Medical appraisal is a basis of GMC revalidation. It is conducted annually in which a meeting takes place between the appraised doctor and the appraiser who is usually a colleague trained as an appraiser.

The medical appraisal process has three stages.

1. Inputs for appraisal
2. The confidential discussion of appraisal
3. Outputs of appraisal

While starting off with the appraisal process, the locum doctor is required to follow following steps for successful revalidation.

1. Registration with the designated body: you can start with logging into your GMC account. You need to do a search for “Designated Body” with whom you wish to register yourself. Select your designated body and the GMC will send an email to the chosen designated body which will inform them that you have your registration with them for the Annual Appraisal and Revalidation. The GMC will also send you an email which will tell you your revalidation date.

2. Building a professional portfolio: there will be a revalidation management system in place at your designated body which will enable you to build up your annual professional portfolio for appraisal. You need to gather the supporting information and evidence which demonstrate that you come up to the standards of “Good Medical Practice Framework” set out by GMC. As this process is time taking, it is advisable that you start early so that you are able to get the enough relevant information and to avoid any probability of deferral in case of late submission of portfolio.

3. Collect the key components of supporting information: there are some essential elements of supporting information which you should collect to show up at appraisal meetings. These include;

• Continuing Professional Development (CPD): To ensure that you are keeping yourself up-to-date with the latest knowledge and improving your medical practice, you need to attend workshops, seminars, lectures, complete courses, presentations etc. You are required to accumulate the number of CPD points which are recommended by the Royal College or as have been detailed in your Personal Development plan of the previous year’s appraisal.
• Quality improvement activities
• Feedback from colleagues
• Feedback from patients
• Review of complaints and compliments

You are also required to provide declaration of health and probity for medical appraisal.

4. Preparing for appraisal: You are required to reflect upon your medical practice according to the four domains of GMC’s ‘Good Medical Practice Framework’.

5. Participation in Appraisal: this involves the confidential meeting between you and your appraiser who will ask you to reflect and critical appraise the elements of your portfolio.

6. Sign off your medical appraisal: This part is the written summary of your PDP (personal development plan) and appraisal that you will follow for the next 12 months which you and your appraiser will create in collaboration. Some statements pertaining to your appraisal will be made by the appraiser to the Responsible Officer which will contribute towards your revalidation.

These steps are repeated every year for 5 years each until the date of your revalidation.