and must be
considered are as listed opposite: in good standing.
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CRITERIA

PATHWAY 6
Medical qualification.
via Membership of Another
Recognised College Holder of Membership of the recognised College
for at least 4 years.

Be in good standing with the College where Membership

was obtained.

Fellowship via this route is a demonstration of Statement of compliance with local professional
commitment to the College and an acknowledgement of competence requirements.
an individual’s contribution to the medical profession, its
standards and practice. Ordinarily hold a consultant or equivalent post for at least
12 months prior to nomination being made. Consultant
It is expected that doctors being considered for appointment must be in a public or private hospital or in
Fellowship via this route must demonstrate their the broader healthcare system. A letter from the nominee’s
contribution to date to Irish medicine or their primary place of work will be required to confirm this.
contribution to date to the strategic objectives of RCPI. Locum or temporary posts are not equivalent or eligible.
Fellowship of the College (FRCPI) is awarded to doctors
who, in the opinion of the College, have made substantial Description of why Fellowship is of value.
contributions to their specialty/area of expertise, or who
are senior members of the medical profession, and whose
Statement on contribution to date to Irish medicine.
published works and attainments are of such distinction
This can include doctors who are supporting Irish graduates
as to justify being admitted as a Fellow.
abroad, or doctors who are currently working in Ireland,
Individuals who hold Membership of the following or doctors who may have qualified or trained in Ireland.
Colleges may be nominated to Fellowship, if they meet
and/or
the criteria for applicants applying through this pathway:
Statement on contribution to date to the strategic
• Academy of Medicine, Malaysia
objectives of RCPI. This can include carrying out work
• Academy of Medicine, Singapore on behalf of RCPI in areas such as training, examinations,
education or advocacy.
• American College of Physicians

• College of Medicine, South Africa Evidence of postgraduate specialist training achieved

during career to date. If there is no evidence of structured
• Hong Kong Academy of Medicine/
postgraduate specialist training, the nominee must provide
Hong Kong College of Physicians
information on what training they have undertaken during
• Royal College of Physicians, London their career to date. Nomination forms received with no
evidence of structured training programme undertaken by the
• Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh
nominee will require an additional level of assessment by the
• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow Credentials Subgroup.
• Royal Australasian College of Physicians All applicants will be required to declare whether they are
A full Curriculum Vitae.
• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Canada currently the subject of a fitness to practise inquiry of the
Medical Council of Ireland or of the medical regulator in
their jurisdiction.
The specific criteria required for an application to be Two nominators required to complete and approve
considered are as follows: nomination. Nominators must hold Fellowship of the All applicants will be asked whether they currently have or have
Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (FRCPI) and must ever had any form of sanctions imposed on their registration
be in good standing with the Medical Council of Ireland or the medical regulator in
your jurisdiction. Failure to provide accurate information on
your application will result in the application being void.
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