RSM post-nominals

Introduced in April 2025 in response to the enthusiasm expressed by our members, the RSM post-nominals serve as a symbol of members’ commitment to and association with a distinguished network of professionals dedicated to advancing healthcare.   The designations are not an indication of professional qualification. 

Currently the RSM enables Fellows, Honorary Fellows, Presidents and Past Presidents of the RSM (not including Section Presidents) to use post-nominals, as a benefit of membership.   

This guidance offers information to support usage of RSM post-nominals. 

Only RSM members in the following categories and grades can use the designations indicated. 

Use of the RSM post-nominals 
Post-nominals are for RSM Fellows (as listed above) with a current and active membership, Honorary Fellows, the President and the Past Presidents of the Royal Society of Medicine.  Please note: Section Presidents are only entitled to use FRSM, if a Fellow of the RSM.  
 
Fellows of the RSM include surgeons, consultants, resident doctors, dentists, vets and GPs along with retired physicians and those holding senior management positions in medicine or healthcare.   

The post-nominals are not an indication of qualification or status; they represent being part of the RSM Fellow membership category. Honorary Fellows are individuals who are recognised for their contribution to healthcare, although not always trained professionals.   

To use the post-nominals membership subscriptions, where applicable, must be fully or part paid within the current membership year.  If RSM membership is cancelled or resigned, individuals are no longer entitled to use the designation.  

Usage of the post-nominals is optional, as a mark of your membership of the RSM. You do not have to use them if you do not wish to. 

Advice for Past Presidents 
RSM Past Presidents (this does not include Section Presidents) who have been given Honorary Fellowship may use either HonFRSM or PPRSM. We would recommend using PPRSM; however, this is entirely the individual’s choice and preference.  

Introduction of post-nominals for other members of the RSM 
Currently, post-nominals are only available to Fellows, Honorary Fellows, the President and the Past Presidents of the RSM. While the RSM may consider making further designations available to other membership categories in future, this would be subject to approval by the RSM Council.   

When and where to use the RSM post-nominals 
Current Fellows can use the designation FRSM with immediate effect providing that their membership is current and active, or upon joining as a Fellow member once payment has been received.   

Current Honorary Fellows, excluding Honorary Section members, can use the designation HonFRSM with immediate effect, or when awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the RSM.   
 
The RSM President can use the designation PRSM for the duration of their elected term, before transitioning to Past President at the end of their tenure when the designation PPRSM can be adopted.   

Post-nominals can be used wherever a member’s name is in print, such as on business cards, or on digital platforms, such as social media platforms.  

Any questions?  
For any queries about using post-nominals, please contact membership@rsm.ac.uk.