Introduction: A Good Doctor

Question 1

What makes a good doctor

Answer 1

Good doctors make the care of their patients their first concern: they are competent, keep their knowledge and skills up to date, establish and maintain good relationships with patients and colleagues, are honest and trustworthy, and act with integrity and within the law.

Good doctors work in partnership with patients and respect their rights to privacy and dignity. They treat each patient as an individual. They do their best to make sure all patients receive good care and treatment that will support them to live as well as possible, whatever their illness or disability

Question 2

What is the purpose of Good Medical Practise

Answer 2

It describes what is expected of all doctors registered with the GMC. It is your responsibility to be familiar with Good medical practice and the explanatory guidance which supports it, and to follow the guidance they contain.

Question 3

What is the difference between you ‘must’ and ‘should’ in the guidelines

Answer 3

■ ‘You must’ is used for an overriding duty or principle.

■ ‘You should’ is used when we are providing an explanation of how you will meet the overriding duty.

■ ‘You should’ is also used where the duty or principle will not apply in all situations or circumstances, or where there are factors outside your control that affect whether or how you can follow the guidance