College history

In 1928 British paediatricians met at the first meeting of the British Paediatric Association (BPA).

The BPA was set up to:

• advance the study of paediatrics
• promote friendship amongst paediatricians

Sir George Frederic Still, Professor of Paediatrics at King's College London, became the first President and Dr Donald Paterson, a Canadian paediatrician working in London, was the first Honorary Secretary.

The BPA had no statutory functions or political influence because the Royal College of Physicians was responsible for postgraduate training and examination of paediatricians.

The meeting at the Old England Hotel, Windermere in 1928 was the first Spring Meeting. Most Spring Meetings were held there until 1958.

As the membership grew, the BPA needed a larger secretariat to handle:

• administration
• publications, and
• organising the Spring Meeting

The BPA headquarters moved from the Institute of Child Health to Queen Square, and later to St Andrews Place, next to the Royal College of Physicians in 1985.

Throughout the 1970's and 80's BPA members began to feel that paediatrics needed to have its own Royal College. The association received Royal College status in August 1996. Sir Roy Meadow became its first President and HRH The Princess Royal, its Patron. In 1998 the College moved to Hallam Streetand in 2008 to its present building in Theobalds Road.

The College has over 12,000 members, mainly hospital and community paediatricians. Most members live in the UK, although, there are some members and fellows who live abroad.

RCPCH’s  functions and responsibilities have increased since 1928, to include:

• overseeing postgraduate training and examinations
• carrying out paediatric research
• organising meetings and conferences
• publishing papers and guidelines about paediatric practice

The Spring Meeting is the largest annual gathering of paediatricians in Britain and a key part of the College's activities.

The British Society for the History of Paediatrics and Child Health holds one of its meetings at the annual RCPCH spring meeting.

For information on becoming a member, contact Professor Lawrence Weaver  or go to The British Society for the History of Paediatrics and Child Health (BSHPCH) website.

Presidents of the RCPCH (1996 - present) and the BPA (1928-1996)