The Diploma in Global Health (DGH) is developed and delivered by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) Assessment Unit on behalf of the RCP and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The DGH takes place annually and consists of a 200-question single best answer knowledge-based assessment (KBA).
Responsibilities
The development group acts as an advisory group to RCP Educating Board, making recommendations in respect of the development of the DGH to ensure it remains robust and fit for purpose.
The work of the development group is informed by, for example:
- reports from the DGH Examination Board
- the professional advice of the Assessment Unit and, as appropriate, external assessment experts
- guidance from regulators, professional bodies, government, NHS, etc.
The development group will scrutinise the examination, as appropriate, to ensure that it remains fit for purpose.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- reviewing assessment methodology
- reviewing examination regulations and associated processes
- considering proposed changes to the delivery of the examination
- horizon scanning for barriers and opportunities in the global health and humanitarian medicine landscape.
Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible to apply:
- be registered and in good standing with the General Medical Council (or equivalent in the applicant’s country of practice)
- have at least five years post-registration experience
- be in active practice in one of the following areas:
- General medicine
- Humanitarian medicine
- Infectious diseases
- Obstetrics and gynaecology
- Paediatrics
- Public Health
- be up to date as appropriate with relevant global health guidelines, CPD requirements, employer’s equality and diversity training and appraisal process
- interested in, but not necessarily expert in, medical academic assessments.
Time commitment
The tenure of the appointment is three years, with the potential for extension as appropriate, particularly in cases of long-term absence (illness or maternity leave, for example), or to ensure orderly succession planning. Any extensions will be at the discretion of the RCP Assessment Unit.
The development group will meet virtually, via Microsoft Teams, up to twice per year.
All successful applicants will be required to sign non-disclosure and code of conduct agreements.
This is a non-salaried position. As all meetings are held virtually it is not anticipated that members will incur any expenses in attending, however where this does occur it will be covered in line with the RCP’s travel and expense policy.
Benefits
We offer the opportunity to network with colleagues, keep your knowledge up to date, take part in challenging discussions, be involved with the next generation of global health clinicians, shape the future of global health and humanitarian medicine, promote multidisciplinary working and continuing professional development. Full training will be provided before a successful applicant’s first full meeting.
By getting involved you can shape the future of the DGH.
How to apply
Applications, including a CV and one-page covering letter outlining your suitability for the post should be submitted for the attention of Steven Ansty via assessment.unit@rcp.ac.uk by 09:00 UK time on Thursday 1 October 2026.
The RCP Assessment Unit reserve the right to withdraw the advertised vacancy without prior notice once the required number of new members have been recruited. Those interested in applying are therefore advised to do so as soon as possible.
For an informal discussion regarding the role please contact Steven Ansty, Head of Development & Standards (RCP Assessment Unit) on the above email address, or via 0151 318 1888.
The RCP positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.