What is the GMC?
The General Medical Council (GMC) is a committee consisting of both doctors and members of the public.

In order for a doctor to practice in the UK doctors must be registered with the GMC and hold a licence. Under the Medical Act (1983)6, the GMC has 4 main roles:

  • Keeping a register of qualified doctors
  • Developing and encouraging good medical practice
  • Ensuring medical education is of a high standard
  • Providing a disciplinary service
What is 'Good Medical Practice'?
Good Medical Practice is defined by the GMC Guidelines Duties of a Doctor

A good doctor makes the care of his/her patient their first concern; they are competent; keep their knowledge and skills up to date; establish and maintain good relationships with patients and colleagues; are honest and trustworthy and act with integrity 1.

  • As doctors are entrusted with the lives and health of patients and are accountable for the decisions and actions they take, they must:
  • Make the care of a patient their first concern
  • Protect and promote the health of patients and the public
  • Provide a good standard of practice and care
  • Treat patients as individuals and respect their dignity
  • Work in partnership with patients
  • Be honest and open and act with integrity

References
  • GMC: Duties of a Doctor
  • GMC: Valuing Diversity - Guidance for Doctors
  • GMC: Personal Beliefs and Medical Practice (March 2008)
  • Janaway v Salford Health Authority All England Law Rep 1988 Dec 1;[1988] 3:1079-84
  • GMC: Conflicts of Interest (September 2008)
  • Medical Act (1983)
  • Public Interest Disclosure Act (1998)
  • Health Service Circular (1999/198)
  • GMC: Maintaining Boundaries - Guidance for Doctors (November 2006)
  • GMC: Raising Concerns about Patient Safety - Guidance for Doctors (November 2006)
  • Kerr/Haslam Inquiry (2005)