The Faculty of Physician Associates to close in December 2024 

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has made the decision to close the Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA) at the end of the year. This was agreed by RCP Council today (10 September). 

Following a meeting of RCP Council today (10 September), the RCP has confirmed that the FPA will close once the GMC becomes the regulatory body for medical associate professionals.  

The FPA will now close on 31 December 2024, and from 1 January 2025, PAs will be offered affiliate membership of the RCP in line with other non-doctor professions.  

The PA managed voluntary register (PAMVR) will close to new entrants once the GMC becomes the regulator. The RCP will begin to transfer PAMVR data to the GMC from October 2024.  

To provide oversight of patient safety standards, and as agreed by RCP Council, the RCP Assessment Unit will continue to deliver the PA National Exam on behalf of the GMC for the next 4 years.  

FPA membership will be extended at no additional cost to qualified FPA members for 2 months from 1 November – 31 December 2024. This will include access to the FPA ePortfolio and CPD resources.  

FPA annual conference 

The 2024 FPA multi-site conference will go ahead as planned on 11 December (London) and 13 December (Liverpool) with a packed programme of exciting speakers, interactive sessions and networking opportunities, as well as the chance to discuss the future of the profession with the FPA leadership group.