22,000 members!
This month the College celebrated a special landmark, as we now have over 22,000 members for the first time in our history.
At the time of writing, we have 22,350 members including our pre-membership psychiatric trainees (core trainees), and all other member types including Fellows, Honorary Fellows, Affiliates and International Associates.
The figure does not even include our Student Associates or Foundation Doctor Associates, who we are very proud to be associated with.
The figure has more than tripled in the last 40 years – from around 7,000 in 1985 to 22,350 today. Most years have seen a steady 2-3% increase with the fastest growth occurring during 2005-2010 when membership increases of 6% (2007) and 7% (2009) saw overall numbers rise from 11,000 to 15,000.
At the time of writing the College has:
- 2,736 Pre-Membership Psychiatric Trainee members
- 13,284 Members
- 1,637 Affiliate and Associate members
- 3,225 Fellows
- 485 Specialist Associates
- 207 International Associates
- 123 Honorary Fellows.
Professor Owen Bowden-Jones, the College’s Registrar, said:
“It’s great to see the College reach a new membership landmark – great for the College, and important for mental health care in the UK and internationally.
“It’s encouraging to reflect on the growth in the number of psychiatrists in the UK from 1985 to now, and what that means for recognition of the importance of mental health.
“Despite the increase in psychiatrists, there remains a need for more psychiatric posts and the College will continue to lobby decision-makers with this aim.
“We will meanwhile continue to work hard to retain our existing members by delivering the best possible support so they can thrive at work and provide the care our patients deserve.”