What are the professional standards?

  1. Summary
  2. What are the professional standards?
  3. What other responsibilities do doctors, physician associates, and anaesthesia associates have?
  1. What should doctors, physician associates, and anaesthesia associates do if something goes wrong?
  2. How should I be treated?

The General Medical Council (GMC) set the values, knowledge, skills, and behaviours expected of all doctors, physician associates, and anaesthesia associates working in the UK. Our main guidance is called Good medical practice. We also have more detailed guidance in areas such as confidentiality and consent.

Since 13 December 2024 as well as regulating doctors, we have also started to regulate physician associates and anaesthesia associates. 

The professional standards apply to all doctors, physician associates, and anaesthesia associates.  We expect them  to use their professional judgement to apply the professional standards to their specific circumstances.

Doctors, physician associates, and anaesthesia associates have to follow our standards throughout their careers. That is why our standards are embedded in education and appraisals.

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