Training

Approving GP trainers

Under the medical act, the GMC can approve and publish a list of GP trainers. However, the GMC don’t currently approve specialty, Foundation and undergraduate trainers.

Doctors whose practice contributes to the teaching, training or supervision of students or doctors in training don’t need GMC recognition. Local recognition may be available to trainers not currently in the four specific roles, including non-medical trainers. 

Criteria for trainer recognition

The GMC use the Academy of Medical Educators’ Professional standards for medical, dental and veterinary educators (2014) as the criteria against which all trainers in recognised roles must provide evidence of their ongoing professional development.  The 2014 edition is currently used for approval and recognition of trainers.

The criteria comprise seven areas:

1. Ensuring safe and effective patient care through training
2. Establishing and maintaining an environment for learning
3. Teaching and facilitating learning
4. Enhancing learning through assessment
5. Supporting and monitoring educational progress
6. Guiding personal and professional development
7. Continuing professional development as an educator.

Local education providers, such as hospitals and general practices, provide evidence against the seven areas to show how they identify, train and appraise trainers in each of the four medical trainer roles. Education organisers use that information to show what local arrangements are in place to meet the standards.

How the register is updated

It is the responsibility of the medical school (undergraduate trainers)/ deanery (postgraduate trainers) to update and maintain their list of approved and recognised trainers. Once the details have been submitted, the individual’s record on the register will update to reflect their trainer status on the next working day.