Campaign launched to better inform Canadians about Fellowship designation for medical specialists

OTTAWA, March 25, 2014 /CNW/ - The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada today launched a public awareness campaign to better inform Canadians about the high standards created and met by the more than 37,000 certified Royal College Fellows practising specialty medicine nationwide.

"When patients see a specialist, they should know that our Fellowship is the national standard for specialty medical expertise in Canada," said Royal College CEO Andrew Padmos, MD, FRCPC. "When patients see our designation next to their specialists' name, they can be confident in the high standards these doctors meet."

Active Fellows of the Royal College practise in 65 different medical or surgical specialties, such as Pediatrics to Psychiatry and Orthopaedic Surgery. Only Royal College Fellows can use the designations FRCPC (Fellow of The Royal College of Physicians of Canada) or FRCSC (Fellow of The Royal College of Surgeons of Canada).

"Our research indicates the majority of Canadians don't know what Fellowship with the Royal College actually means, even though many recognize the letters in a doctor's credentials," said Royal College President Cecil Rorabeck, OC, MD, FRCSC. "Patients can see this designation and be confident that their physician or surgeon has met, and continues to meet, Canada's national standard for specialist expertise."

Elements of the awareness program, called Fellowship Matters, include a new website - Fellowshipmatters.royalcollege.ca - an eight-week online advertising and social media campaign, and a poster for medical settings, such as doctors' offices. The website provides information regarding Fellowship and what it means for patients, along with a link to the Royal College directory so patients can see if their specialist is a Royal College Fellow.

About the Royal College
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (http://www.royalcollege.ca) is the home of specialty care in Canada, setting the standards for postgraduate medical education, supporting the continuing professional development of 44,000 members, and supporting health system innovations nationwide.

Image with caption: "Royal College - Fellowship Matters (CNW Group/Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140325_C6810_PHOTO_EN_38273.jpg

SOURCE: Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Media contact:
Jean-Paul Brasseur, tel. [phone], [email protected]