Benefits of membership

The College offers a comprehensive variety of benefits to support your professional life and to maintain the correct standards of the specialty. Belonging to the College strengthens its ability to act on behalf of all pathologists.

The Royal College of Pathologists is responsible for setting the professional training and standards in the 19 pathology specialties in the UK. The College is committed to supporting its members through every stage of their career. Fellowship of the College is a widely respected indicator of specialist status and evidence of a commitment to high professional standards in the science and practice of pathology. Please note, the benefits listed below will vary according to membership type.

Professional

• The right to use post-nominals awarded by the College (FRCPath for Fellows, DipRCPath for Diplomate members). There are normally two admission ceremonies a year. Attendance is by invitation from the College. 
• Tax relief on annual subscriptions (UK tax payers only)

Opportunities to help shape the future of pathology practice

• Standing for College Honorary Officer positions, for membership of the Trustee Board and Council and to vote in all College elections (Fellows only)
• Joining the College’s specialty committees 
• Standing for the College’s regional councils 
• Acting as an examiner for the College
• Involvement in writing standards and guidelines
• Becoming a College representative on an advisory appointments committee
• Becoming a College representative on outside bodies or organisations

Guidance and support on:

• Professional standards
• Media enquiries
• Workload management
• Ethics
• CPD Scheme & revalidation
• Training, examinations and assessment

Our publications:

• The Bulletin
• The Annual Report
• Monthly President's e-newsletter keeping you up to date with the latest news and information
• Access to members' area of the College website and online handbook

Discounts on:

• The College’s events and conferences
• Selected medical publications

Public engagement support: 

• Access to resources
• Access to promotional materials
• Science Communication training
• Apply for Public Engagement bursaries

Benefits to the profession

We engage on behalf of the profession with:

• UK government on consultations
• External bodies & agencies within the medical profession

and by:

• Raising public awareness of pathology
• Providing prizes and bursaries

Planning and providing:

• Infrastructure for training programmes
• Advice on consultant job descriptions review
• A network of specialty advisors to comment on issues arising

Research 

• Providing annual Research Awards