Help for Doctors Under GMC Investigation: Early Guidance and Next Steps

Understanding the GMC Investigation Process

Being notified of an investigation by the General Medical Council (GMC) can be deeply unsettling for any doctor. Whether the concern arises from a patient complaint, a workplace incident, or a clinical error, the process can feel daunting and isolating.

The GMC fitness to practise process begins with an initial assessment of the complaint and may progress to a formal investigation, referral to the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS), or even temporary suspension in serious cases.

At this early stage, how you respond can make a major difference. Demonstrating professionalism, insight, and a commitment to improvement shows the regulator that you take the matter seriously.

The Importance of Reflection and Insight

When the GMC investigates your fitness to practise, they are not only looking at what happened — they are assessing your understanding of why it happened and what you’ve done to prevent recurrence.

Developing insight is a key factor in determining whether a doctor remains fit to practise. Strong insight includes:

• Acknowledging the issue without defensiveness.
• Recognising the potential impact on patients, colleagues, and public trust.
• Identifying what could have been done differently.
• Taking steps to ensure similar issues don’t recur.

Reflective statements written during this phase carry significant weight. They can demonstrate early accountability and help shape how the GMC perceives your attitude and professionalism.

Taking Proactive Steps: Remediation Before Suspension

Many doctors wait until late in the process to begin remediation — but starting early is far more effective. Proactive remediation shows initiative, integrity, and a genuine desire to learn.

Examples of early remediation activities include:

• Undertaking CPD-accredited ethics or professionalism courses.
• Engaging in mentoring or clinical supervision.
• Participating in reflective writing or feedback sessions.
• Addressing specific issues (e.g. communication skills, record keeping, boundaries).

Our courses at Probity & Ethics are designed to help you demonstrate these qualities clearly to the GMC and MPTS.

How Probity & Ethics Courses Can Help

We specialise in supporting doctors who are under investigation or remediation. Our CPD-accredited online courses help you show insight, reflection, and remediation through structured, regulator-aligned learning.

Courses particularly useful at this stage include:

• Fitness to Practise for Healthcare Professionals – understand the GMC process and what panels look for in remediation.
• Ethics for Healthcare Professionals – strengthen decision-making, integrity, and ethical awareness.
• Professionalism for Healthcare Professionals – rebuild professional values and accountability.
• Probity and Honesty for Healthcare Professionals – evidence transparency, truthfulness, and trustworthiness.

All courses are self-paced, confidential, and can be completed online from anywhere in the UK. Each provides a verifiable CPD certificate that can be shared with your legal representatives, responsible officer, or defence organisation.

Seeking Professional Support

You do not need to face a GMC investigation alone. Alongside educational support, it is essential to seek legal and professional advice.
Organisations such as the Doctor Defence Service provide tailored assistance for doctors responding to GMC correspondence, preparing statements, or attending hearings.

Combining structured learning with professional guidance creates a strong foundation for demonstrating responsibility and readiness to improve.

Key Takeaways

• A GMC investigation does not automatically mean your career is over — but how you respond matters.
• Reflection, insight, and proactive remediation are the strongest indicators of professional integrity.
• Completing structured CPD courses in ethics, professionalism, and fitness to practise can help evidence your learning.
• Seek professional advice early and stay engaged throughout the process.

Take Action Now

If you’ve received notification of a GMC investigation, take control of your next steps. Begin by exploring our Online Courses in Ethics, Professionalism, and Fitness to Practise to demonstrate your commitment to safe and ethical practice.

Taking positive action early can significantly improve the way your case is assessed by the GMC and MPTS — and help you move forward with confidence.