Membership and affiliation categories

Active Fellows (members)

Upon certification in your specialty, the Royal College invites you to become a Fellow and embark on a rewarding professional journey with thousands of like-minded specialists. The Royal College issues designations and related documents, which confirm achievement of and adherence to the high standards set by the Royal College.

Looking for information on correct use of the Royal College Fellowship designation?

See our Guideline on Royal College Qualifications and Fellowship Designations.

Looking for information on correct use of the Royal College Fellowship designation?

See our quick reference guide Royal College Fellow Designations – Primary Specialties and Subspecialties

Fellows of the Royal College can use the FRCPC (Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada, Division of Medicine) or FRCSC (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada, Division of Surgery) designations.

The two designations may only be used by current, active Fellows and Retired Fellows (members) of the Royal College.

This highly recognized symbol of superior training and commitment to lifelong learning shows patients, peers and authorities that you are worthy of their respect and trust. Active Fellows in full-time or part-time practice use their designation for career advancement. Learn more about the benefits of Active Fellowship.

Diplomates

If you are a specialist physician or surgeon who has been deemed eligible for the Area of Focused Competence (AFC) credential, we encourage you to have your credential formally recognized by the Royal College by becoming a Diplomate. Only those who maintain their status as a Diplomate can use the designation DRCPSC (Diplomate of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada). Learn more about the benefits of becoming a Diplomate.

Subspecialist Affiliate

Subspecialist Affiliates have successfully completed a Royal College subspecialty examination through the Subspecialist Examination Affiliate Program (SEAP). Maintenance of Subspecialist Affiliate status requires ongoing participation in the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program. Learn more about the benefits of becoming a Subspecialist Affiliate.

Resident Affiliates

If you are registered in a Royal College-accredited postgraduate medical education program and have not previously been certified, the Royal College invites you to become a Resident Affiliate. Resident affiliation is free and will set the foundation for a valued partnership throughout your medical career. Learn more about the benefits of becoming a Resident Affiliate.

Retired Fellows

If you are fully retired — i.e., no longer in full-time or part-time practice and no longer using your designation for career advancement — there are still benefits to membership. As a Retired Fellow, you pay no annual fee but may continue to use your Fellowship designation. You will also benefit from Royal College news that keeps you connected to specialty medicine, both at home and abroad. To register, fill out the Confirmation of Retired Status form online or download a PDF version and return it by fax (613-730-8830) or mail (The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, 774 Echo Drive, Ottawa ON, K1S 5N8, Canada).

Contributors (volunteers)

Every year, nearly 3,000 dedicated Fellows volunteer their time to keep the Royal College at the forefront of specialist medical education, continuing professional development and sound health policy. These contributors fulfil vital functions such as developing and administering exams, accrediting residency programs, serving on committees, facilitating conferences and workshops, serving on task forces and working groups, and taking on international roles within the Royal College. Learn more about becoming involved with the Royal College.

Contact us
Royal College Services Centre

Email: membership@royalcollege.ca
Telephone: 613-730-6243; toll-free 1-800-461-9598

Questions?
The Royal College Services Centre is here to help.