GMC appoints first Responsible Officer and Senior Medical Adviser

The General Medical Council has appointed Dr Judith Hulf as its first Responsible Officer in preparation for the beginning of revalidation later in 2012.

In her new role, Judith will oversee the appraisal and revalidation arrangements for doctors who work for the GMC. Judith will also advise on the arrangements in place to appraise and assess those doctors who undertake roles as associates for the GMC in areas such as the inspection of UK medical schools.

Judith will also act as a medical adviser to the GMC’s Chief Executive and directors on key policy issues.

Niall Dickson, the Chief Executive of the General Medical Council said:

‘We’re delighted to welcome Judith to the GMC. It is important that we put systems in place to ensure the doctors who work with the GMC are able to access a high quality appraisal that allows them to reflect on their practice and take part in revalidation.

‘Judith brings a wealth of experience to the GMC, not only as a clinician but as a teacher and former president of the Royal College of Anaesthetists. Her expertise will be invaluable in helping us to reach out to the profession and respond effectively to the challenges facing frontline practitioners’.

Dr Hulf said:

‘I am delighted to take up the post of responsible officer at the GMC. Revalidation changes the relationship the GMC has with doctors, employers and the public and brings medical regulation into the 21st Century.’

Judith took up the post of Responsible Officer and Senior Medical Adviser in January 2012.

Notes to editors

1. Dr Hulf worked as a consultant anaesthetist for 32 years. Her clinical work included major general surgery with a specialist interest in cardiothoracic anaesthesia. Judith has been particularly active in training and teaching postgraduate doctors throughout her career. She was President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists from 2006-2009 and led the Academy’s work on Revalidation from 2007-2009 as Vice-Chairman of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges. Judith also chaired the Swine Flu (HINI) Critical Care Clinical Group for the DH in 2009/10.

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The General Medical Council registers and licenses doctors to practise medicine in the UK.

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• keeping up-to-date registers of qualified doctors
• fostering good medical practice
• promoting high standards of medical education and training
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