A controversial push to create an elite group of fellows at the Royal Australasian College of Physicians has failed.

More than 100 college members called for a vote to change the college’s constitution, which would have resulted in a new membership category of so-called ‘Respected Fellows’.

Their number would have been limited to no more than 60 and restricted to those who had held fellowship for at least 10 years.

‘Respected fellows’ would then be tasked with reviewing “all alleged code of conduct breaches made against an RACP member, director or other member office holder”.