The RCP's core mission is to drive improvements in health and healthcare through advocacy, education and research.
We are an independent patient centred and clinically led organisation, that drives improvement in the diagnosis of disease, the care of individual patients and the health of the whole population both in the UK and across the globe.
Our role in shaping health policy
We draw on our members' knowledge and expertise to develop evidence-based policy in key areas of healthcare. We champion medical professionalism and leadership, promote person-centred care and drive improvements in clinical practice.
We work with government, politicians and other policy makers, royal colleges and other sector organisations to embed quality improvement in healthcare.
Policy and campaigns
Our role in healthcare
We improve patient services directly in hospitals by setting standards in key areas of care, and measuring that care through our clinical audits and accreditation schemes. We also run quality improvement and patient safety initiatives in a variety of clinical areas.
Improving care
Our role globally
The RCP has a truly global network, with our members based in over 80 countries worldwide. Our work spans high-, middle- and low-income countries, ranging from accreditation work and guideline development in the Middle East to clinical skills workshops in rural Nigeria.
We develop and coordinate globally-recognised exams, and deliver a wide range of projects aimed at strengthening health systems and improving medical standards across the globe.
Our global work
Our history
Discover the story of the RCP and its role in the development of medical practice over five centuries.
Founded in 1518 by a Royal Charter from King Henry VIII, the Royal College of Physicians of London is the oldest medical college in England, often playing a pivotal role in raising standards and shaping public health.
1500s
The Royal College of Physicians is founded by Thomas Linacre, Henry VIII's physician.
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1600s
The 1600s brought new homes and groundbreaking discoveries for the RCP, which had to survive plague, burglary and the Great Fire of London!
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1700s
A changing of the times means the RCP has to evolve throughout the Enlightenment period.
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1800s
One step forward and two steps back for RCP, as the College publishes the definitive classification of diseases, but moves to exclude women.
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1900s
The RCP survives two world wars to move into the modern era, helping to shape the new National Health Service and publishing a groundbreaking report on the dangers of smoking. At the beginning of the century women are allowed to be licensed for the first time, and in 1989 the College appoints its first female president, Dame Margaret Turner-Warwick.
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