Since 1989, nearly 300 GPs have been awarded Fellowship, the college's highest award. Fellowship by Assessment (FBA) is now in a period of change, with the current system, FBA and Fellowship by Nomination, being phased out and a new system being introduced early next year.
The college has taken this decision in order to provide a unified route to Fellowship that is in the aspirational reach of all GPs, with the criteria for Fellowship being closely linked to GP career paths in a wide range of settings.
Candidates who have submitted their ‘Notification of Intention to Apply’ this year for FBA version 15 may continue to work towards FBA and achieve their award next year, after successful completion. However, if they wish to do so, candidates have the option to withdraw their applications or transfer to the new route when it becomes available. Details of the new route have not yet been finalised.
The National Group, responsible for FBA, are still keen to encourage as many members as possible to proceed to Fellowship. They hope the new route will build upon FBA, and will itself be a success, but inevitably the transition will cause some uncertainty.
For those of you who have been thinking about applying for Fellowship by Assessment and who fulfil the eligibility criteria, now is the time to apply. Applications will not be accepted next year for FBA version 16, but the deadline for applications under FBA version 15 has been extended from 31 March 2005 until 30 June 2005.
To obtain an application form please e-mail Asma Saeed, FBA Administrator, before 30 June 2005 at: asaeed{at}rcgp.org.uk
For more details about FBA, please visit our website at www.rcgp.org.uk
- © British Journal of General Practice, 2005.
