Insight into the Symbolism Behind The Faculty Crest

The Faculty Crest

The Faculty Crest was designed by Sir Abraham Goldberg, our foundation president, in 1989. FPM continues to champion his design as it stands as an emblem of the organisation’s values.

The crest design is composed of a circular medallion, with three inner rings representing central themes for the organisation gathered by a single triangular bar. At the very top of the triangle lies the first ring which is composed of the lamp of learning taken from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Glasgow) crest. On the left-bottom ring is a pomegranate which is taken from the crest of the Royal College of Physicians (London). The third ring is comprised of an oak tree borrowed from the crest of the Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh). By including emblems of each of the Royal Colleges, the crest displays FPM’s close link to them. The crest also features three important plants in the history of pharmaceutical medicine: oak, pomegranate, and foxglove, between each ring.

The background consists of foxgloves and leaves, which represent William Withering’s great discovery. The physician is credited with the medical use of the plant, digitalis purpurea, to treat edema. The use of the plant persists today, with prescription drugs containing its active compound.

The oak tree comes from the coat of arms of the Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh) which symbolizes strength and royal patronage. FPM works closely with the Royal Colleges of Physicians, which include the Royal College of Physicians of London, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

The pomegranate from the crest of the Royal College of Physicians (London). The pomegranate serves as a symbol of regeneration and fertility.