In response to continued growth in candidate demand, examination capacity was expanded both nationally and internationally throughout the year.
Within Ireland, increased clinical examination capacity was achieved through the successful delivery of a new Paediatrics examination centre at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, enabling additional examination opportunities and supporting the continued growth in Paediatrics candidate numbers.
Internationally, the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland further strengthened its examination footprint through the establishment of a new Obstetrics and Gynaecology centre in Dubai, UAE, in February 2026. On 7 and 8 February, the MRCPI Obstetrics and Gynaecology Part II: Clinical exam took place in the new centre at the Saudi German Hospital, Dubai. Thank you to Dr Ahmed Eissa, Group CEO, and Dr Mohamed Ahmed Medhat, Operations Manager. A special mention also to newly appointed Group Chief of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, at Saudi German Hospital, Dr Amal alQedrah, who along with Dr Nighat Aftab convened the exam.
We re-established our links with India and aim to deliver a GM clinical examination in Kolkata in late 2026/early 2027.
A small number of planned international clinical examination diets were postponed or cancelled during the reporting period due to geographical unrest in the Middle East. Candidate interest and application volumes across the affected regions remained strong.