Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand physicians had to seek membership of one of the UK's Royal College of Physicians.

This was logical as until the post World War 1 period, many Anglo-Australians considered themselves citizens of the British Empire.

The Association of Physicians of Australasia Council proposed that an examining and executive College should be formed to enhance the prestige of the profession, stimulate interest in medical education and research, and set a standard of professional ethical conduct. See the original report on the Council's proposal.

The constitution was to be modelled on that of the London College.

Royal assent was given for the inclusion of ‘Royal’ in the College title.

The letter from Australian prime minister, Joe Lyons, indicating that King George VI approved the title is on display in the Fellows Room at 145 Macquarie Street, Sydney.

Sir Charles Bickerton Blackburn was the first RACP president.

In his speech at the inaugural College ceremony, he concluded by epitomising what he considered the essential objective of the College — 'fostering facilities for young graduates to acquire advanced knowledge of medicine.'

The College Library was established for medical research. Leslie Cowlishaw was appointed its first Librarian in 1940.

145 Macquarie Street was used by US Army medical officers for scientific meetings, by the Red Cross for storing bandages and by the RAAF Medical Command for secret meetings.

The Wunderley Travelling Scholarship was established

The College Library was renamed the History of Medicine Library under the administration of Professor Edward Ford, changing the focus from clinical research.

The College created the first Nuclear Medicine training and accreditation program in the world.

Professor Priscilla Kincaid-Smith was elected the first female president of the College.

The RACP Research and Education Foundation was established by Council resolution for the purpose of endorsing funds to support research fellowships and physician education.

The RACP Foundation continues to fund world-class research with fellowships, scholarships, grants and prizes.

The Australian College of Paediatrics joined the College and the Divisions of Adult Medicine and Paediatrics and Child Health were created.

The first Dean, Kevin Forsyth was appointed and the College Deanery was established to oversee both training and continuing professional development.

The RACP Foundation took on administration for the majority of awards across the Divisions, Faculties and Chapters.

As coronavirus sweeps the world, the College quickly adapts to changes in our hospitals, medical training and education programs. 

During this extraordinary public health crisis, our members lead the way in evolving models of care, research and new advocacy efforts.