Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) is a professional association based in the UK. Its members, including people with and without medical degrees, work in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology, that is, pregnancy, childbirth, and female sexual and reproductive health. RCOG is dedicated to "improving sexual and reproductive enjoyment worldwide." The College has over 12,000 members in over 100 countries, over half of these reside outside of the United Kingdom.

The college's primary object is given as "The encouragement of the study and the advancement of the science and practice of obstetrics and gynaecology", although its governing documents impose no specific restrictions on its operation. Its offices are near Regent's Park in central London.

History

Founded as the British College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in September 1929 by Professor William Blair-Bell and Sir William Fletcher Shaw, RCOG was granted a Royal Charter on 21 March 1947. For the first three years, the office work was done from 20, St John Street, Manchester. In 1932, the office was shifted to London at 58, Queen Anne Street. The building was officially opened by the Duchess of York on December 5, 1932. With continuing expansion of the college activities, it had outgrown the Queen Anne Street premises and a decision was made in 1952 to move to larger premises.