Paediatrics and Child Health · Professional Society · UK
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
RCPCH
SpecialtyPaediatrics and Child Health
Trainee CommitteeYes
Research PrizesYes
The RCPCH is the Royal College for paediatricians in the UK and worldwide, with approximately 25,000 members. Founded in 1996, it plays a major role in postgraduate medical education, professional standards, research, advocacy and policy for child health. Membership is open to paediatricians, nurses, allied health professionals and medical students.
Dr Robert BaxterSOCIETY PROFILE Society Profile \u00B7 MedicMess Intelligence
Specialty
Paediatrics and Child Health
Abbreviation
RCPCH
Trainee Committee
Yes
Travel Grants
Not available
Research Prizes
Yes
Country
United Kingdom
MEMBERSHIP Membership Details
| Membership Type | Eligibility | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Student | Medical students | Free |
| Foundation Doctor | Foundation year doctors | — |
| Junior Member | Junior doctors in paediatric training | — |
| Associate Member | Doctors and health professionals with an interest in paediatrics but not in formal paediatric training | — |
| Ordinary Member (MRCPCH) | Doctors who have passed the MRCPCH examination | — |
| Fellow (via registration) | Eligible consultants and senior doctors meeting criteria | — |
| Fellow (via election) | Distinguished contribution to paediatrics | — |
| Senior Fellow / Senior Member / Retired Associate | Retired or semi-retired members | — |
| Affiliate | Non-medical healthcare professionals with an interest in child health | — |
BENEFITS Key Member Benefits
Access to Child Protection Portal
Full access to the RCPCH Child Protection Portal for relevant membership types.
Online access to Archives of Disease in Childhood
Online access to the Archives of Disease in Childhood journal as part of membership.
Event and conference discounts
Discounted registration fees for RCPCH Conference and other events for members.
Milestones magazine
Quarterly member magazine with College news, features and perspectives from across paediatrics.
CPD Diary
Access to RCPCH ePortfolio and CPD Diary tools for recording professional development.
RCPCH Learning
Access to RCPCH Learning platform with online courses, webinars and educational resources.
Volunteering and leadership opportunities
Over 3,000 members contribute each year through volunteering roles including committees, advisory groups and officer posts.
Concessions on fees
Concessions available for maternity/parental leave, less than full-time working, membership of another UK Medical College, and financial hardship.
EVENTS Events & Conferences
2026-05-11 to 2026-05-13
RCPCH Conference 2026
Birmingham, England (and online) · Conference
2026-06-02
Annual General Meeting 2026
Online · AGM
Trainee Research Network: National Conference
Stafford · Conference
St David's Day Conference 2026
Cardiff · Conference
TRAINEE Trainee Opportunities
Trainee Research Network (TRN)
The RCPCH Trainee Research Network (TRN) supports paediatric trainees to engage in research, with national conferences, education seminars (TREES), and collaborative projects.
Trainee Representative Roles
Trainees can apply for representative roles on RCPCH committees and advisory groups, including the Ethics and Law Advisory Committee and other boards.
Research Awards
The RCPCH Research Awards recognise outstanding contributions to paediatric research; the 2026 awards cycle is open for applications.
Sir Peter Tizard Bursary (via BPSU)
Supports young doctors undertaking surveillance projects to enhance their understanding of rare disease research through the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit.
Volunteering and Leadership
Wide range of volunteering opportunities for trainees to contribute to College work, gain leadership experience and build professional networks.
Concessions on Membership and Training Fees
Trainees can apply for concessions including less than full-time working (25% reduction), maternity/parental/adoption leave, and OOPE (for eligible anaesthetics OOPEs).