Membership

Welcome to the Membership section of The Roman Catholic Society of Medicine.

This page outlines the structure of membership within the Society, including eligibility, categories, postnominals, and the expectations placed upon those who join.

Membership is designed to reflect both professional standing and shared faith. It brings together healthcare professionals, students, support workers, and clergy who are united in their commitment to ethical practice, service to others, and the integration of Catholic teaching within healthcare.

Below you will find details of each membership category, the requirements for entry, and the rights and responsibilities associated with belonging to the Society:

1. Overview

Membership of The Roman Catholic Society of Medicine (RCSMed) is open to individuals who are:

• Baptised and confirmed Roman Catholics, and

• Engaged in healthcare practice, healthcare training, healthcare support, chaplaincy, or related disciplines.

The Society exists to unite Catholic healthcare professionals, trainees, support workers, and clergy in a shared commitment to ethical practice, service, formation, and the integration of faith within healthcare.

Membership does not constitute employment, professional licensing, or regulatory accreditation.

2. Categories of Membership

The Society recognises the following categories of membership, in the following order:

2.1 Associate Member (ARCSMed)

Postnominal: ARCSMed

Associate Membership is available to baptised and confirmed Roman Catholics who are:

• Healthcare students (medicine, nursing, paramedic science, dentistry, AHPs, etc.)

• Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs)

• Ambulance Care Assistants (ACAs)

• Ambulance Technicians

• Clinical Assistants

• Healthcare apprentices or trainees

• Individuals in healthcare-adjacent or supporting roles with an interest in the Society’s mission

Associate Members are typically in training, support, or early development stages within healthcare pathways.

Associate Members may:

• Use the postnominal ARCSMed

• Attend Society events, teaching, and discussions

• Participate in educational and developmental activities

• Contribute in a non-governing capacity

2.2 Member (MRCSMed)

Postnominal: MRCSMed

Full Membership is available to baptised and confirmed Roman Catholic healthcare professionals, including:

• Doctors

• Nurses

• Midwives

• Paramedics

• Dentists

• Pharmacists

• Allied Health Professionals (AHPs)

• Other registered healthcare practitioners

Members are expected to be in good standing with their relevant professional regulatory body where applicable.

Members may:

• Use the postnominal MRCSMed

• Participate fully in Society activities

• Contribute to discussions, initiatives, and events

• Be eligible for appointed roles or responsibilities within the Society (where applicable)

2.3 Fellow (FRCSMed)

Postnominal: FRCSMed

Fellowship is the senior professional grade of membership and is awarded to baptised and confirmed Roman Catholic healthcare professionals who have demonstrated:

• Significant clinical, academic, leadership, or service contribution

• Sustained commitment to the mission and values of the Society

• Professional distinction within their field

• Ethical practice consistent with Catholic moral teaching

Fellowship is granted by nomination or invitation at the discretion of the Society’s governing authority.

Fellows may:

• Use the postnominal FRCSMed

• Hold senior advisory or leadership roles within the Society

• Contribute to governance, formation, and strategic direction

• Support development of standards and initiatives where appointed

2.4 Clergy Member (CRCSMed)

Postnominal: CRCSMed

Clergy Membership is available to ordained Roman Catholic clergy who support the mission of the Society, including:

• Priests

• Deacons

• Religious clergy involved in chaplaincy, healthcare ministry, ethics, or pastoral care

Clergy Members are not required to be healthcare professionals.

Clergy Membership recognises the essential pastoral and spiritual role of ordained ministry within healthcare and the Society’s mission.

Clergy Members may:

• Use the postnominal CRCSMed

• Provide pastoral, ethical, and spiritual input

• Contribute to formation, teaching, and reflection where appropriate

• Be invited to advisory or ceremonial roles

Clergy Members do not hold governance authority unless explicitly appointed.

2.5 Honorary Member (HRCSMed)

Postnominal: HRCSMed

Honorary Membership may be conferred upon individuals in recognition of exceptional contribution, service, leadership, or support aligned with the Society’s mission and values.

Honorary Members:

• May be Catholic or non-Catholic

• May be within or outside healthcare professions

• Are not required to meet the sacramental or professional criteria applicable to other membership categories

Honorary Membership is purely recognitive and is granted at the discretion of the Society’s governing authority.

Honorary Members may:

• Use the postnominal HRCSMed

• Be publicly recognised by the Society

• Be invited to attend Society events or functions

• Contribute in advisory, ceremonial, or guest capacities

Honorary Membership does not confer voting rights, governance authority, or eligibility for elected office unless explicitly stated.

3. Faith Requirement

With the exception of Honorary Members, all members of the Society must be:

• Baptised in the Roman Catholic Church, and

• Confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church (or received into full communion with the Church)

The Society exists specifically to support Catholic healthcare professionals, trainees, support workers, and clergy in living out their faith within healthcare practice.

4. Postnominals

The Society recognises the following postnominals:

• ARCSMed – Associate Member

• MRCSMed – Member

• FRCSMed – Fellow

• CRCSMed – Clergy Member

• HRCSMed – Honorary Member

Postnominals may only be used while in good standing and must not be represented as academic or statutory qualifications.

5. Rights and Participation

Members may:

• Participate in Society events, teaching, and discussions

• Access Society resources and publications

• Engage in professional, ethical, and spiritual development activities

• Contribute to initiatives aligned with the Society’s mission

Governance and leadership roles are typically reserved for Members and Fellows, unless otherwise determined by the Society.

6. Responsibilities of Members

All members are expected to:

• Uphold the Society’s Code of Conduct

• Act in accordance with Catholic moral and ethical teaching

• Maintain professionalism and integrity in all contexts

• Respect confidentiality where applicable

• Use Society affiliation and postnominals responsibly and honestly

7. Admission to Membership

Applications for membership are submitted through official Society channels.

The Society reserves the right to:

• Verify eligibility, including sacramental status where applicable

• Approve or decline applications

• Assign appropriate membership category

• Request supporting information where necessary

8. Suspension and Termination

Membership may be suspended or withdrawn where:

• The Code of Conduct is breached

• False or misleading information is provided

• Conduct is inconsistent with the mission or values of the Society

• Membership requirements are no longer met

All decisions will be made fairly, proportionately, and in accordance with governing procedures.

9. Amendments

The Society may amend membership categories, criteria, or conditions from time to time.

The most current version will always be published on the official website.

Continued membership constitutes acceptance of any revisions.