Constitution — The Roman Catholic Society of Medicine

Constitution of The Roman Catholic Society of Medicine - (RCSMed)

1. Name

The organisation shall be known as The Roman Catholic Society of Medicine (RCSMed).

2. Purpose

The Roman Catholic Society of Medicine exists to support the integration of Catholic faith and healthcare practice in all areas of medicine and healthcare.

Its purposes are:

· To promote ethical healthcare practice grounded in Catholic moral teaching and the dignity of the human person.

· To issue reflections and consensus statements on moral and ethical issues arising in clinical practice.

· To support Catholic healthcare professionals, students, and support workers in situations of moral conflict or professional tension.

· To provide spiritual and pastoral support to those experiencing moral distress or difficult clinical experiences.

· To encourage formation, education, and professional excellence within healthcare professions.

· To foster fellowship, mutual support, and shared reflection among Catholic clinicians, students, support staff, and clergy.

3.Values

The Society is founded upon the following principles:

· Respect for the dignity of human life from conception to natural death

· Integrity in clinical and professional practice

· Compassionate, patient-centred care

· Faith-informed moral reflection consistent with Catholic teaching

· Service, humility, and professional excellence

4. Legal Status and Independence

The Society is an independent lay organisation.

It is not:

· A regulatory or licensing body

· A professional accrediting authority

· A healthcare provider

· An ecclesiastical authority of the Roman Catholic Church

Membership of the Society does not confer professional qualification, legal authority, or clinical endorsement.

5. Membership

5.1 General Principles

Membership is open to individuals who are:

· Baptised and confirmed Roman Catholics (except Honorary Members), and

· Engaged in healthcare practice, training, support roles, chaplaincy, or related fields.

All members are expected to uphold the values and mission of the Society.

5.2 Categories of Membership

The Society recognises the following categories:

(1) Associate Member (ARCSMed)

Open to Catholic individuals who are:

· Healthcare students

· Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs)

· Ambulance Care Assistants (ACAs)

· Emergency Care Assistants (ECAs/ECSWs)

· Ambulance Technicians

· Combat Medical Technicians

· Non-Registered Remote Medics

· Clinical Assistants

· Phlebotomists

· Healthcare apprentices or trainees

· Individuals in healthcare-adjacent or supporting roles

Postnominal: ARCSMed

(2) Member (MRCSMed)

Open to Catholic registered healthcare professionals, including:

· Doctors

· Nurses

· Midwives

· Paramedics

· Emergency Care Practitioners

· Operating Department Practitioners

· Dentists

· Pharmacists

· Physician Associates

· Allied Health Professionals

· Other regulated healthcare practitioners

Postnominal: MRCSMed

(3) Fellow (FRCSMed)

Fellowship is a senior grade awarded to Catholic healthcare professionals who demonstrate:

· Significant clinical, academic, leadership, or pastoral contribution

· Sustained commitment to the mission of the Society

· Professional distinction and ethical practice

Postnominal: FRCSMed

Fellowship is awarded by the Governing Body by invitation or nomination.

(4) Clergy Member (CRCSMed)

Open to ordained Roman Catholic clergy, including:

· Priests

· Deacons

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

Clergy Members are not required to be healthcare professionals.

Postnominal: CRCSMed

Clergy Members provide spiritual, pastoral, and ethical support to the Society.

(5) Honorary Member (HRCSMed)

Honorary Membership may be awarded to individuals (Catholic or non-Catholic) who have made exceptional contributions to healthcare, ethics, service, or the Society itself.

Postnominal: HRCSMed

Honorary Members are recognised for distinction and do not require Catholic faith or healthcare registration.

6. Postnominals

The Society recognises the following designations:

· ARCSMed – Associate Member

· MRCSMed – Member

· FRCSMed – Fellow

· CRCSMed – Clergy Member

· HRCSMed – Honorary Member

Optional faculty descriptors may be used in brackets (e.g. MRCSMed (Ethics)) to reflect areas of involvement.

Postnominals are Society designations only and do not represent academic or statutory qualifications.

7. Governance

The Society is currently in its founding phase and is governed by the Founder(s) acting as the interim Governing Body.

The Governing Body is responsible for:

· Admission and classification of members

· Awarding of postnominals and fellowships

· Interpretation of this Constitution

· Oversight of Society activities and direction

A formal governing structure may be established as the Society develops, including advisory panels, clergy advisors, and appointed officers.

8. Admission and Removal of Membership

The Governing Body reserves the right to:

· Approve or decline membership applications

· Determine appropriate membership category

· Suspend or terminate membership

Membership may be revoked where:

· The Code of Conduct is breached

· False or misleading information is provided

· Conduct is inconsistent with the Society’s mission or Catholic values

· Membership criteria are no longer met

Decisions shall be made fairly and proportionately.

9. Safeguarding and Conduct

All members are expected to act with respect, integrity, and professionalism.

The Society maintains a zero-tolerance approach to:

· Harassment or bullying

· Discrimination

· Abuse of position or influence

· Behaviour that brings the Society into disrepute

Concerns may be raised with the Governing Body and will be reviewed appropriately.

10. Activities

The Society may engage in:

· Educational events and lectures

· Ethical and clinical discussions

· Written publications and reflections

· Spiritual and pastoral support initiatives

· Collaboration with like-minded organisations

11. Patronage

The Society is placed under the patronage of St Raphael the Archangel, patron of healing and guidance.

12. Intellectual Property

All Society names, logos, documents, publications, and materials remain the intellectual property of RCSMed unless otherwise stated.

13. Data Protection

The Society processes personal data in accordance with its Privacy Policy and applicable data protection law.

14. Conflict of Interest

Members involved in governance or decision-making must act in the best interests of the Society and declare any conflicts of interest where relevant.

15. Dissolution

In the event that the Society is dissolved:

· Remaining assets, materials, and intellectual property shall be transferred or managed in a manner consistent with the Society’s mission, as determined by the Governing Body at the time of dissolution.

16. Amendments

This Constitution is a living document and may be amended by the Governing Body as the Society develops.

The most current version shall always be published on the official website. (Lastamendedthe8thofJune2026)