What we do and why

We manage the UK medical register

There are more than 338,000 doctors on the UK medical register.

We check every doctor's identity and qualifications before they are able to join the register. We also contact a doctor’s previous employers to find out if they have any concerns about the doctor’s ability to practise safely. 

How we manage the medical register.

We set the standards for doctors

Our standards define what makes a good doctor by setting out the professional values, knowledge, skills and behaviours required of all doctors working in the UK.

When we develop our standards and our guidance we consult with a wide range of people, including patients, doctors, employers and educators.

Our guidance and the support we provide.

We oversee medical education and training 

We make sure doctors get the education and training they need to deliver high-quality care throughout their careers.

We do this by setting standards for undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, and by monitoring training environments. 

Our role in education and training.

We help maintain and improve standards through revalidation

It's important that every licensed doctor in the UK is keeping their knowledge and skills up to date.

We check this by working with experienced senior doctors to make sure every doctor has an annual appraisal. And every five years the senior doctor tells us whether the doctor is keeping up to date with our standards and giving good care.

How we maintain standards through revalidation.

We investigate and act on concerns about doctors

When a serious concern is raised about a doctor's behaviour or the way they do their job, we assess whether we need to investigate it. We usually investigate cases where the doctor is putting the safety of patients, or the public's confidence in doctors, at risk.

As part of our investigations we collect and review evidence. At the end of the process we may issue advice or a warning to the doctor, or we may agree with the doctor that he or she will restrict their practice, retrain or work under supervision. In some situations we refer the case to the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS).

How we investigate and act on concerns.