The Global Health Strategy

RCOG
Handbook for International Representative Committees
and Liaison Groups
October 2014
RCOG President, Mr David Richmond FRCOG, with members of the AICC World Congress organising
committee, Hyderabad, March 2014.
2
Contents
Introduction
5
The Global Health Strategy
6
The Global Health Unit and governance structure
7
The role of the Global Health Unit & International Council Representatives
8
IRC and LG governance structure
9
Expectations of IRCs and LGs
11
The IRC election process
12
IRC/LG budget and funding
13
IRC/LG projects and activities
14
RCOG Global Health Toolkits
15
The Medical Training Initiative (MTI)
16
IRC support for UK volunteers
17
Facilitating payment of membership subscriptions
17
Advocacy
18
RCOG policy statements & UN Days
19
Development and Fundraising & RCOG Endorsement Policy
20
Education, training and professional development
21
Keeping in touch with the RCOG
23
How to become involved in RCOG work
24
RCOG contact details
25
Useful resources
26
Appendices
Appendix 1: The RCOG global health committee structure
Appendix 2: IRC/LG Terms of Reference
Appendix 3: IRC/LG annual report form template
Appendix 4: IRC/LG detailed project funding application form template
Appendix 5: Annual proposed activity plan template
Appendix 6: RCOG educational tools & CPD
Appendix 7: RCOG Membership categories
Appendix 8: Top tips for UK visa application
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36
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IRC – International Representative Committee
LG – Liaison Group
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Introduction
Paul Fogarty MD FRCOG Senior Vice President, Global Health
The RCOG’s International Representative Committees and Liaison Groups
are our eyes and ears for women’s health issues around the world. Fortyfive percent of our Fellows and Members are based overseas and
maintaining links with and ensuring relevance to the day-to-day work of
these Fellows and Members is as relevant now as in the 1930s when the
first Reference Committees and Regional Councils were formed to advise
College Council on local matters. By the time Representative
Committees succeeded these during the 1980s, the role had expanded to
include tasks reflecting the interests of the country concerned but undertaken on the College’s
behalf. Then in 2003, the nature of our engagement with our Fellows and Members overseas
evolved further, when members of the Iraqi diaspora in the UK set up the first Liaison Group to
support Fellows and Members struggling in political upheavals in Iraq. The Iraq Liaison Group was so
successful that the College set about supporting the work of other diaspora groups based in the UK.
In 2014, Professor Janice Rymer was tasked by the Global Health Board to review the workings,
activities and governance of the International Representative Committees (IRCs) and the Liaison
Groups (LGs). This handbook sets out the outcomes of that review and to reframe the nature of our
relationships with both groups for the next part of the twenty-first century. Modern communication
and technology offers an incredible opportunity for the RCOG to expand its reach in women’s health
care globally – to promote our gold standard training, our standards and guidelines and the
principles of our approach to women’s health care. This is very much a two way experience and the
College is keen to learn from the immense diversity of activities undertaken by our Fellows and
Members overseas and the IRCs and LGs are at the heart of this effort.
This new Handbook aims to put the activities and role of the IRCs and LGs on an equal footing and to
build a more reciprocal and mutually supportive relationship between them and the College. We
hope the handbook simplifies and sets out clearer expectations for IRCs and LGs. We have relaxed
the bureaucracy associated with IRCs and hope this will make it easier for IRCs to be flexible to their
local country needs and conditions. We also want to make it easier for individual or small groups of
Fellows and Members to work with and get support from the College. We have given clearer
guidance and more specific ideas for how IRCs, LGs and the College can work together. We hope
this approach will encourage peer learning between IRCs, LGs and the College and enhance
communication and relevance between the College, all internationally-based Fellows and Members
and the broader global O & G community.
Whilst we are printing and distributing some hard copies of this first edition of the Handbook, we
intend that the Handbook should be a living document and we will be updating it annually on the
website. We appreciate that the changes ask IRCs and LGs to work in a slightly different way and
that there may be questions. We want to work through these with you so please do not hesitate to
contact the Global Health Unit on any issues relating to the handbook or IRCs and LGs. Please also
give us feedback on the Handbook so that we can ensure that it is relevant and useful for IRCs, LGs
and all those supporting the College’s global health priority.
5
The Global Health Strategy
In October 2013, the College launched its Global Health Strategy at the House of Lords. The Strategy
set some broad themes for the College’s global health work 2013-2017, including:
•
Improving the breadth and depth of the College’s partnerships with others working in the
global arena (NGOs, other Colleges, local O&G societies etc);
•
Increasing the GH Faculty of those Fellows and Members interested and engaged in
supporting the College’s global health work;
•
Prioritising global health activities in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
In March 2014, the GHU and GH Board confirmed five Global Health Strategic Priorities linking from
the Global Health Strategy:
1.
To engage IRCs, LGs and M/Fs (in the UK and internationally) with the GH Strategy
2.
To work with O&G societies, associated organisations, NGOs (non-government
organisations) and Royal Colleges to champion women's health internationally
3.
To promote volunteering amongst the RCOG Membership and to work with partners to
facilitate international placements and training
4.
To develop and pilot toolkits (and other educational materials/courses) which market and
promote RCOG's standards, educational and guidelines expertise in different contexts on a
commercial or philanthropic basis
5.
To ensure that the GH governance structure is 'fit' to deliver the GH strategy
Read the Strategy on the RCOG website
http://www.rcog.org.uk/globalhealthstrategy
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The Global Health Unit and governance structure
‘Our goal is to raise awareness around the world of what the College has to
offer in terms of improving care quality and life chances for women and
newborns’ – RCOG Global Health Strategy, 2013.
In 2012, the RCOG reviewed its international work and recognised that there was enormous
enthusiasm and encouragement to further broaden the College’s global health remit. The review
recommended that, to reflect a greater focus on the maternal and newborn health challenges facing
less developed countries, the existing International Office be restructured as a Global Health Unit
(GHU) and Board supported by appropriate Committees.
The Global Health Unit works with the Senior Vice President Global Health, who chairs the Global
Health Board, which is itself supported by three Global Health Committees (see Appendix 1 on page
30). The Senior Vice President is supported by:
•
Five International Council Representatives elected (for 3 year periods) to RCOG Council with
responsibility for defined areas of the world.
•
The Gulf Ambassador to act as the trusted face of the College and to focus coordination of
contacts and activity across the Gulf region.
Contact details for the Council Representatives and the Gulf Champion can be found on page 26.
Gulf
Ambassador:
Mr Hassan
Shehata FRCOG
Senior Vice President, Global Health
Paul Fogarty MD FRCOG
GLOBAL EDUCATION DIRECTORATE
Executive Director: Dr Michael Murphy
International Council
Representatives:
America, Australasia &
Pacific Rim
Europe and Central Asia
North Africa & Middle East
South Asia
Sub-Saharan Africa
Global Health Unit
Director: Rachel Cooper
GHU Manager: Binta Patel
Global Projects Administrator:
Elizabeth Rafii-Tabar
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Executive PA, Global
Education: Sakinah Takeram
The role of the Global Health Unit
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
To coordinate progress on the GH Strategy Implementation Framework
To promote effective communication and dialogue with International
Representative Committees, Liaison Groups and the international
membership
To coordinate in-country health needs assessments and assess project
proposals
To manage the Medical Training Initiative (MTI) scheme and support
volunteers overseas
To engage with stakeholders and manage partnerships and
collaborations
To establish a global knowledge base
To conduct research and gather data to support the strategy
To work with Development Department to develop suitable projects for
donors/funders
To work with the Marketing Department to develop
business/investment cases
To scan the horizon for opportunities relevant to global health
The role of the International Council Representatives
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
To act as the RCOG’s ‘ears’ with the region on core College business
relating to exams, membership, guidelines, standards, conferences and
courses
To encourage Fellows/Members in the region to engage and contribute
to all areas of College activities – especially relating to implementation
of the global health strategy
To sit on and contribute to the Global Health Board and relevant other
RCOG Committees
To participate in virtual Global Health Unit/International Representative
Committee/ Liaison Group meetings (at least annually)
To act as a conduit between the RCOG and Fellows/Members in the
region, including informing and distributing the Council précis, gathering
feedback and representing views to the SVP, Global Health Board and
Council meetings
To act as RCOG’s advocate for women’s health and rights across the
region
To facilitate in the development of any specific projects in the region.
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International Representative Committee/Liaison Group governance
and structure
The College’s internationally-based members – and especially its network of International
Representative Committees and Liaison Groups – are crucial to successful delivery of the College’s
ambitions for global women’s health. The IRCs/LGs are the best possible ambassadors for the
standards the College promotes but also ideal partners for local O&G organisations and practitioners
etc.
The main role of the IRCs and LGs is to promote the College’s core products (exams, guidelines,
courses, curricula etc) locally. But beyond this, we expect the IRCs and LGs (and all FMTs) to
encourage, contribute and support local O&G organisations and practitioners as they strive to
deliver the highest possible standards in women’s healthcare, within their available resources. How
IRCs and LGs do this will differ according to local circumstances, history, opportunities and
challenges.
The College recognises that Fellows and Members give up their own time to work on behalf of the
College and wants to make the IRCs/LGs as flexible and responsive as possible. One size does not fit
all. To reflect this we want to encourage different models of working with the international
membership. The underlying principles for this approach are:
More interaction
between IRCs/LGs and the College and with non-Member
O&Gs;
Mutual support
between IRCs/LGs and the College in the promotion of the
College’s core products and development and
implementation of global health focused projects;
Less bureaucracy
between IRCs/LGs and the College;
More outcome-focused
between IRCs/LGs and the College.
The structure of the IRCs and LGs
In line with these principles there are no strict requirements for the structure, size or constitution of
IRCs or LGs and we encourage IRCs and LGs to establish structures that work for them. So IRCs and
LGs may be:
•
Formal committees with competitive elections representing large numbers of Fellows and
Members;
•
Informal committees representing small numbers of Fellows and Members;
•
Small groups of Fellows and Members scattered across a country or a region (e.g.
neighbouring South Africa) but coming together to focus, advocate or drive change on a
particular issue;
•
Diaspora Fellows and Members in the UK working directly with an IRC in-country;
•
Diaspora Fellows and Members in the UK working with non-Members in-country.
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Where appropriate and there are sufficient numbers, the committee/group may wish to appoint,
from amongst its elected membership, the members to fulfil the following designated roles:
Secretarial
support
Postgraduate
education and
training
International Representative
Committee or Liaison Group
Development of
continuing medical
education (CME) and/or
continuing professional
development (CPD)
Treasurer
Alternatively, an IRC/LG may wish to consider co-opting or making honorary appointments to
maximise capacity and support, for example:
•
Appointing a trainee to take responsibility for local communication, the use of social media
etc.;
•
Appointing a local practicing or newly retired accountant/financial advisor to act as honorary
Treasurer;
•
Appointing suitably qualified non-clinicians to provide administrative or event organisation
support;
•
Including associates or affiliates – especially in countries where there are few
Members/Fellows;
•
Co-option of a representative from the local O&G society and/or the local SRH organisation
to promote cooperation/collaboration and reciprocally beneficial arrangements.
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Expectations of IRCs/LGs
Whilst allowing for different structures, the College has certain core expectations of IRCs and LGs in
terms of governance, communication and collaboration.
Governance:
•
IRCs/LGs should be inclusive and representative – of all Fellows, Members and Trainees and
all branches of the local profession (eg. those based in university, public, military settings
etc).
•
IRCs/LGs should be transparent and accountable – for their elections, spending and
activities to the relevant IRC/LG, all Fellows, Members and Trainees associated with their
country and to the College membership more generally. GHU should be informed of all
appointments. IRC/LG Chair appointments will be ratified by the Global Health Board.
•
IRCs/LGs should provide an annual report (see Appendix 3 on page 33) and information on
local projects/activities etc.
Communication and meetings:
•
IRCs/LGs should be in regular contact with the College, particularly through the relevant
International Council Representative and the GHU.
•
Meetings can take place either via Skype or other suitable device and minutes of the
meeting should be made available to all Fellows and Members and those associated with the
country. Meeting minutes should be copied to GHU.
•
GHU will arrange at least six monthly Skype/virtual country-focused meetings with IRCs/LGs
and the relevant International Council Representative.
•
To promote maximum engagement, in-country face-to-face meetings should rotate around
the country. Face-to-face meetings with the College will take place on an ad hoc basis
during visits and where appropriate at RCOG World Congresses. The likely next face-to-face
meeting with all IRCs/LGs will be during the Birmingham World Congress in June 2016.
•
GHU will facilitate publication of relevant IRC/LG related activity on the RCOG website.
Collaboration:
•
IRCs/LGs should work closely with local O&G societies and related organisations (national
and regional networks and other international societies and organisations eg.
SASUOG/FOGSI/WACS/ACOG/SOGC/RANZCOG/SAFOG/AFOG/FIGO, Ministries of Health
etc). IRCs/LGs could consider hosting an RCOG-event during the local O&G society meeting
and/or opening admission to the annual reception/dinner to non-members (subject to an
appropriate fee).
•
IRCs/LGs should consider how best they might contribute to improvements in local
maternal/newborn health. The College realises that many Fellows and Members contribute
to philanthropic activity and wishes to promote this activity more and, where appropriate, to
add value to this activity, through College engagement in projects, activities etc.
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The IRC election process
The IRC/LG review supported the College intention to relax the bureaucratic arrangements for
IRCs/LGs. The new election process acknowledges that IRCs/LGs know their constituency and
circumstances best and it is intended to give more formally constituted IRCs/LGs greater ownership
of the electoral process. Several IRCs/LGs have already successfully used this new process but we
acknowledge that the changes are significant and that there may be teething problems and GHU is
ready to help individual IRCs/LGs work through the changes and the local application.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
When a vacancy occurs for either the Chair or for a member of
the Committee, the current IRC Chair obtains full list of
Fellows/Members database from RCOG and circulates by email to
those who have emails and by post for those who do not.
Depending on the vacancy use the correct form (Form A for
Members of the Committee and Form B for the Chairman) for
nominations. The closing date should be two weeks following
despatch.
After the closing date, if more nominations are received than
there are vacancies than an election should take place. Ballot
papers with details of the nominees to be circulated by the Chair
to Fellows/Members in the country. Closing date should be two
weeks following despatch of papers.
If there is a tie, the IRC should discuss nominations with the GHU
Office.
Once an overall winner has been identified then inform the GHU
office, who will arrange for official letters from the Senior Vice
President to be issued and ratification by GHB.
The Committee have powers to co-opt any person useful for a period of up to three years, but the
numbers shall not usually exceed two such persons at any time. Co-opted members will not have
any voting rights.
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IRC/LG Budget and funding
The College’s Global Health strategic priorities for the next 3-5 years (see page 6) place increasing
emphasis on activities that directly champion and support global women’s health and have
discernible and attributable outcome measures. GHU is looking for IRCs to play a more active role
in supporting the training, education and development needs of all in-country trainees and the local
O&G profession and in furthering the broader aspirations and activities of the College in-country
(including through local advocacy and relationship building). The College’s educational and training
resources and courses should be used for the benefit of all O&G professionals (and not only existing
M/Fs or those applying for Membership).
Funding for IRCs/LGs will therefore be activity rather than numerically or geographically based (as
previously). Global Health Unit has a generic budget to support activity undertaken by IRCs/LGs.
Requests for funding will be considered at any point in the year but in November/December
IRCs/LGs will be invited to submit a proposed annual plan of activity (see page 14) to aid planning.
Until funding is agreed, IRCs/LGs should not assume that any activity they have planned will be
automatically financed by the RCOG.
Decisions on funding for projects will be made using these criteria:
•
•
•
•
•
Links to the Global Health strategic priorities;
Likely outcomes and improvements to women’s health;
Activities developed collaboratively and supported by International Council Representatives
and both IRCs and LGs;
Activities developed and supported by other local partners – eg. NGOs, local O&G societies,
local Ministries of Health etc;
Activities that demonstrate greatest awareness of local women’s health needs.
Turn to Appendix 4 on page 34 for a template detailed project funding application form
IRC Budget Form example:
Page 1
Page 2
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IRCs/LGs Projects and activities
The RCOG would like to encourage International Representative Committees, Liaison Groups and
individual RCOG Fellows/Members to inform Global Health Unit about any projects or activities that
they are involved with in an under resourced country. The RCOG wants to build up a database of all
activities being undertaken by individuals or as part of a charity/NGO so that the College has a better
‘map’ and understanding of who is doing what, where, duplication is reduced and the College can
consider whether/how it may add value.
Examples of what the Global Health Unit of the RCOG will and will not fund
Projects should be identified with clear, measurable, sustainable outcomes to be eligible for funding
by GHU. For example, running a training course for doctors or health workers from another, poorly –
resourced country to improve their knowledge and skills to provide better health care would be an
appropriate project for GHU to fund.
Activities which have no specific outcome, such as administrative support that is not directly related
to any one project or activity are less likely to be approved for funding.
Here is an example of a Proposed Activity Plan which includes activities appropriate for GHU
funding:
20XX
NB These are examples only and not genuine quotations.
Turn to Appendix 5 on page 36 for a template proposed activity plan. This should be
submitted to the RCOG in conjunction with the detailed individual project Budget Form.
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RCOG Global Health Toolkits
In 2013, the RCOG began development of the Global Health Toolkits. The Toolkits were developed
to help the RCOG respond constructively to the requests it receives from different countries for
assistance and support. There are seven Toolkits altogether covering:
Guideline development and adaptation
Health and training needs assessment
Service review and audit
Curriculum design
Developing a sub-specialty training programme
Establishing a training centre for courses
Examination preparation
The purpose of the toolkits is to help institutions or individuals assess local needs, problems and
issues and to identify solutions and develop appropriate resources in response. The toolkits give a
step-by-step ‘how to’ guide to help institutions work through a particular area of work linked to
education, training and development in maternal health care. The toolkits are not intended to be
prescriptive and can be taken and used either in their entirety or just for one or two sections so
organisations using them may choose to work through a particular toolkit methodically or to pick
and choose specific tools relevant to a local context or problem. They can be used to work through a
small specific issue or as a launch pad to further activity and either independently from the RCOG or
using the College in a consultancy role (either on a philanthropic or charged basis). In certain
circumstances, the GHU may be able to arrange for RCOG Faculty to work through a particular
toolkit in partnership with local Faculty. The needs-assessment toolkit is particularly vital and should
enable those seeking to partner with the RCOG to carry out a detailed analysis which captures the
specific needs of women and service providers and begins to identify appropriate solutions.
The toolkits have been through a robust quality assurance process within the College and now we
want to pilot them in the field to ensure they are fit for purpose in a global health context. IRC/LG
assistance in piloting the toolkits would be of great value and we would encourage them to view the
toolkits on the website and to contact GHU if they are interested or can suggest institutions or
organisations who may be interested in piloting any of the toolkits.
The toolkits are living documents so will be reviewed, adapted and improved to reflect learning from
experience.
In addition, we are considering writing further toolkits and would be interested to know whether
there are any subjects that IRCs/LGs feel would be appropriate. Please let us know at:
[email protected]
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Medical Training Initiative (MTI) scheme
MTI gives trainees around the world access to the NHS by way of a paid two-year training placement
at a UK hospital. Doctors are expected to sit for the Part 2 MRCOG whilst on programme; the pass
rate is very high among MTI trainees compared with doctors overseas. They return home after two
years having benefitted from the evidence-based, multi-disciplinary system of the NHS.
Timeline of application process
Mid-November – end of January
Applications are completed online by candidates and references completed online by their referees. The trainee
must arrange an appointment with the Chairman of their local IRC for a face-to-face interview where possible.
The IRC Chairman is then asked to submit the report from this interview directly to the RCOG.
February
MTI Assessment Panel will meet to review all eligible applications. The applications of those that score most
highly will be sent to hospitals with vacancies. Those who pass the assessment but for whom there is no vacancy
will be offered a place on the waiting list until August.
March
Hospitals will review the application sent to them and if they approve, arrange a telephone/Skype interview with
a proposed trainee.
April - July
If the trainee is successful, the RCOG will help them to obtain GMC registration. The RCOG sponsors the doctor
for registration to exempt them from the GMC’s ‘PLAB test’. Once registration has been obtained, the hospital
will apply for a COS (Certificate of Sponsorship) from the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC). The COS
is then used by the trainee to obtain a Tier 5 (sponsored) visa to come to the UK for two years.
August/September
When new doctors arrive in the UK, they are invited to attend an Induction Programme at the RCOG.
Criteria
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The trainee must hold their Part 1 MRCOG (or hold exemption from it) but not their Part 2 MRCOG.
They must have at least four years of postgraduate experience which has been assessed and approved
by the RCOG Examinations Department.
We will not accept applications from those with more than 10 years postgraduate experience. This
scheme is not suitable for those doctors working without supervision.
The trainee must take an IELTS test and achieve the following score:
7.5 overall score with no less than 7.0 in any one of the four categories.
The trainee should have no rights of work or residence in the UK/EU/EEA.
The trainee must have been in continuous medical practice for three of the past five years including all of
the last 12 months.
Doctors who have previously attempted and failed the GMC PLAB test are not eligible to apply.
For more information email [email protected]
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IRC/LG support for the MTI scheme
IRCs and LGs are fundamental to the success and development of the MTI scheme. They can support
the scheme by:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Circulating information to promote the scheme among their networks and to local trainees
Providing support and guidance on the criteria of the scheme
(IRCs only) Interviewing candidates and submitting an interview form for a candidate’s application.
Forms can be submitted directly to [email protected]
(LGs only) Offering support to MTI trainees whilst in the UK
Encouraging returned MTI trainees to be involved in IRC/LG activity
Providing feedback from returned trainees to the RCOG
Using their networks and links to seek out UK placements in hospitals
Signposting candidates to useful information regarding the IELTS test
Writing references
IRC/LG Support for UK-based volunteers
Many doctors choose to undertake work overseas with the RCOG. This can be in a range of ways; on
a formal Fellowship organised by the RCOG, taking time out of work to volunteer on a long-term
placement in a low-resource country, helping deliver a revision course or Life Saving Skills course
over a few days.
We ask that IRCs and LGs support volunteers by helping to identify local mentors and links/contacts
to help facilitate the volunteer placement. Your knowledge of the local setting is invaluable to the
experience of the volunteer and their local understanding.
Facilitating payment of membership subscriptions/exam fees
We are aware that some of you and your members may have difficulty in transferring money
electronically to the RCOG in order to pay for membership subscriptions or examination fees. We
can explore the possibility of using banks that have a branch both in your country and the UK to
facilitate payment should you know of any difficulties.
If you would like to discuss this further, please contact our Member Records Administrator, Sandra
Silvera on [email protected].
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Advocacy
As a global women’s health organisation, the RCOG is in a unique position to advocate for
improvements to global women’s health. Approximately 5000 of our members live outside of the
UK so we are sensitive to the fact that doctors face local issues and challenges on a daily basis. Our
role in advocating for women is not necessarily a political one however we can support our members
by providing guidance on best practice to provide the highest standard of care to women within the
society in which they live. The RCOG also has a role to play in partnering with general advocacy
organisations which helps to raise awareness of key issues affecting women’s right to health.
As RCOG representatives outside of the UK, your input into our advocacy work is very important. You
can help to spread awareness to membership in your country of our campaigns but you can also play
a vital role in informing the RCOG about the local situation in your country.
Raising awareness
The UN has a selection of ‘awareness days’ some of which we choose to mark at the RCOG as they
relate directly to women’s health. You can view a list of relevant UN/awareness days on page 19.
If you are marking a particular UN day in your country, please let us know.
Here are some specific examples of recent days that the RCOG has celebrated.
International Women’s Day, 8th March
Themes at the RCOG:
2013 – Forced marriage
2014 – Human rights in women’s health (see the toolkit below)
2015 - Gender-based violence
The Human Rights Toolkit
The Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Rights Committee (WSRR) of FIGO (International Federation
of Obstetrics and Gynaecology) devised a toolkit for health professionals worldwide to use to
improve their daily health care of women by taking into consideration the human rights of their
patients. The RCOG actively encourages doctors around the world to use this toolkit in their daily
work. It will provide a vital resource to health professionals globally to raise the standard of health
care given to women and to advocate for their rights as patients to be respected.
We urge representatives of the RCOG internationally, to view the toolkit and to suggest how the
College can continue to roll the toolkit out to local members (and non-members).
To access the human rights toolkit, visit:
http://www.glowm.com/intergrating_checklist
International Day to End Obstetric Fistula
The RCOG also marks particular awareness ‘days’ appropriate to women’s health such as the
International Day to End Obstetric Fistula on 23rd May. By showing our support to these causes the
College can give its members and external parties a key message about the direction of the future of
women’s health.
To find out more about the RCOG’s End Fistula campaign, please visit:
https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/global-network/global-health-news/international-day-to-endfistula-2014/
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RCOG policy statements
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
In 2014 RCOG in conjunction with other Royal Colleges, UK government and NGO agencies produced
a document “Tackling FGM in the UK” which includes recommendations for identifying, recording
and reporting of FGM. The paper calls for health and social care agencies, the Department of
Education and the police to integrate FGM prevention into national and local strategy for
safeguarding children from FGM abuse.
•
•
•
FGM is child abuse and the practice goes against a girl/woman’s human rights.
Early intervention is key to ensuring that girls are protected from harm.
The RCOG does not support the medicalisation of the practice and calls upon all healthcare
professionals and those in training, in the UK and internationally, to heed its clinical guidelines.
The RCOG believes that ritual cutting is an unacceptable practice and all healthcare professionals
should prevent rather than be complicit in FGM.
•
RCOG President, David Richmond has written to all IRCs to give an overview of the RCOG’s position
on FGM and developments to UK government policy.
Read the recommendations aimed at the professionals who can bring about the changes needed in the UK to
help eradicate FGM https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/news/update-on-progress-towards-meeting-therecommendations-of-the-intercollegiate-report-on-tackling-fgm/
Gender Selection
•
Abortions that are carried out on grounds of gender alone are discriminatory. Prenatal sex selection
has been condemned but it is still practised in countries where there is a preference for male
children.
There may be some rare instances when they are requested (e.g. if there is a family history of
chromosomal defects) and healthcare professionals must be aware of the ethical and moral issues
when they counsel women.
Similarly, the increasing availability of non-invasive prenatal testing raises the possibility of gender
selection. Healthcare professionals should be made aware of this development.
•
•
Forced marriage
•
•
•
Forced marriage is a violation of women’s rights and is akin to modern slavery.
It is a complex issue that is linked to other social problems such as domestic and/or sexual
violence, psychological abuse and teenage pregnancy.
Healthcare professionals should counsel women and their families against the practice and focus
on the long-term harm for the mother and her baby. It requires multidisciplinary working with
other health and social care professionals.
UN Days
6 February
8 March
7 April
23 May
11 October
25 November
10 December
International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation
International Women’s Day
World Health Day
International Day to End Obstetric Fistula
International Day of the Girl Child
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Human Rights Day
19
Development and fundraising
The Development Department was set up under the Chief Executive’s Office in January 2013. The
aim is to establish the philanthropic face of the College through raising funds, including legacies, for
UK based revenue and capital projects and for the College’s philanthropic Global Health work in
developing countries.
The current team consists of the Development Director, Ann Tate and the Development Coordinator Nia Sheppard. Ann and Nia work closely with all departments within the College who are
looking for funding for a specific College agreed project. They aim to help shape the project from a
donor’s point of view to make it acceptable for funding and to research and then approach potential
donors.
Ann and Nia handle the relationship building with donors including facilitating meetings with senior
members of the College. They hold and update the fundraising database for the College.
A small number of fundraising events are planned throughout the year for anyone to support the
College and these are administered by the Development Department.
The team ensures that the College meets its obligations as a charity and operates within Charity Law
and the Institute of Fundraising’s Code of Practice.
RCOG Endorsement Policy
In general, the RCOG does not endorse policies or documents that have been developed without its
participation. However, the RCOG is flexible and in rare cases will make an exception. Our
endorsement gives a document or policy the same status as an RCOG document or policy, so is
granted only with the approval of RCOG Council.
Collaborations
A large part of RCOG’s work is in collaboration with other bodies. In these the RCOG will need to
reach agreement on conditions and processes at the start of each project. Such collaborations
(which might include joint meetings) cannot be assumed, and must be negotiated on a case-by-case
basis with the relevant person or department within the College.
Reproducing or translating RCOG-copyrighted material
All materials (journals, guidelines, working party reports, eLearning, electronic documents) published
by the RCOG are copyright protected. RCOG may charge a fee if you wish to reproduce or translate
our material.
Use of the RCOG logo by third parties
RCOG places strict control on use of the RCOG logo by third parties. RCOG will usually grant
permission to use the logo only for official RCOG business or where the RCOG has participated in an
event or publication where use of the logo is specifically agreed and we have issued a licence.
For more detailed information on the above and other permissions please check out the RCOG
website.
https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/about-us/policies/rights-permissions/
20
Education, training and professional development
The College aims to improve women's health care and the clinical practice of
O&G both in the UK and across the world. Providing education, training,
assessment and professional development is one of the main ways we work to
achieve this aim. – RCOG website ‘Education and Exams’
MRCOG Examinations
The College aims to improve women's health care and the clinical practice of O&G both in the UK
and across the world. Providing education, training, assessment and professional development is
one of the main ways we work to achieve this aim.
Please refer to the RCOG website which provides detailed information on everything you need to
know about the MRCOG’s exams.
https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/careers-training/mrcog-exams/
Membership exam (MRCOG)
The Membership exam (MRCOG) is intended for people who wish to specialise in obstetrics and
gynaecology (O&G). Passing the MRCOG grants you membership of the RCOG.
The MRCOG is a two-part exam:
•
The Part 1 MRCOG is a written exam in the basic and clinical sciences relevant to O&G. It
can be taken any time after graduation from a medical degree. Specialty trainees in the UK
must pass the Part 1 MRCOG before progressing from ST2 to ST3.
•
The Part 2 MRCOG consists of a written and an oral exam that assess the application of
knowledge.
Contact us
For enquiries about MRCOG examination, please email: [email protected] or call +44 20
7772 6210.
Become an MRCOG Examination and Education Centre
The RCOG membership exam (MRCOG) is recognised internationally and is in high demand
throughout the world. We are committed to developing new MRCOG Examination and Education
centres around the world to help support our work to improve women's health care and enhance
the practice of O&G around the world. Our 3-stage RCOG Educational Excellence Programme (REEP)
sets out how we could work with you to develop a centre in your own country or region.
Find out more about becoming an MRCOG Examination Education Centre.
https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/about-us/get-involved-with-our-work/set-up-an-mrcog-examinationand-education-centre/
Educational tools
The College has developed a range of educational and training tools and packages for doctors at all
stages of their careers. These range from webinars and online learning platforms such as StratOG, to
journals. International trainees and members can make use of the wide variety of products available.
Turn to Appendix 6 on page 37 for a list of tools and links to view them on the RCOG website.
21
Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
Continuing professional development (CPD) is any learning outside of undergraduate education or
postgraduate training that helps you maintain and improve your performance, with the ultimate aim
of improving patient care. CPD covers the development of your knowledge, skills, attitudes and
behaviours across all areas of your professional practice. It includes both formal and informal
learning activities.
For access to CPD programmes to circulate to your networks, turn to Appendix 6 on page 37.
RCOG Fellowship and Membership categories
The College's membership categories allow all those working in the field of O&G, worldwide, to have
a formal link with the College.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Honorary Fellows
Fellows ad eundem
Fellows honoris causa
Fellows
Associates
Affiliates
For an overview of each category, please turn to Appendix 7 on page 38.
RCOG Meetings and Franchised Courses
Postgraduate meetings
Contact us
If you have any queries, please contact:
[email protected] or call +44 20
7772 6460.
The RCOG organises postgraduate meetings, courses and conferences for trainees, consultants and
all other healthcare providers with an interest in the O&G specialty.
Details of these events can be found on the listing below
http://www.rcog.org.uk/events
Franchised courses
Individuals and organisations wishing to hold RCOG-branded courses can apply to the RCOG for
permission to do so. There is an application pack available from the RCOG Meetings Department for
those interested. Once completed, the application to hold an RCOG-approved course will be
assessed by the Meetings department, with appropriate input from other RCOG departments as
necessary.
For further information please check out the website:
http://www.rcog.org.uk/events/franchising/franchising-policy
Developing a global health faculty
In order to run courses internationally, the College relies on a dedicated faculty to lead teaching
programmes and facilitate training. IRCs and LGs can help to build up the faculty for both RCOG led
programmes of training and locally developed courses to improve health care for women by training
a range of different health workers. Please raise awareness of the College’s need for local faculty on
the ground to run courses and training among your networks to help us to build our bank of trainers.
22
Keeping in touch with the RCOG
Almost half of the RCOG’s membership resides outside of the UK. It is therefore vital that the College
maintains regular contact with all of our international membership to keep them informed of latest
developments in women’s health care in the UK but also to highlight the work taking place all over
the world.
It is important to maintain an international perspective to the communications that come from the
RCOG to its membership and IRCs/LGs can play a key role in informing the College of the activity and
developments in women’s health care in other countries.
The RCOG has several different publications which it uses to communicate with its membership.
O&G Magazine
The re-branded Membership Matters publishes four times a year and focuses on key clinical issues
and comment from leading figures within the RCOG. There is also scope to include internationallyfocused articles and IRCs/LGs are encouraged to liaise with GHU on potential items for future
editions.
International News
International news publishes twice a year. The editions are themed to focus on a particular
geographic region or issue in women’s health (e.g. obstetric fistula). The aim of this publication is to
put an informal spotlight on a particular area and highlight projects taking place to make
improvements to women’s health globally.
BJOG
BJOG is an editorially independent publication owned by the Royal College of Obstetricians and
Gynaecologists (RCOG). The Journal publishes original, peer-reviewed work in all areas of obstetrics
and gynaecology, including contraception, urogynaecology, fertility, oncology and clinical practice.
TOG
This is a journal for continuing professional development from the Royal College of Obstetricians and
Gynaecologists. With its mixture of high-quality, peer reviewed articles, The Obstetrician &
Gynaecologist (TOG) is an ideal resource for continuing professional development in women’s
health.
Contributing to RCOG publications
We welcome contributions from international Members to all RCOG publications.
Contributions from IRCs/LGs increase the inclusivity of all of our international members and equally
ensure that our UK membership is kept informed of developments around the world.
O&G Magazine: to contribute to this publication please send details of your proposal to
[email protected] for it to be reviewed by the O&G Editorial Board for possible inclusion.
International News: We welcome your contributions to IN, in terms of articles and for future
theme ideas. Please send any ideas to Lizzie Rafii-Tabar, [email protected]
BJOG: Information for prospective authors can be found by visiting,
http://www.bjog.org/view/0/index.html
TOG: To submit a proposal to TOG please visit, http://www.rcog.org.uk/what-wedo/publishing/tog/author-instructions
23
How to become involved in RCOG work
IRCs and LGs are vital to progress the work of the RCOG. There are many different ways that
IRCs/LGs as a whole, or as individual Members, can become involved in RCOG work. What is key for
the College is for IRCs and LGs to work cohesively together to increase the effectiveness and quality
of global health projects.
Here are some examples of how IRCs/LGs can become more involved:
Mentoring UK
volunteers whilst
they work in your
country.
Encouraging
trainee doctors
to apply for the
MTI scheme.
Submitting
research papers
for TOG and
BJOG.
Engaging with
International
Council
Representatives.
Describing your
philanthropic
work and identify
how RCOG may
be able to
Telling us how
other diaspora
are developing
health services in
your country.
Consider
allocating specific
roles within your
Committee or
Group.
Sending us
potential
collaborative
project
proposals.
Telling us what
women’s health
related issues are
priorities for your
countries.
Applying for the
Sims Black Prize.
(See RCOG
contacts on page
26).
24
RCOG Contact Details
Paul Fogarty
Michael Murphy
Senior Vice President, Global Health
Executive Director, Global Education
[email protected]
[email protected]
Director, Global Health Unit
Manager, Global Health Unit
Executive PA
Global Projects Administrator
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Global Health Unit
Rachel Cooper
Binta Patel
Sakinah Takeram
Elizabeth Rafii-Tabar
International Council Representatives
Professor Linda Cardozo
Professor Janice Rymer
Dr Alison Wright
Professor Justin Konje
Professor Fionnuala McAuliffe
Europe & Central Asia
Australasia, America & Pacific Rim
South Asia
Sub-Saharan Africa
North Africa & Middle East
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
RCOG Gulf Ambassador
Mr Hassan Shehata FRCOG
[email protected]
Awards (including Sims Black)
Beverley Willie
Administrator, Quality & Knowledge
[email protected]
Director
Development Co-ordinator
[email protected]
[email protected]
Assessment Lead
[email protected]
[email protected]
Director
[email protected]
Development
Ann Tate
Nia Sheppard
Examinations
Chris Chivers
Examinations enquiries
Finance
Sandra Tetsola
Marketing & Franchised Courses
Nigel Moore
Rakhi Shah
Director
Senior Marketing Dev. Manager
[email protected]
[email protected]
Director
Meetings Manager
[email protected]
[email protected]
Director
Member Records Manager
Member Records Administrator
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Meetings
Lynn Whitley
Jessica Letters
Membership
Victoria Bytel
Andrea Gale
Sandra Silvera
25
Useful resources
Core guidance from UN/WHO to implement health care systems for women,
children and newborns
Advocacy checklist
http://www.path.org/publications/files/APP_advocacy_toolkit.pdf
This checklist provides information about life-saving priority commodities such as accessing and
barriers to maternal, child, and newborn health and contraceptive commodities.
WHO Surgical Safety Checklist
http://www.who.int/patientsafety/safesurgery/ss_checklist/en/
The WHO Safe Surgery Saves Lives initiative was to reduce the number of surgical deaths across the
world. The Checklist is neither a regulatory device nor a component of official policy; it is intended
as a tool for use by clinicians interested in improving the safety of their operations and reducing
unnecessary surgical deaths and complications.
Education and training materials
Healthcare Information for All
http://www.hifa2015.org/
Healthcare providers can only function effectively if their own basic professional needs are met.
These needs are summarised as:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Skills
Equipment
Structural support
Medicine
Incentives
Communication facilities
The HIFA campaign focuses on the Information needs of healthcare providers. HIFA is continually
seeking to promote and strengthen links with initiatives that address these needs, as well as those
that address broader issues of health, human rights and international development.
Medical Aid Films
http://medicalaidfilms.org/
MAF aims to save the lives of vulnerable women and children in developing countries by providing
innovative training and education through films.
26
Useful Websites
The Global Library of Women’s Medicine (GLOWM)
http://www.glowm.com/
This site provides medical professionals worldwide with a vast range of expert, peer reviewed
resources and training material in women's medicine. It covers
• Textbooks
• Video films
• Masterclass Lectures
• Diagnostic Atlases
• Skills training videos
• Tutorials & E-learning tools
• Wall Charts
• Community Healthcare Workers' Guidance
• Patient information leaflets
• The Human Rights Toolkit
THET
http://www.thet.org/
THET is a specialist global health organisation that educates, trains and supports health workers
through partnerships, strengthening health systems and enabling people in low and middle income
countries to access essential healthcare.
Healthcare UK
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/healthcare-uk
Healthcare UK help UK healthcare providers to do more business overseas. They do this by
promoting the UK healthcare sector to overseas markets and supporting healthcare partnerships
between the UK and overseas healthcare providers. Healthcare UK is part of the Department of
Health and the UK Trade & Investment.
27
28
Appendices
Appendix 1: The RCOG global health committee structure
30
Appendix 2: IRC/LG Terms of Reference
31
Appendix 3: IRC/LG annual report form template
33
Appendix 4: IRC/LG detailed project funding application form template
34
Appendix 5: Annual proposed activity plan template
36
Appendix 6: RCOG educational tools & CPD
37
Appendix 7: RCOG Membership categories
38
Appendix 8: Top tips for UK visa application
39
29
Appendix 1
The global health committee structure
GLOBAL HEALTH BOARD
Remit: Strategic oversight focused on medium/long term (2-5 yr) alignment with College and GH strategy
and objectives; provision of strategic and policy direction/geographical priorities; ‘entry point’ for all new
project/activity proposals and project reviews/lesson-learning; decommissioning activity.
INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE
COMMITTEE/LIAISON GROUP CHAIRS
Remit: strategic relationship with IRCs, LGs
including structure, organisation and financing.
GLOBAL PROJECT
DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE
Remit: Further work up of
‘agreed’ project/activity
areas; confirmation of
project leader and onward
referral to appropriate
committee.
GLOBAL PROJECT
IMPLEMENTATION
COMMITTEE
Remit: Detailed project
work up, design,
implementation and
monitoring.
Project development process:
Project proposals once approved by the Global
Health board are passed to Global Project
Development Committee. It is then passed to Global
Project Implementation Committee to implement
and deliver the project.
30
GLOBAL PLACEMENT
COMMITTEE
Remit: Management and
development of MTI and
volunteering schemes;
negotiation of MoUs.
Appendix 2
IRC/LG Terms of Reference
Terms of Reference of RCOG International Representative Committees
Report to: The relevant RCOG International Council Representative and Global Health Board
(Chaired by the Senior Vice President Global Health)
Objectives
•
•
•
•
To work with local O&G societies, associated organisations, NGOs and UK-based Liaison Groups and in conjunction
with RCOG to champion women’s health locally, including drawing upon local expertise and experience to advise
the RCOG GHU on how to make an effective contribution to improving sexual and reproductive health care, and in
particular to reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity
To help pilot and scale up work that positively impacts women’s health (eg. including potential grant applications,
fundraising etc)
To facilitate regional co-operation which harnesses local experience and resources in areas of good practice
To raise awareness locally of what the RCOG has to offer in a global arena and assist in marketing the College’s
expertise.
Working with International Council Representatives
To maintain a regular and informed dialogue with the relevant International Council Representative on all issues
relating to the governance, funding and activities of the IRC.
Working with Liaison Groups
•
To work in conjunction with relevant UK-based Liaison Groups at all times:
- Keeping LGs informed of all prospective and current activity, including events, visits, projects and wherever
possible developing and implementing activities alongside UK-based Liaison Groups.
Engagement with RCOG Fellows/Members
•
•
To advise RCOG on:
the barriers to local Fellows’ and Members’ engagement with the College and how these may be overcome
the needs local Fellows/Members have of the RCOG
•
•
To advise the RCOG on how best to engage with O&G health professionals locally.
To promote RCOG Associate benefits and membership within their local O&G and related societies
Engagement with Non-Fellows/Members
Volunteering
•
•
To advise RCOG on potential opportunities for the exchange of skilled personnel and training programmes
To identify suitable mentors for RCOG volunteers either from within the IRC or Associate membership.
Training in the UK
•
•
To interview trainees for the MTI scheme
To promote the MTI scheme among colleagues
Advocacy
•
•
•
•
To integrate UK and international advocacy, recognising that UK domestic issues often resonate international
issues e.g. on
- FGM
- Human rights awareness in women’s health
- Selective female feticide/abortions
- Domestic violence.
To raise awareness and encourage in-country activity (with local members and O&G societies) of RCOG advocacycampaigns, in particular around UN Days.
To tell the College of particular local awareness campaigns or significant local social/health issues.
To lobby national governments, health ministries, regulatory bodies and associated organisations to influence and
educate on the problems and solutions to maternal mortality.
31
Terms of Reference of RCOG Liaison Groups
Report to: The relevant RCOG International Council Representative and Global Health Board
(Chaired by the Senior Vice President Global Health)
Objectives
•
•
•
•
To work with RCOG International Representative Committees, local O&G societies, associated organisations, NGOs
and in conjunction with RCOG to champion women’s health in-country, including drawing upon diaspora expertise
and experience in the UK to advise the RCOG GHU on how to make an effective contribution to improving sexual
and reproductive health care, and in particular to reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity.
To help pilot and scale up work that positively impacts women’s health (e.g. including potential grant applications,
fundraising etc)
To facilitate regional co-operation which harnesses local experience and resources in areas of good practice.
To raise awareness in-country of what the RCOG has to offer in a global arena and to assist in marketing the
College’s expertise.
Working with International Representative Committees
•
To work in conjunction with relevant International Representative Committees at all times:
- Keeping IRCs informed of all prospective and current activity, including events, visits, projects
Engagement with RCOG Fellows/Members
To advise RCOG on:
•
•
the barriers to local Fellows’ and Members’ engagement with the College and how these may be overcome
the needs local Fellows/Members have of the RCOG
Engagement with Non-Fellows/Members
•
•
To advise the RCOG on how best to engage with O&G health professionals in-country.
To promote RCOG Associate benefits and membership in-country.
Volunteering
•
•
To advise RCOG on potential opportunities for the exchange of skilled personnel and training programmes
To identify suitable mentors for RCOG volunteers.
Training in the UK
•
To promote the MTI scheme among colleagues both in the UK and in-country.
Advocacy
•
•
•
•
To help integrate UK and international advocacy, recognising that UK domestic issues often resonate international
issues e.g. on
- FGM
- Human rights awareness in women’s health
- Selective female feticide/abortions
- Domestic violence
To raise awareness and encourage in-country activity (with local members and O&G societies) of RCOG advocacycampaigns, in particular around UN Days.
To tell the College of particular local awareness campaigns or significant social/health issues
To help lobby national governments, health ministries, regulatory bodies and associated organisations to
influence and educate on the problems and solutions to maternal mortality.
32
Appendix 3
IRC/LG annual report form template
IRCs and LGs as part of their Terms of Reference should prepare an annual report on the activities and
work undertaken during the year. Please use this annual report form.
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
ANNUAL REPORT of Activities for............ IRC/LG FOR 20XX
Date
Type of Activity
Details of the Activity and how this aligns with the
Global Health Strategy
Add rows if necessary
33
Appendix 4
IRC/LG detailed project funding application form template
Application from RCOG International Representative Committee/Liaison Group
For funding of planned activities – 2015
IRC/LG Chair’s Name:
Activity Title:
SUMMARY OF PROPOSAL
Summarise in no more than 100 words:
• Purpose of the activity
•
Intended audience
•
Benefit to women and their families
When and where will the activity(ies) take place?
(List dates and all locations, where known)
List information on any key local partners/organisations that may be involved in the planning, delivery
and marketing of the activity. (Include any organisations that could potentially contribute to improving outcomes, add value
and bring additional resources).
Resources:
Describe the number and type of personnel required to carry out the activity.
(What resources, if any, you will require from the RCOG?)
RESULTS/IMPACT
Please list outcomes expected from this activity and how will this be measured?
34
Income and Expenditure planning:
INCOME
FORECAST
Activity
Cost in £
(Please set out in
the table any local
funding or income
to be raised. If
relevant, include
income from
charging delegate
fees).
Notes
EXPENDITURE
Activity
Cost in £
(Please list
costs for the
activity
(outline all costs,
including hire of
hall, faculty travel,
refreshments etc).
Total Funding requested from the RCOG
Notes
35
Appendix 5
Annual proposed activity plan template
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecoloigsts
PROPOSED ACTIVITIES & PLANS FOR 2015
Type of
Activity
How does this align with
the Global Health
Strategy
Date(s)
Estimated cost in Details of
£
any other
financial
assistance
(e.g. via
sponsorship or
from other
charities)
TOTAL Claim from RCOG
for 2015:
36
Appendix 6
RCOG educational tools & CPD (Continuous Professional Development)
The RCOG provides many educational tools for doctors at all stages of their career, from trainees to
consultants.
Doctors in training
Trainee Resources and Support on the RCOG website includes a wealth of products and services that
doctors undergoing training can access. You can view the resources page:
https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/careers-training/resources--support-for-trainees/
This includes:
StratOG
This is the RCOG’s online learning resource. eTutorials are available for all registered Fellows,
Members and Trainees. To find out more visit, http://www.rcog.org.uk/stratog
RCOG Guidelines
The RCOG produces quality guidelines in obstetrics and gynaecology called Green Top Guidelines.
You can view them on the College website here: http://www.rcog.org.uk/guidelines
Alternatively, the guidelines are available on our new Guidelines app for iOS phones for £4.99. Visit
the iTunes website to learn more: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/rcogguidelines/id586596025?mt=8
eFM
Electronic Fetal Monitoring is a web-based resource hosted by the RCOG and RCM to teach all
aspects of intrapartum electronic fetal monitoring. Find out more about this resource by visiting:
http://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/electronic-fetal-monitoring/
Enhanced Revision Programme (ERP)
This programme is mapped to the syllabus of the Part 2 MRCOG exam. It guides candidates through
key themes that provide an insight into clinical practice in the UK to improve their chance of success.
It uses an integrated learning approach using a blend of different tools and materials, including:
•
•
•
•
•
Series of online lectures for pre-, during and post-learning
Weekly 1-hour virtual classroom sessions with a UK moderator (up to 10 candidates per
class)
Regular homework assignments and individual feedback from the moderator
Concludes with a 3-day Part 2 MRCOG revision course at your local centre
Supporting materials including StratOG, booklist and TOG articles
www.rcog.org.uk/erp
CPD
The RCOG recommends that doctors anywhere practising mainly in the area of O&G or its
subspecialties, in a non-training post, participate in the RCOG CPD programme. If you practise in a
narrow field, you may prefer to select another CPD programme that most reflects your practice.
http://www.rcog.org.uk/our-profession/cpd-programme/introduction-cpd
37
Appendix 7
RCOG Membership categories
The College's membership categories allow all those working in the field of O&G, worldwide, to have
a formal link with the College.
Please see each category below to read a summary:
Honorary Fellows
Distinguished people outside the medical profession who are elected by the Council. Honorary
Fellows may use the designatory letters FRCOG.
Fellows ad eundem
Awarded to people who are not members of the College and who have contributed to the
advancement of the science or practice of O&G whom Council considers have furthered the interests
of the specialty. Fellows ad eundem are entitled to use the designatory letters FRCOG.
Fellow honoris causa
Awarded to people who are not members of the College and who can demonstrate:
the highest level of dedication and achievement in clinical care, or
the highest level of support to the development of women's healthcare services, or
the highest level of work/support for the RCOG.
Fellows honoris causa are entitled to use the designatory letters FRCOG.
Fellows
The award of the Fellowship is not merely a reflection of a time interval since passing the
Membership exam; it also implies a continued contribution to the specialty and maintenance of
standards and practice. It is a mark of senior status and not a recognition of completion of training.
Fellows are elected each year from the Membership and should normally have been members for at
least 12 years and have made a significant contribution to O&G through research, teaching or
publications. Fellows are entitled to use the designatory letters FRCOG.
Associates
Medical practitioners worldwide who are working in the field of women's health care but who do
not hold the MRCOG and who wish to be linked with, and support, the activities of the RCOG.
Applicants must have a medical degree.
This category applies only to those medically qualified applicants who are not eligible for any other
category of College membership. No individual who has been removed from the Register of Fellows
and Members or deprived of membership privileges, for whatever reason, shall be eligible to apply.
Affiliates
Those working for the benefit of women's health care who wish to be linked with the activities of the
RCOG but do not hold a medical degree. While not an exhaustive list, this category includes:
• embryologists
• assistant practitioners and perioperative care workers
• ultrasonographers
• members of specialist societies (e.g. British Fertility Society, British Menopause Society, etc.)
• scientists and research academics
• midwives
• nurses
To find how to apply or be considered for any of these membership categories please visit the RCOG
website: https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/about-us/membership/
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Appendix 8
Top Tips for UK Visa Application
1
Apply in VERY GOOD time. The UK visa process is increasingly centralised, with 3/4 centres
across the whole of Africa. So - even if it is possible to submit an application in e.g.
Freetown or Kathmandu, the decision may be made in Accra or Delhi. This all takes time.
The processing time guidelines should be treated as an ABSOLUTE MINIMUM. The visa
process brings in lots of money - but the visa staff don't care whether an applicant gets to
the meeting/exam/conference/workshop they want to travel for.
2
The BURDEN OF PROOF is on the applicant. The visa staff will be working to very tight
'productivity' goals. They will be expected to process x number of applications in an hour
and won't know who RCOG are. They will make no assumptions and decide on what they
have in front of them - quickly. It's the applicants' responsibility to make the visa staff's job
easy.
3
Provide MORE NOT LESS information. You cannot provide too much supporting
documentation. It's intrusive and offensive but, particularly for first time applicants, there
needs to be lots of evidence linking the applicant (and his/her family) to the country of
residence - even if that means providing pay slips, house deeds, school fee receipts,
marriage certificates etc.
4
Provide ORIGINALS NOT COPIES. If original documentation is requested it must be provided.
Copies are worth nothing. Trust visa staff to take copies themselves and return originals.
5
Be HONEST. The visa process (and biometric records) are increasingly linked to police,
criminal record, social security and NHS records in the UK. So if an applicant has had any
problem in the past (even many years previously and however minor), visa staff will
discover. Forgetting or denying it will be perceived as an indication of dishonesty - and a
reason for refusal.
6
Be VERY CAREFUL. Don't sign an application (eg. that an assistant has completed) without
checking it very carefully. Careless mistakes or inconsistencies (e.g. in dates of birth or
between applications) will be noticed - and can provide a very easy and quick refusal.
7
There are NO SECOND CHANCES. There is no mechanism to overturn a refusal. So if an
applicant has been refused, he/she will need to reapply (ie.re-start the process and pay a
new fee etc). And if there is any question of (perceived) dishonesty, an applicant will be
precluded from reapplying for 10 years. That can be career limiting!
8.
There are NO EXCEPTIONS. Knowing the 'right people', thinking you're 'different' or don't
have to comply with rules, will make things worse not better.
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