GMC and the future of revalidation: Building on the GMC's achievements

The fifth report of the Shipman inquiry provided a thorough and considered analysis of the issues surrounding fitness to practise.1 We must all approach the report in the spirit of learning from the past and as a source of ideas for improving the protection of patients in the future. The government's proposals to improve death certification and for tighter regulation of controlled drugs2 will, alongside clinical governance, help stop another Harold Shipman. Nevertheless, the General Medical Council recognises that further changes are required to our processes.​processes. Figure 1 How can we ensure new doctors remain fit to practise? Credit: WWW.TOPFOTO.CO.UK