Happy Birthday, Good Medical Practice!

The current edition of GMC’s Good Medical Practice was born 5 years ago this November – and the GMC want to know if it still cuts the mustard. They want to make it more patient centered, and want to make sure it’s relevant to how we work as doctors, and of course are asking for the opinion of Sessional GPs as part of this.

You have until the end of January to give your opinions (they have a very well laid out online Q&A questionnaire, so no enormous documents to read).

Already NASGP members are debating some issues raised in the consultation about working as a locum GP, and members can view the discussion here and are encouraged to join in.

Tell the GMC like it really is

Continuing Professional Development for doctors is like motherhood and apple pie. Yet it is consistently one of the things that our profession has been unable to get to grips with for us Sessional GPs. Back in 2004 the GMC issued guidance on CPD for doctors, and now wants to update this in light of all that’s changed (or more likely what’s not changed!) over the last 7 years.

The GMC has asked the NASGP for its advice on its new guidance, and has started a consultation here (look for The Review of Continuing Professional Development Consultation 17/10/2011 to 27/1/2012).

This is particularly important for both salaried and locum GPs who will be facing a BIG challenge once the revalidation process begins at the end of next year – the issue for us is not going to be revalidation itself, but  providing the evidence that supports revalidation. So by ensuring the GMC’s guidance fully reflects the difficulties that Sessional GPs face, we stand a much better chance of making revalidation a much easier process for us all.