Resident affiliates are doctors who have registered in a postgraduate medical education program accredited by the Royal College but who have not yet been certified by the Royal College.
We believe that residents play a critical leadership role in postgraduate medical education. Therefore, we encourage residents to become familiar not only with who we are, but also with the many ways in which we support Fellows throughout their careers.
Affiliation is free
Becoming a resident affiliate of the Royal College is valuable and free of charge. We encourage (but do not require) residents to enroll in the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program, the Royal College’s framework for continuing professional development. We also encourage residents to voice their opinions about what they need from us; our goal is to demonstrate our value in the hope that all specialist physicians will seek Fellowship.
The wide range of benefits for residents includes:
timely, complete information concerning eligibility, fees and deadlines for assessment of credentials and training
clear procedures addressing residents’ applications for certification exams
news through our monthly e-newsletter, Dialogue
access to resident-only awards and grants
opportunities to speak for residents through Council, committees or e-surveys
affiliation with more than 40,000 like-minded medical specialists
The Royal College contributes to the improved health of Canadians on behalf of its members throughout their professional life, starting when they are residents.
We assess and accredit 734 residency programs in Canada. Through regular reviews, we ensure that these programs continue to meet our rigorous standards. We also assess the training and credentials of roughly 3,000 medical graduates every year—including international medical graduates—to determine whether they are eligible to sit Royal College exams.
Rigorous examinations
The Royal College develops and administers examinations to more than 2,300 resident candidates every year. Physicians who complete the postgraduate residency education requirements and who pass our exams are granted Royal College certification, evidence that they have met a demanding national standard for specialty medicine.
