The Royal College of Physicians is a professional body that aims to improve the quality of patient care by continually raising medical standards. We represent over 40,000 members in the UK and worldwide, leading medical debate, and lobbying and advising government and other decision-makers on their behalf. We undertake clinical audits and publish guidelines and standards on clinical practice and patient care. We maintain professional standards of physicians through examinations, training courses, continuous professional development and educational conferences. The RCP was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1518.