GP Registrar Representation

The R.C.G.P. The Royal College of General Practitioners

Sadly, GP Registrars only become aware of the College when they take the MRCGP examination. Yet the RCGP is more than just an organisation which erects yet another hurdle of qualification. It celebrated its 40th anniversary in 1992. Within two years of its foundation regional faculties were established each of which was represented on the Council of the College. The College laid much of the foundation for vocational training which was ultimately embodied in an Act of Parliament passed in November 1976, establishing mandatory training for all doctors wishing to become principals in the NHS. The first MRCGP examination was held in 1965 with 5 candidates - all of whom passed! Most of you will be aware that from September 1996, the MRCGP examination is more closely linked to end-point assessment. Passing the MRCGP may exempt you from equivalent sections of Summative Assessment. You can become involved with the College without taking the MRCGP applying for associate membership with a one-off (discounted) payment. As an associate member you will enjoy many of the rights of full membership (except voting) as well as access to College facilities, the College journal, discounted publications, accommodation etc.

GP Registrars can be influential within the College by representing the views of their peers at the local (Vale of Trent) faculty meetings which are usually held at the Medical School. This representation can now be continued at a more national level by attendance at College Council meetings.

The Joint Committee on Postgraduate Training for General Practice (JCPTGP) is a body formed in 1975 by combining the old College's Vocational Training Committee with representation from the General Medical Services Committee (GMSC). There is GP Registrar representation on this committee. It has had substantial input on educational standards by influencing selection of Trainers/training practices and approval of hospital posts suitable for GP training. It is this body which will issue you with certificates that will allow you to become a GP.

GP Registrars can also become influential in promoting relevant issues and GP Registrar representation is encouraged at all levels:

At the V.T.S. - open forum meetings. In previous years GP Registrars have constructively represented the views of their peers. Indeed these have resulted in significant improvements to the Scheme. Also GP Registrars are encouraged to give their ideas for topics that would be of special interest to their peers at the half day release. If you wish to become involved please let any of the Course Organisers know.

Regional GP Education Sub-committee - this body has representations from the LMC, Trainers, Course Organisers, Adviser in General Practice, Postgraduate Deans, University representatives etc. It is extremely influential and theoretically has 3 places for GP Registrar representatives from the Schemes in the region. If you have yearnings to enter the heady world of medical politics please let one of the Course Organisers know.