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.
MCCFP CERTIFICATION PATHWAY (VISUAL FLOW)
MCCFP Certification Pathway
Step 1: Eligibility
↓
Licensed Physician + Active Practice in Primary Care
↓
Step 2: Membership
↓
Become Member of CCFP (Active Status Required)
↓
Step 3: CME Accumulation
↓
Complete 150 CME Credits (3-Year Cycle)
(≈ 50 credits/year)
↓
Step 4: Documentation
↓
Prepare:
• CME Log Sheet
• CME Certificates
• Proof of Licensure
↓
Step 5: Application Submission
↓
Submit MCCFP Application + Supporting Documents
↓
Step 6: Review & Verification
↓
CCFP Secretariat + Certification Committee Review
↓
Step 7: Certification Awarded
↓
Designation: MCCFP
↓
Step 8: Maintenance
↓
Continue CME + Maintain Membership
↓
Step 9: Renewal Cycle
↓
Revalidation every 3 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.
MCCFP RENEWAL POLICY
MCCFP Certification Renewal Policy
1. Purpose
The MCCFP Renewal Policy ensures that certified physicians maintain ongoing professional competence, clinical relevance, and adherence to best practices in Family Medicine.
2. Certification Cycle
MCCFP certification is valid within a:
3-year rolling certification cycle
3. Renewal Requirements
To renew MCCFP certification, physicians must:
• Maintain active CCFP membership
• Complete 150 CME credits within the 3-year cycle
• Maintain active medical licensure
• Remain in good professional standing
4. CME Requirements
• Minimum: 150 credits per cycle
• Recommended: 50 credits annually
• Must be from accredited CME providers
5. Submission Requirements
At renewal, physicians must submit:
• Completed CME Log Sheet
• CME Certificates
• Renewal Application Form
6. Renewal Timeline
• Renewal notification issued before cycle end
• Submission deadline: End of certification cycle
• Late submissions may incur administrative review
7. Lapsed Certification
If requirements are not met:
• Certification may be temporarily suspended
• Physician may be required to complete additional CME
• Reinstatement possible upon compliance
8. Reinstatement Policy
Physicians with expired certification may:
• Submit outstanding CME credits
• Apply for reinstatement
• Undergo review by Certification Committee
9. Verification
Certification status may be verified through:
• Official registry
• Secretariat confirmation
MCCFP STANDARDS & REGULATIONS
MCCFP Standards & Regulations
1. Professional Standards
MCCFP-certified physicians must:
• Practice evidence-based medicine
• Maintain ethical standards
• Provide patient-centred care
• Demonstrate continuous learning
2. Educational Standards
Physicians must:
• Participate in accredited CME
• Maintain updated clinical knowledge
• Engage in professional development
3. Ethical Standards
Physicians must:
• Adhere to medical ethics
• Maintain patient confidentiality
• Practice integrity and professionalism
4. Practice Standards
Physicians must:
• Provide safe and effective care
• Maintain appropriate clinical documentation
• Engage in quality improvement
5. Compliance Requirements
Failure to meet standards may result in:
• Certification review
• Suspension
• Revocation (in extreme cases)
6. Accreditation Integrity
All CME must:
• Be accredited
• Be verifiable
• Meet CCFP/MCJ standards
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 |
FCCFP (FELLOWSHIP) PATHWAY FRAMEWORK
Fellowship of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians (FCCFP)
Purpose
The FCCFP designation recognizes advanced professional excellence, leadership, and contribution to Family Medicine.
Eligibility (Proposed Framework)
Applicants must:
• Hold MCCFP designation
• Minimum 5–10 years of clinical practice
• Demonstrate leadership in Family Medicine
• Evidence of contribution to:
– Education
– Research
– Policy
– Community health
Criteria
Candidates may qualify through:
• Teaching / Faculty roles
• Research publications
• Leadership positions
• CME contributions
• Community service
Application Process
• Fellowship application
• Portfolio submission
• Peer review
• Certification Committee approval
Benefits
• Senior professional recognition
• Academic and leadership advancement
• Regional and international standing
MCCFP HANDBOOK
Member of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians
Caribbean College of Family Physicians (CCFP)
MCCFP Handbook
Member of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians
Caribbean College of Family Physicians
Advancing Excellence in Primary Care
2026/ 2nd Edition
Foreword
The Caribbean College of Family Physicians (CCFP) is committed to strengthening primary care across the region through education, certification, and professional development.
The MCCFP designation represents a physician’s dedication to lifelong learning, clinical excellence, and patient-centred care. This handbook provides guidance on certification requirements, processes, and professional standards.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- About the College
- MCCFP Certification Overview
- Eligibility Criteria
- CME Requirements
- Application Process
- Certification Award
- Renewal and Maintenance
- Standards and Professional Conduct
- CME Guidelines
- Fellowship Pathway (FCCFP)
- Governance and Administration
- Forms and Documentation
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact Information
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose of the Handbook
This handbook provides physicians with clear guidance on:
• MCCFP certification requirements
• Application procedures
• CME expectations
• Professional standards
1.2 Scope
This handbook applies to:
• Applicants for MCCFP certification
• Certified MCCFP physicians
• Members of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians
SECTION 2: ABOUT THE COLLEGE
2.1 The Caribbean College of Family Physicians
The CCFP is a regional professional body dedicated to advancing Family Medicine and primary care in the Caribbean.
2.2 Mission
To promote excellence in primary care through education, certification, research, and professional collaboration.
2.3 International Affiliation
The College is affiliated with the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA).
SECTION 3: MCCFP CERTIFICATION OVERVIEW
3.1 Definition
MCCFP is a professional designation awarded to physicians who meet the College’s standards in Family Medicine practice and continuing education.
3.2 Objectives
• Promote clinical excellence
• Encourage lifelong learning
• Recognize professional achievement
• Strengthen primary care systems
SECTION 4: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
4.1 General Requirements
Applicants must:
• Hold a recognized medical degree
• Maintain valid medical licensure
• Be engaged in Family Medicine or General Practice
• Be a member in good standing
4.2 Eligible Applicants
• General Practitioners
• Family Physicians
• Primary Care Physicians
SECTION 5: CME REQUIREMENTS
5.1 Credit Requirements
Applicants must complete:
150 CME credits over a 3-year cycle
5.2 Annual Recommendation
Physicians are encouraged to complete:
50 CME credits annually
5.3 Accepted Activities
• Conferences
• Workshops
• Webinars
• Online CME courses
• Teaching activities
5.4 Accreditation
CME must be accredited by recognized bodies such as:
• CCFP
• MCJ-NCCME
• International CME providers
SECTION 6: APPLICATION PROCESS
6.1 Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
• MCCFP Application Form
• CME Log Sheet
• CME Certificates
• Proof of licensure
• Proof of membership
6.2 Submission Process
Applications may be submitted:
• Electronically
• Through the Secretariat
• Via online portal (if available)
6.3 Review Process
Applications are reviewed by:
• Secretariat
• Certification Committee
SECTION 7: CERTIFICATION AWARD
7.1 Approval
Successful applicants are awarded MCCFP designation.
7.2 Certification
Applicants receive:
• Official certificate
• Authorization to use “MCCFP”
7.3 Professional Use
Example:
Dr. John Smith, MBBS, MCCFP
SECTION 8: RENEWAL AND MAINTENANCE
8.1 Certification Cycle
MCCFP operates on a:
3-year certification cycle
8.2 Renewal Requirements
• 150 CME credits
• Active membership
• Good professional standing
8.3 Submission Requirements
• Updated CME Log Sheet
• Certificates
8.4 Lapsed Certification
Failure to meet requirements may result in:
• Suspension
• Delayed renewal
8.5 Reinstatement
Certification may be reinstated upon meeting requirements.
SECTION 9: STANDARDS AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
9.1 Clinical Standards
Physicians must:
• Practice evidence-based medicine
• Maintain patient safety
9.2 Ethical Standards
• Confidentiality
• Integrity
• Professionalism
9.3 Continuing Development
Physicians must engage in lifelong learning.
SECTION 10: CME GUIDELINES
10.1 Credit Calculation
Credits are based on duration and participation.
10.2 Documentation
Physicians must maintain:
• Certificates
• CME records
10.3 Submission
CME must be submitted:
• Annually (recommended)
• At certification/renewal
SECTION 11: FELLOWSHIP PATHWAY (FCCFP)
11.1 Overview
FCCFP is a future advanced designation recognizing senior physicians.
11.2 Eligibility (Proposed)
• MCCFP holder
• 5–10 years practice
• Leadership and contributions
11.3 Criteria
• Teaching
• Research
• Leadership
• Community service
SECTION 12: GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
12.1 Certification Oversight
Managed by:
• Certification Committee
• Secretariat
12.2 Policy Authority
Policies are approved by the College.
SECTION 13: FORMS AND DOCUMENTATION
Includes:
• MCCFP Application Form
• CME Log Sheet
• Renewal Form
SECTION 14: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
See MCCFP FAQ section
SECTION 15: CONTACT INFORMATION
Caribbean College of Family Physicians
19a Windsor Avenue
Email: familydoctorsregional@gmail.com
Telephone: 876-946-0954