Royal College of Physicians of Ireland facts for kids
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Coláiste Ríoga Lianna na hÉireann
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| Latin: Collegium Regale Medicorum Hibernicum | |
| Motto |
Ratione et experientia
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Motto in English
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Reason and Experience |
| Type | Medical royal college |
| Established | 1654 |
| President | Professor Mary Horgan |
| Address |
No.6 Kildare Street (historic home)/ Frederick House, 19 South Frederick Street (administrative headquarter)
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Ireland
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| Vice President | Professor Mary Higgins |
| Registrar | Professor Michael Keane |
| Affiliations | Academy of Medical Royal Colleges |
The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI), also known as Coláiste Ríoga Lianna na hÉireann in Irish, is a special group for doctors in Ireland. Its main goal is to make sure doctors are well-trained and provide the best medical care. They do this by testing doctors and giving them special qualifications. This helps doctors who work in general medicine and other specific areas of healthcare.
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History of the College
The word "Royal" in the College's name comes from special permissions, called Royal Charters. These were given by King Charles II of England in 1667, and later by King William III and Queen Mary II of England in 1692. The College was first known as the King and Queen's College of Physicians in Ireland. Then, in 1890, Queen Victoria gave a new charter, and it became the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.
The College was started in 1654 by a professor named John Stearne. He worked at Trinity College Dublin. His idea was to help organize and improve how doctors practiced medicine in Ireland. At first, it was called "The Fraternity of Physicians of Trinity Hall." This is because its first home was a building called Trinity Hall, which Trinity College gave to the doctors.
In 1692, the Royal Charter made the College independent from Trinity College. This meant they had to leave Trinity Hall. For a while, they didn't have a permanent home. Then, in 1812, they moved into some rooms at Sir Patrick Dun's Hospital.
In 1860, the College bought a building on Kildare Street. Sadly, this building burned down in November 1860. But the College rebuilt it with their own design. It opened in 1864 and has been the College's home ever since.
Dun's Library: A Treasure of Medical History
The College's Library started in 1713. This was when Sir Patrick Dun gave his huge personal library to the College. Since then, it has been known as "Dun's Library." This library is part of the College's Heritage Centre. The Heritage Centre also keeps old records, special items, and family history collections. It has one of the most important collections of books and items about the history of medicine and medical training in Ireland.
Important Leaders: Presidents of the College
Many famous doctors have been presidents of the College. Some of them include Sir Patrick Dun (who was president from 1681 to 1693), Robert James Graves, and William Stokes.
James Little was president from 1886 to 1888. Earlier in his life, he worked as a doctor on a ship. He survived a shipwreck in 1858, which he wrote about in his diary. This diary is now kept in the College's archives.
In October 2017, Professor Mary Horgan made history. She was chosen as the President of the College, becoming the first woman to ever hold this important job. She was chosen again in September 2020, becoming the first president since 1894 to serve two terms in a row!
Becoming a Member: Qualifications and Training
The College offers special qualifications for doctors who want to improve their skills. One important qualification is the Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (MRCPI). This shows that a doctor has passed tough exams and has a high level of medical knowledge.
The College holds its MRCPI exams in many places around the world, like Malaysia, India, and Saudi Arabia, as well as in Ireland. To become a member, a doctor usually needs to pass both parts of the exam. After passing, they attend a special ceremony where they are officially recognized as a Member. This allows them to use "MRCPI" after their name.
Becoming a Fellow: A Mark of Excellence
The College also awards a higher honor called Fellowship. This is given to experienced doctors who are leaders in their field. Two existing Fellows must suggest a doctor for this honor. In 1915, the College changed its rules to allow women to become Fellows. The first woman to become a Fellow was Mary Hearn in 1924.
Being a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (FRCPI) shows that a doctor is excellent in their profession. It means they have made big contributions to their medical area and their work meets the College's high standards.
As of early 2022, the College has over 14,000 members and fellows who are actively involved. These include many doctors in general medicine and also in other areas like pathology.
Specialized Groups: Faculties & Institutes
The College has different groups, called Faculties and Institutes, that focus on specific areas of medicine. These groups help doctors learn and grow in their chosen fields.
- Joint Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine of Ireland (works with other colleges for doctors who care for very sick patients)
- Faculty of Occupational Medicine (focuses on health in the workplace)
- Faculty of Paediatrics (for doctors who care for children)
- Faculty of Pathology (for doctors who study diseases)
- Faculty of Public Health Medicine (for doctors who work to keep whole communities healthy)
- Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine (works with another college for doctors who help athletes and people with exercise)
- Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (for doctors who care for women during pregnancy and childbirth)
- Institute of Medicine (this is the newest group, started in 2020)
Gallery
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Graves hall at No.6 Kildare Street
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Marble statue of Sir Henry Marsh, a former president of the College, in the Graves hall at No.6 Kildare Street.
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The Stokes room at No.6, Kildare Street.
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Dun's library at No.6 Kildare Street.
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The coat of arms of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland in Dublin, seen on a carpet in Dun's library.
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A Membership diploma of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, known as MRCPI.
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A Fellowship diploma of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, known as FRCPI.
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A Fellowship admission ceremony taking place at No.6 Kildare Street.
