What we do and why

We work with doctors, physician associates (PAs), anaesthesia associates (AAs), those they care for and other stakeholders to support good, safe patient care across the UK. Here you can learn about what we do, find out about the workshops we offer and access our data and research.

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Our statutory purpose

The work we do is set out by the Medical Act 1983 and the Anaesthesia Associates and Physician Associates Order (AAPAO).

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Our registers

We manage lists of registered professionals

We make sure that every doctor, physician associate (PA) and anaesthesia associate (AA) has the right knowledge, skills, qualifications and experience to work across the UK. We do this by maintaining official lists of these registered professionals, available online.

When a doctor, PA or AA applies to register, we check they meet our requirements to work in the UK and deliver good, safe patient care.

To remain on our registers doctors, PAs and AAs must continue to meet the professional standards we set, show that they are competent and show that they keep their knowledge and skills up to date.

How we manage our registers

Professional standards

Setting and maintaining the professional standards for doctors, physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs)

We set the values, knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of all doctors, PAs and AAs working in the UK. In doing so, we consult with them, as well as with patients and other stakeholders.

We support students, doctors, PAs, AAs and their employers to understand and meet the professional standards we set. We give guidance and advice on topics like confidentiality, professionalism, and decision making.

And we expect all doctors, PAs and AAs continue to meet these professional standards, by regularly reflecting on their practice and having regular appraisals with their employers, to recognise their strengths and identify areas for development.

Our guidance and the support we provide

Education and training

Overseeing doctors’, physician associates (PAs)’ and anaesthesia associates (AAs)’ education and training

We work to make sure that education outcomes and training prepare doctors, PAs and AAs to deliver good, safe patient care across the UK.

We approve their undergraduate and/or postgraduate training and the assessments they must pass.

We do this by assessing all courses and programmes and by carrying out reviews and regular monitoring. We also talk to students, trainees and educators to hear about their experiences. 

Our role in education and training

Revalidation

Supporting doctors, physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs) in reflecting on and improving their work

It’s important that all doctors, PAs and AAs practising in the UK follow the professional standards we set, and that their knowledge and skills are up to date.

We expect all doctors, PAs and AAs working in the UK to collect feedback from their patients and details of any significant events they’ve been involved in. They are also expected to review information provided by their employer. This information is then discussed in regular appraisals, where doctors, PAs and AAs reflect on their practice, recognising their successes and identifying areas for development. This information helps us to decide whether a doctor, PA or AA continues to meet the standards we set over time. We call this process ‘revalidation’.

Engaging in reflection and professional development through revalidation supports patient safety. It also helps identify improvements to patient care that can be put in place in the organisations where doctors, PAs and AAs work. 

How we help to raise standards through revalidation

Addressing concerns

Investigating and acting on concerns

If serious concerns are raised with us about the behaviour, health or performance of a doctor, PA or AA, we can investigate to determine whether patient safety, or the public’s confidence in doctors, PAs or AAs, is at risk.

As a result of our investigations, we may refer a case to the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) for a hearing.

The tribunals run by the MPTS make independent decisions about the cases we refer. They can suspend or restrict a doctor, PA or AA from carrying out their duties. In very serious cases, the tribunals may remove an individual from the registers, meaning they can no longer work in the UK. 

How we investigate and act on concerns

Our mandate

You can find out more about the different pieces of legislation that set and guide the work we do in our mandate.

Our mandate


Regulating physician associates and anaesthesia associates

Regulation helps provide assurance to patients, employers and colleagues that PAs and AAs have the right level of education and training, meet the standards that we expect of the professions we regulate and that they can be held to account if serious concerns are raised

Regulating physician associates and anaesthesia associates


Supporting good, safe maternity care

Every family should get maternity care that is safe and compassionate. But we know that hasn’t always happened. Some families have had very difficult experiences that changed their lives.

Supporting good, safe maternity care

A trainer delivering a learning session

Learning and support

Learn about the different workshops and other learning opportunities we offer to help you understand our professional standards and apply it to your day to day practice.

Our learning opportunities

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Data and research

We share information to improve patient care and aid workforce planning. See the research which guides our policies and decisions. And use our data to better understand the medical profession.

Data and research at the GMC

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GMC Services International

We deliver advisory services to regulators and other organisations around the world. See how it can help your organisation achieve your healthcare regulation outcomes and results.

Advisory services for regulators and organisations