Question 1

What is a medical appraisal?

Accepted Answer

A medical appraisal is an annual GMC requirement where a doctor is supported to reflect on their practice, review their performance, and identify and development needs. It supports the revalidation process.

Question 2

What is the difference between medical appraisal and revalidation?

Accepted Answer

Medical appraisal is the annual process in which a doctor reflects on their practice, reviews their performance, and sets goals for professional development. It includes gathering evidence like Continuing Professional Development (CPD), feedback, and quality improvement activities. Revalidation, on the other hand, is the process by which the GMC ensures that doctors are practicing safely and competently. Revalidation relies on the outcome of regular appraisals to determine whether a doctor is fit to continue practicing. While the appraisal process supports revalidation, revalidation itself is the formal decision made by the GMC regarding a doctor’s license to practice.

Question 3

What evidence do I need for my appraisal?

Accepted Answer

A full scope-of-practice review, covering all your roles and responsibilities. A review of current PDPs and planning for forthcoming PDPs CPD activities to demonstrate ongoing professional learning. Quality improvement activities, such as audits or case reviews. Feedback from colleagues and patients, where applicable. Reflections on significant events and challenges in your practice. Reflections on compliments and complaints

Question 4

What is the GMC’s criteria for who can conduct appraisals?

Accepted Answer

The GMC dictates that appraiser’s must: Hold full registration and a licence to practise with the GMC Have a prescribed connection to a designated body (or a suitable person that we have approved) Be up to date with your appraiser training Carry out appraisals for a designated body or approved suitable person Have carried out at least five appraisals in the 12 months preceding an appraisal of a doctor who doesn’t have a connection Be discussing and reflecting on your role as an appraiser as part of your own whole practice appraisal Understand the context, scope and nature of work the appraisee doctor undertakes Not have a conflict of interest with the doctor you are appraising Not be in the process of licence of having your licence withdrawn

Question 5

How do I know if I have a designated body?

Accepted Answer

Your designated body is usually determined by your employment or contractual arrangements. For example, NHS-employed doctors typically have an NHS organization as their designated body. You can use the GMC's online tool to confirm if you have a prescribed connection to a designated body.

Question 6

What does the GMC say about doctors with a designated body using an independent appraiser?

Accepted Answer

If you already have a prescribed connection to a designated body, then most of the time you will choose to have an appraisal with that organisation. However, it is possible to use an independent appraiser in certain situations, such as: A desire for a fresh perspective Specific professional or personal circumstances It is essential to get agreement in writing from your Responsible Officer stating that they are happy for you to continue with an independent appraisal. We will need to see this confirmation before conducting your appraisal.

Question 7

Can I still have an appraisal even if I have not worked in the last year?

Accepted Answer

Yes. GMC appraisals are still required every year, even if you have not been working clinically. In these situations, the focus of your appraisal will be on how you have kept up to date and maintain your readiness to practice.

Question 8

Is there a limit to how many appraisals I can have with the same appraiser?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in line with GMC guidance, you can have a maximum of three consecutive appraisals with the same appraiser. This ensures objectivity and brings fresh perspectives to your reflective practice and professional development. The GMC does not specify a mandatory waiting period before returning to a previous appraiser, so it is possible to return to the existing appraiser after a gap of one year. To clarify, this means that in a 5 year revalidation period all doctors will have at least two different appraise

Question 9

What happens if I have a licence to practise but have still not been successful in finding work in the UK?

Accepted Answer

You are still required to have an annual appraisal as long as you hold a licence to practise. This applies even if you are not currently employed or practising. The appraisal will give you an opportunity to reflect on any progress, how you maintain your readiness for practice, and document the steps you are taking towards securing a role in the UK.

Question 10

Do I need an appraisal if I am registered without a licence to practise and am applying to regain my licence to practise?

Accepted Answer

If you are registered without a licence to practise, you do not need an appraisal during that time. However, once you apply to regain your licence to practise, you will be expected to re-engage with the annual appraisal process.

Question 11

What do I do with my completed REV12 form?

Accepted Answer

Your appraiser will provide the completed REV12 form at the end of your appraisal which you will then submit to the GMC, usually alongside your annual return. You should keep a copy for your own records.

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