Caribbean College of Family Physicians (CCFP)
Members Handbook
Professional Guide for Members of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians
Foreword from the President
On behalf of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians (CCFP), it is my pleasure to welcome you to the College.
Family Medicine plays a critical role in strengthening health systems across the Caribbean by providing comprehensive, continuous, and patient‑centered care. The CCFP is committed to advancing excellence in Family Medicine through professional development, continuing medical education, collaboration, and leadership.
This Members Handbook has been prepared to guide both new and existing members in understanding the structure, policies, and professional expectations of the College. It outlines the pathways to obtaining the MCCFP designation, the responsibilities of members, and the role of Chapters in supporting professional engagement across the region.
As the College continues to grow regionally, we remain dedicated to fostering a strong community of physicians committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the Caribbean people.
I encourage you to participate actively in the educational programmes, conferences, and professional initiatives organized by the College and its Chapters.
Together, we will continue to strengthen Family Medicine across the Caribbean.
President
Caribbean College of Family Physicians
Table of Contents
1. Welcome to the Caribbean College of Family Physicians
2. Vision and Mission of the College
3. Structure of the College
4. Membership Categories
5. The MCCFP Designation
6. Pathways to MCCFP
7. Maintaining the MCCFP Designation
8. Continuing Medical Education (CME)
9. Member Benefits
10. Professional Conduct
11. Member Participation
12. Membership Renewal
13. Communication and Information
14. Secretariat Contact
15. Membership Approval Workflow
16. Responsibilities of CCFP Chapters
17. Professional Use of the MCCFP Designation
Appendix A – MCCFP Pathway Guide
Appendix B – Quick Guide for New Members
Appendix C – CME Tracking Log
1. Welcome to the Caribbean College of Family Physicians
The Caribbean College of Family Physicians (CCFP) is a regional professional organization dedicated to advancing excellence in Family Medicine and Primary Health Care throughout the Caribbean.
Membership in the College provides physicians with opportunities for professional development, regional collaboration, continuing medical education, and leadership in strengthening primary care services across the region.
2. Vision and Mission
Vision
To be the leading regional organization advancing excellence in Family Medicine and Primary Health Care across the Caribbean.
Mission
To promote high standards of clinical practice, continuing medical education, professional collaboration, and leadership development among Family Physicians and General Practitioners in the Caribbean.
3. Structure of the College
The Caribbean College of Family Physicians operates through a Regional Board of Directors and national or territorial Chapters.
Each Chapter is led by a Chairman and an Executive Committee responsible for coordinating educational activities and professional engagement among members within their jurisdiction.
New members must apply through the CCFP Secretariat using the official online membership application form:
https://caribgp.org/membership-application-form/
Applicants may request Direct Membership or assignment to the Chapter operating within their jurisdiction.
Initial membership dues are paid to the CCFP Head Office, while annual renewal dues are paid to the assigned Chapter where applicable.
4. Membership Categories
Active Member (MCCFP)
Members who have fulfilled the requirements for the MCCFP designation and maintain annual CME requirements.
Sustaining Member
Members admitted to the College who have not yet fulfilled MCCFP requirements.
Associate Member
Individuals with interest in Family Medicine who may not yet meet full membership criteria.
Honorary Member
Individuals recognized for exceptional contributions to healthcare or Family Medicine in the Caribbean.
5. The MCCFP Designation
The MCCFP (Member of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians) designation represents professional recognition of physicians who demonstrate commitment to Family Medicine and continuing professional development.
6. Pathways to MCCFP
Qualification Pathway
Members holding a recognized postgraduate qualification in Family Medicine (DM or Master’s) may qualify for MCCFP if they apply within three years of receiving the qualification.
CME Pathway
Members whose qualification was obtained more than three years prior to application may obtain MCCFP by submitting evidence of 150 CME credit hours completed within the previous three years.
7. Maintaining the MCCFP Designation
To maintain the MCCFP designation, members must complete and submit a minimum of 50 CME credit hours annually.
Members who maintain this requirement remain Active Members of the College.
8. Continuing Medical Education
Examples of CME activities include conferences, workshops, accredited webinars, academic teaching, research publications, and professional training programmes.
9. Member Benefits
• Regional professional networking
• Access to CME activities and conferences
• Professional recognition through the MCCFP designation
• Opportunities for leadership and committee participation
10. Professional Conduct
Members are expected to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and clinical competence in accordance with the regulations of their national medical regulatory bodies.
11. Member Participation
Members are encouraged to attend Chapter meetings, participate in educational activities, and contribute to the advancement of Family Medicine across the Caribbean.
12. Membership Renewal
Membership renewal is conducted annually through the member’s Chapter. Members will be notified by their Chapter Treasurer regarding renewal dues and payment arrangements.
13. Communication
Members should visit the official website regularly for updates on College activities, CME opportunities, and regional initiatives.
Website: www.caribgp.org
14. Secretariat Contact
For membership support, documentation submissions, and general inquiries, members may contact the CCFP Secretariat through the official website.
15. Membership Approval Workflow
1. Online application submission
2. Secretariat document verification
3. Membership classification
4. Board approval
5. Issuance of membership certificate
16. Responsibilities of Chapters
Chapters organize CME activities, engage members locally, recruit new members, and support regional Family Medicine advocacy.
17. Professional Use of MCCFP
Members awarded the MCCFP designation may include it after their professional credentials, such as:
Dr. Jane Smith, MBBS, DM (Family Medicine), MCCFP
Members must maintain Active Member status to continue using the designation.
Appendix C – CME Tracking Log
Members are encouraged to track their annual CME activities. Minimum required annually: 50 CME hours.
| Date | CME Activity | Organizer | CME Hours | Evidence |