The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has commissioned an independent review to examine leadership and internal processes, following the fall out of the recent extraordinary general meeting about physician associates.
At the recent EGM, RCP members passed five motions on PAs, including the RCP calling for caution in pace and scale of roll-out of physician associates.
Following the EGM, the college faced outcry from its members due to its presentation of data from a members survey in the debate on the role of PAs. Two doctors resigning from their editorial positions on RCP journals in protest.
President Dr. Sarah Clarke acknowledged the need to better represent members’ interests and has pledged to “learn from this review” to restore trust in The RCP.
Along with this review, The Faculty of Physician Associates’ (FPA) is also looking to become independent from The RCP within a year.
The RCP and FPA will ‘work together to develop a clear timeline for independence.
The RCP acknowledges members’ concerns about the pace and scale of PA integration and is committed to addressing them, and is expected to publish its response to the outcome of the EGM in the coming months.
This focus on collaboration ensures a smooth transition for a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Recognizing the need for a strong, independent voice for PAs, the RCP will support the Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA) in establishing an independent faculty within a year.