There are six postgraduate medical training bodies within the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland; the Faculty of Occupational Medicine; the Faculty of Paediatrics; the Faculty of Pathology; the Faculty of Public Health Medicine; the Institute of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists; the Irish Committee on Higher Medical Training. These training bodies are responsible for the postgraduate medical training for twenty-five specialties. These training bodies are an vital part of the College and are recognised by the Medical Council of Ireland as the training bodies with responsibility for all aspects of postgraduate Medical Training in their specialty in Ireland.
The Faculties and Institute promote excellence in the areas of patient care, professional standards, education and research in their respective specialties through their education and training programmes, examinations, the inspection of hospital training posts, scientific meetings, study days, masterclasses and public meetings.
In addition, the Faculties and Institute are tasked with the representation of their specialty in Ireland and internationally. The Faculties and Institute act as the advisory body in Ireland in matters relating to education, training, research. As respected expert bodies, the Faculties & Institute are often called upon by the Health Service Executive, the Department of Health & Children, government departments and agencies to conduct research, issue guidelines and give advice.
There are also three conjoint Faculties with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
- Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine
- Faculty of Emergency Medicine
- Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine