Royal Australasian College of Physicians

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) is a not-for-profit professional organisation responsible for training, education, and representing over 14,600 physicians and paediatricians and 6,600 trainees in 25 medical specialties in Australia and New Zealand.[1] Specialties include paediatrics & child health, cardiology, respiratory medicine, neurology, oncology and public health medicine, occupational and environmental medicine, palliative medicine, sexual health medicine, rehabilitation and addiction medicine.[2]

The college is responsible for education of trainees and ongoing education for fellows of the college (i.e., specialist physicians and paediatricians).[1] It also publishes two journals, The Internal Medicine Journal[3] and The Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health,[4] and has a foundation which provides funding for research in the field of internal medicine.[5]

History

Prior to the establishment of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Australian and New Zealand physicians sought membership of the United Kingdom royal colleges; the Royal College of Physicians, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, and Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.[1]

In November 1930, a group of physicians met in Melbourne to establish the Association of Physicians of Australasia "for friendship and scientific stimulus", which solely consisted of its members; no building or permanent base existed.[1]

In 1934, the Association of Physicians of Australasia Council decided that an examining and executive body, with a constitution modelled after the Royal College of Physicians, should be formed to "enhance the prestige of the profession"; "stimulate interest in medical education and research"; and "set a standard of professional ethical conduct".[1]

In 1937, the Association purchased premises at 145 Macquarie Street, Sydney, which had previously been the Warrigal Club, "for gentlemen pastoralists", and the home of the Fairfax family.[1]

In 1938, the College was incorporated,[6] and the first meeting of the Council was held in April.[1] Drs. Holmes a Court and Harold Ritchie were instrumental in the negotiations that led to the College's formation and incorporation.[7]

Structure

The College is a not-for-profit organisation that is registered as a public company limited by guarantee and is recognised by the Health Insurance Act 1973 (Cth).[8] It is organised into two main divisions, three (formerly four) faculties, and four chapters.

Divisions

Faculties

Chapters

Facilities

In 1939, the College Library was established. In 1954, it was renamed "The History of Medicine Library". It is the world's largest collection of Australian and New Zealand medical history material, largely through the donations of Fellows of the College.[1]

Qualifications

Fellow

Arms

Arms of Royal Australasian College of Physicians
Notes
The arms of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians consist of:[9]
Crest
On a Wreath of the Colours in front of a Sun rising Or a Hand grasping a Rod of Aesculapius erect proper.
Escutcheon
Azure, a Pomegranate slipped and leaved Or seeded Gules issuant from the chief a Cloud proper irradiated Gold.
Supporters
On the dexter side an Emu, and on the sinister side a Kiwi, both proper.
Motto
Hominum servire saluti
(To serve the health of our people)[1]
Symbolism
The Arms are based on those granted in 1546 to the Royal College of Physicians of London.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 "About RACP". Royal Australasian College of Physicians. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  2. ↑ Senate Inquiry into the Government Investment Funds Amendment Bill 2011 Submission by The Royal Australasian College of Physicians. July 2012
  3. ↑ "Internal Medicine Journal". Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
  4. ↑ "Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health". Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
  5. ↑ "About the RACP Foundation". Royal Australasian College of Physicians. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  6. ↑ C. G. Lambie. (14 December 1938.) "Science of Medicine: Inauguration of RACP", Sydney Morning Herald.
  7. ↑ "Dr. Harold Ritchie, Physician, Sydney Hospital & President, RACP". AusPostalHistory.com.
  8. ↑ "Inquiry into Registration Process and Support for Overseas Trained Doctors" (PDF). 25 February 2011.
  9. ↑ Low, Charles (1971). A Roll of Australian Arms. Adelaide: Rigby Limited. p. 6. ISBN 0-85179-149-2.

External links