

In June 1929, a special Act of Parliament established The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada to oversee postgraduate medical education.
The Royal College originally offered just two specialty qualifications: Fellowship in general medicine and Fellowship in general surgery. As medicine changed, so did the range of specializations.
Fellowship was first offered as a higher qualification to the basic Certification offered by the Royal College. Since 1972, there has been one high standard of Certification for all specialist physicians and surgeons, with Fellowship representing a voluntary commitment to professional development and science-based health advocacy.
In recent years, the Royal College has expanded its activities and voice, becoming increasingly active in issues that are important to Canadians, such as Aboriginal health, injury prevention, patient safety, health human resources, and international affairs.