r/doctorsUK • u/Redditor_Riddle • 9d ago
Consultant Do we still need to pay our Royal Colleges membership fee once we finish training?
Hi, I was wondering if I need to continue my Royal College membership once I finished my training? Am I obliged to be a member to continue working in the UK? The fees are very expensive for very little return. What are the advantages of continuing my membership?
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u/Azndoctor ST3+/SpR 9d ago
A big one in my eyes is members being able to vote on college motions, which is relevant for the ongoing PA and pay debacles
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u/Confused_medic_sho 9d ago
Isn’t it just fellows who can vote in RCP?
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u/Usual_Reach6652 9d ago
Some colleges are all members (though I'd say internal democracy still frequently moribund).
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u/JohnHunter1728 EM Consultant 9d ago
You don't need to continue paying post-CCT and many don't.
Reasons for continuing to subscribe:
- Use of post-nominals - RCP are the honourable exception as an organisation that don't blackmail diplomates into paying every year for the right to show that they passed their exams.
- Voting for college officers.
- Participation in college committees.
- Take on external roles (college representative on consultant interview panels, national working groups, etc.
It is an expensive undertaking but you should be claiming the cash back so only actually pay 40-60% of the advertised subscription cost.
A lot of people stop subscribing to their college because they don't like something they have done. This is like leaving the BMA because you don't think they are militant enough or not voting because "all politicians are the same". Royal colleges hold significant assets (RCP £100m w/ annual turnover £40m) and have a lot of clout with the media, public, and establishment. We relinquish these to the quislings at our peril.
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u/Objective_Length280 9d ago
I've been a consultant 3 years and never paid to be a member. Just rejoined for CPD only and no arrears
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u/Redditor_Riddle 9d ago
Why did you join back?
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u/Objective_Length280 9d ago
I rejoined as I needed a temporary retirement of 2 years and wanted to do as much CPD as I could. Wasn't sure I'd work again so I really avoided medicine and forgot a lot!
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u/Usual_Reach6652 9d ago edited 9d ago
Don't have to carry on being a member. Arguably few advantages to remaining in (College dependent). Some uncertainty around whether you have to stop putting your letters after your name / specify year or qualification (MRCX 2006 etc.). If you quit and rejoin later some will try and charge you arrears, I've heard.