I am writing to you regarding the College’s ongoing reform of both its postgraduate medical education and training programmes and the services and benefits we provide to Fellows, Members and Trainees. I am sure that you appreciate the critical need for the College to adopt a highly proactive stance in the currently very challenging environment for the profession. It is also essential that our Members and Fellows feel that the College is representing them effectively and responsibly; and that they value their participation in the College.

Three key areas of activity are central to these aims. First we must protectand maintain the standards of postgraduate medical education and training from SHO through to Consultant level. This includes safeguarding the role of the profession in education and training. Second, we must engage in a positive way within the public arena to ensure that the relationship of trust between the public and the profession is restored and strengthened. Third, we must play a proactive role in the development and influencing of Government policy on health and professional matters.

The College is active, on your behalf, in all of these areas, and intends to increase its involvement further over coming months and years. In order to do so, we need to draw upon the expertise and experience of all our Members and Fellows.

In support of our aims the College is now fully engaged in a reform process which we have called ‘Reforming for Excellence’. This process has impacted on every aspect of the College and includes:

                    


• Reformed GPT curriculum and logbook
• Introduction of Regional Directors of GPT
• Review of Membership examinations
• Launch of RCPI Online Medical Education Centre
• Development of Masterclass series to support CME requirements
• Development of a range of education programmes in leadership, professional development, research and ethics
• Webcasting of education and training events
• Reform of HMT curriculum and assessment methods
• Public meeting series aimed at improving the profile of the College through public interaction
• Enhanced services and benefits to Members, Fellows and Trainees
• Implementation of a range of new business systems within the College
• Expansion of medical leadership within the College

Our reform programme is founded on the principle of medical leadership, both within the College and in the wider environment of the health service. In this context, I am very happy that we have seen a significant expansion in the number of Fellows engaging in a variety of roles across all College activities. In particular, I am delighted to note the appointment of Dr Steven Patchett, Dean of Examinations; Dr Mary Horgan, Associate Dean of General Professional Training; Dr Diarmuid O’Shea, Vice President of Education and Professional Development and Professor Diarmuid O’Donoghue, RCPI nominee to the Medical Council.

I am confident that the College, with your help, will be effective in addressing the many challenges and opportunities we face in the professional, government and public arenas over the coming years; that this work will benefit all of us as doctors, and ultimately the standard of patient care we provide.

Yours sincerely

Dr John Donohoe
President, RCPI

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