GMC Doctor Appraisal Template

Specialty: Radiology and Imaging Specialist **OVERALL SUMMARY** This annual appraisal for Dr. Eleanor Vance was conducted via a remote video conference on 1 November 2024. This is the fourth appraisal in her current revalidation cycle, with her next revalidation date set for 15 March 2026. Dr. Vance's scope of practice encompasses general diagnostic radiology with a special interest in musculoskeletal imaging, primarily at St. Jude's Hospital. Her career plans include pursuing further sub-specialisation in interventional radiology and undertaking a leadership role within the department within the next three years. She provided robust evidence demonstrating her commitment to clinical excellence and professional development. All aspects of her declared scope of practice were discussed. Her Personal Development Plan (PDP) for the past year shows excellent progression, with all objectives met or significantly advanced. Dr. Vance fully satisfies all four GMC domains as evidenced through her detailed appraisal portfolio and discussion. **DOMAIN 1: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND PERFORMANCE** **Being competent – Competence in all aspects of work** Description: Dr. Vance consistently demonstrates high levels of competence in her diagnostic radiology practice, including interpretation of complex imaging studies and effective communication of findings. She has recently taken on a mentorship role for junior registrars and is actively involved in departmental protocol development. Evidence: * Mentorship feedback forms (anonymised) from three junior registrars, highlighting clear guidance and constructive feedback. * Participation in the hospital's Clinical Governance Committee for Radiology, evidenced by meeting minutes from Q3 2023 and Q1 2024. **Recognising and working within limits** Description: Dr. Vance exhibits a clear understanding of her professional boundaries, consistently seeking second opinions for particularly challenging or unusual cases and referring to specialist colleagues when appropriate. Evidence: * Consultation log showing three instances of seeking second opinions from neuroradiology specialists for complex brain MRI cases in the last six months. * Referral log entries detailing two direct patient referrals to interventional radiologists for procedures outside her current scope of practice. **Keeping up to date** Description: Dr. Vance maintains her knowledge and skills through a structured approach to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), attending national and international conferences and engaging with peer-reviewed literature. Evidence: * Certificate of attendance for the 'European Congress of Radiology (ECR)' held in Vienna, March 2024. * Online CPD portfolio detailing completion of 50 hours of relevant learning activities, including modules on AI in radiology and advanced MRI techniques. * Subscription to 'Radiology' and 'Skeletal Radiology' journals, with evidence of engaging with recent articles. **Following laws and guidelines** Description: Dr. Vance demonstrates strict adherence to relevant legislation, professional standards, and regulatory guidance, particularly concerning radiation protection and patient data confidentiality. Evidence: * Completion certificate for mandatory annual GDPR and Information Governance training, dated February 2024. * Audit report on radiation dose optimisation for CT scans within the MSK department, led by Dr. Vance, showing compliance with IR(ME)R 2017 regulations. **Proficiency in English language** Description: Dr. Vance communicates with exceptional clarity and precision in English, both orally and in written reports, facilitating effective patient care and inter-specialty communication. Evidence: * Feedback from an anonymised 360-degree appraisal indicating 'excellent communication skills' from colleagues and nursing staff. * High quality and comprehensive imaging reports, reviewed by the appraiser, demonstrating clear, concise English. **Providing good clinical care** **Good practice and care** Description: Dr. Vance consistently provides high-quality diagnostic interpretations, contributing to accurate patient assessment and informed treatment planning through shared decision-making with referring clinicians. Evidence: * Anonymised feedback from orthopaedic surgeons praising her detailed reports and proactive communication regarding complex MSK cases. * Clinical case review from October 2024 involving a patient with an equivocal bone lesion, where Dr. Vance's thorough analysis led to appropriate further investigation and multidisciplinary team discussion. **Assessing patient conditions** Description: Dr. Vance's approach to assessing patient conditions extends beyond image interpretation to include a holistic understanding of the patient's clinical history, physical findings, and psychological and social context, ensuring comprehensive diagnostic assessments. Evidence: * Discussion of a case where she identified a potential non-accidental injury in a paediatric patient during an imaging review, prompting further clinical assessment and safeguarding referral. * Evidence from multidisciplinary team meetings where she synthesises imaging findings with clinical information to guide patient management plans. **Offering remote consultations** Description: Dr. Vance effectively conducts remote consultations for discussing imaging results with patients and referring clinicians, ensuring clear communication and appropriate follow-up, utilising the Trust's secure video conferencing platform. Evidence: * Log of remote consultations for explaining complex scan results to patients, demonstrating clear communication and opportunity for questions. (3 instances noted in past 3 months). * Positive feedback from a referring GP regarding a remote discussion about a challenging differential diagnosis for a patient's back pain. **Considering research opportunities** Description: Dr. Vance actively engages in discussions about research opportunities within the radiology department, showing an interest in contributing to clinical studies and evidence-based practice. Evidence: * Participation in a departmental meeting discussing a new research proposal for AI-assisted MRI interpretation, contributing ideas for study design. * Expressed interest in enrolling in a future research methodology course to enhance her contribution to departmental research projects. **Maintaining, developing and improving performance** **Keeping knowledge and skills up to date** Description: Dr. Vance demonstrates a proactive approach to maintaining and enhancing her specialised knowledge and skills in musculoskeletal radiology and general diagnostics. Evidence: * Completion of an advanced MSK MRI course (online, certificated) in July 2024. * Regular engagement with online radiology learning platforms, including RadPrimer and Radiopaedia, logging over 20 hours in the last year. **Participation in support opportunities** Description: Dr. Vance regularly participates in peer-to-peer review sessions and acts as a mentor for junior colleagues, demonstrating a commitment to supporting and being supported by her peers. Evidence: * Documentation of monthly peer review meetings within the MSK imaging team, where she provides constructive feedback and receives insights from colleagues. * Feedback from a mentee acknowledging her supportive role in their development. **Quality assurance and improvement** Description: Dr. Vance is actively involved in departmental quality assurance initiatives and audit cycles, contributing to the continuous improvement of radiology services at St. Jude's Hospital. Evidence: * Presentation of an audit on the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound-guided MSK injections at the departmental clinical governance meeting, October 2024. * Contribution to the development of new reporting templates for urgent trauma scans, aiming to improve report consistency and turnaround times. **Managing resources effectively and sustainably** **Use of resources** Description: Dr. Vance is mindful of resource utilisation within her practice, ensuring appropriate use of imaging modalities and reducing unnecessary investigations where clinically justified. Evidence: * Discussion during appraisal about her careful selection of imaging protocols to minimise patient radiation exposure and optimise scanner time. * Identified an opportunity to streamline follow-up imaging for certain benign conditions, reducing resource burden. **Sustainable solutions** Description: Dr. Vance contributes to sustainable healthcare practices by promoting the appropriate use of imaging and considering the environmental impact of her professional activities. Evidence: * Advocacy for the use of digital resources and reduction of printed materials for departmental presentations and patient information leaflets. * Participation in a hospital-wide initiative to reduce energy consumption in clinical areas. **DOMAIN 2: PATIENTS, PARTNERSHIP AND COMMUNICATION** **Treating patients fairly and with respect – Respecting dignity and privacy** Description: Dr. Vance consistently upholds patient dignity and ensures strict privacy, particularly during sensitive imaging procedures and discussions of confidential medical information. Evidence: * Patient feedback forms consistently rate her highly for respect and discretion. * Adherence to strict protocols for patient gowning and chaperoning during intimate examinations. **Respecting patient’s choices** Description: Dr. Vance ensures that patients' autonomous decisions regarding their care are respected, providing comprehensive information to enable informed choices and facilitating second opinions where requested. Evidence: * Case discussion regarding a patient who declined a biopsy for a benign lesion, where Dr. Vance ensured the patient was fully informed of the implications and respected their decision. * Facilitated a second opinion for a patient requesting further review of imaging findings from an external institution. **Non-discrimination** Description: Dr. Vance maintains a non-discriminatory approach in her practice, treating all patients equitably regardless of background, belief, or personal characteristics. Evidence: * No complaints or concerns related to discrimination have been raised. * Active participation in mandatory unconscious bias training (February 2024). **Prioritising clinical need** Description: Dr. Vance effectively prioritises imaging requests based on clinical urgency and patient need, ensuring timely diagnosis for critical conditions while managing routine cases efficiently. Evidence: * Demonstrated ability to triage urgent imaging requests effectively during on-call shifts, as reviewed in a recent departmental audit of emergency radiology reports. * Contributed to a revised departmental protocol for prioritising suspected cancer imaging, improving patient pathways. **Maintaining confidentiality** Description: Dr. Vance rigorously maintains patient confidentiality in all aspects of her work, both within the clinical setting and when handling patient data. Evidence: * Annual completion of mandatory Information Governance and Confidentiality training (February 2024). * Strict adherence to anonymisation protocols when presenting cases for teaching or audit purposes. **Treating patients with kindness, courtesy and respect – Kindness and respect** Description: Dr. Vance's communication style is consistently characterised by kindness, courtesy, and respect, fostering a supportive environment for patients and their families. Evidence: * Numerous unsolicited positive comments in patient experience surveys commending her approachable manner and clear explanations. * Observation by appraiser during a simulated patient consultation demonstrating empathy and clear communication. **Supporting patients to make decisions** **Involving patients in decisions** Description: Dr. Vance actively involves patients in decisions about their imaging pathways and treatment, explaining options and potential outcomes in an understandable manner. Evidence: * Case where she spent considerable time explaining the pros and cons of an MRI versus a CT scan for a specific condition, empowering the patient to contribute to the decision. * Utilisation of patient information leaflets and digital resources to support shared decision-making. **Obtaining consent** Description: Dr. Vance ensures that informed consent is obtained for all procedures, clearly explaining the nature, risks, and benefits of imaging examinations. Evidence: * Audit of consent forms for interventional radiology procedures (e.g., biopsies) shows complete and appropriately signed documentation. * Discussion during the appraisal demonstrated a clear understanding of capacity assessments in the context of consent. **Understanding legal and ethical duties** Description: Dr. Vance demonstrates a robust understanding and application of legal and ethical duties in her daily practice, particularly concerning patient autonomy and best interest decisions. Evidence: * Participation in a hospital ethics committee seminar on challenging cases involving patient capacity (September 2024). * Application of the Mental Capacity Act principles in a documented case involving an elderly patient with impaired cognition. **Sharing information with patients – Providing clear information** Description: Dr. Vance excels in providing clear, accurate, and accessible information to patients regarding their diagnoses, treatment options, and prognoses, tailored to their understanding. Evidence: * Positive patient feedback specifically mentioning her ability to explain complex medical terms in an easy-to-understand way. * Development of a patient information sheet on common radiology procedures for the departmental website. **Communicating with those close to a patient – Supporting patient relatives** Description: Dr. Vance demonstrates empathy and provides appropriate support and clear communication to relatives and carers, especially in difficult circumstances. Evidence: * A documented instance of sensitively communicating complex imaging findings to a patient's family following a major trauma, ensuring they understood the implications. * Feedback from a family member expressing gratitude for her compassionate approach during a difficult diagnosis. **Caring for the whole patient – Supporting self-care** Description: Dr. Vance encourages and supports patients in managing their own health and well-being, providing guidance on preventative measures and healthy lifestyle choices where appropriate. Evidence: * Incorporation of brief advice on bone health and exercise for patients undergoing osteoporosis screening scans. * Providing resources for chronic pain management support groups to patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. **Safeguarding children and adults – Safeguarding practices** Description: Dr. Vance is highly vigilant in her safeguarding practices, demonstrating a clear understanding of her responsibilities for protecting vulnerable children and adults. Evidence: * Completion of Level 3 Safeguarding Children and Adults training (April 2024). * Proactive identification and referral in a case of suspected elder abuse noted during a fracture clinic review, demonstrating awareness and appropriate action. **Helping in emergencies – Emergency assistance** Description: Dr. Vance consistently responds effectively and professionally to medical emergencies, providing immediate assistance and coordinating with the medical team when required. Evidence: * Active participation in a cardiac arrest call within the radiology department (October 2024), demonstrating effective team communication and emergency response. * Up-to-date Advanced Life Support (ALS) certification (valid until September 2025). **Managing health risks – Managing own health** Description: Dr. Vance demonstrates a responsible approach to maintaining her own physical and mental health, ensuring she is fit to practice safely and effectively. Evidence: * Declaration of fitness to practice in her annual appraisal form. * Confirmation of engaging in regular exercise and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. **DOMAIN 3: COLLEAGUES, CULTURE AND SAFETY** **Treating colleagues with respect – Collegial respect** Description: Dr. Vance consistently treats her colleagues with respect and professionalism, fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment within the radiology department and across specialties. Evidence: * Unsolicited positive feedback from nursing staff and fellow radiologists commending her respectful and collaborative approach. * Active listening and constructive engagement during multidisciplinary team meetings. **Contributing to a positive working environment – Positive culture** Description: Dr. Vance actively contributes to a positive and inclusive workplace culture through her approachable demeanour, willingness to assist, and promotion of teamwork. Evidence: * Organisation of departmental social events to foster team cohesion. * Participation in a hospital-wide initiative promoting staff well-being and reducing burnout. **Demonstrating leadership – Leadership behaviours** Description: Dr. Vance demonstrates effective leadership behaviours through her mentorship of junior colleagues, her role in developing departmental protocols, and her contribution to clinical governance. Evidence: * Led a working group to update the departmental on-call rota, improving fairness and efficiency. * Presented at a regional radiology meeting, showcasing leadership in her sub-specialty area. **Contributing to continuity of care – Ensuring continuity** Description: Dr. Vance is committed to ensuring continuity of care for patients, particularly during transitions of care or when handing over complex cases. Evidence: * Developed a standardised handover document for overnight on-call radiologists to ensure critical information is effectively communicated. * Regularly communicates directly with referring consultants to ensure seamless patient management following imaging interpretation. **Delegating safely – Safe delegation** Description: Dr. Vance demonstrates safe and effective delegation practices, ensuring that tasks are assigned to colleagues with appropriate skills and supervision. Evidence: * Delegated routine reporting tasks to competent registrars, providing clear instructions and adequate supervision. * Provided constructive feedback to a junior colleague regarding a delegated task, ensuring learning and future safety. **Recording work clearly – Accurate record keeping** Description: Dr. Vance maintains exemplary standards of accurate and comprehensive record-keeping for all patient interactions, imaging reports, and professional activities. Evidence: * Audit of her imaging reports consistently shows high accuracy, clarity, and completeness, meeting Trust and RCR guidelines. * Detailed records maintained for her CPD activities and supervision of junior staff. **Keeping patients safe – Safety practices** Description: Dr. Vance is deeply involved in initiatives and practices aimed at enhancing patient safety within the radiology department and the wider hospital. Evidence: * Reported a 'near-miss' incident regarding incorrect patient positioning for an MRI scan, leading to a review of departmental safety checklists. * Active participant in the hospital's incident reporting and learning system, submitting insights to prevent recurrence. **DOMAIN 4: TRUST AND PROFESSIONALISM** **Acting with honesty and integrity – Trust and integrity** Description: Dr. Vance consistently acts with the highest levels of honesty and integrity in all professional dealings, fostering trust with patients, colleagues, and the institution. Evidence: * No concerns or complaints have ever been raised regarding her integrity. * Transparent and honest communication during complex clinical discussions and departmental meetings. **Acting with honesty and integrity in research – Ethical research practices** Description: Dr. Vance adheres to strict ethical guidelines in any involvement with research, ensuring honesty and transparency in data handling and reporting. Evidence: * Completed an online course on Good Clinical Practice (GCP) for research (June 2024). * Ensures anonymisation of patient data in any audit or research presented, adhering to ethical principles. **Maintaining professional boundaries – Professional boundaries** Description: Dr. Vance consistently maintains appropriate professional boundaries with patients, their families, and colleagues, ensuring a professional and therapeutic relationship. Evidence: * Clear adherence to professional codes of conduct, with no boundary concerns noted in any feedback. * Discussion during appraisal highlighted her understanding of the importance of separating professional and personal interactions. **Communicating as a medical professional – Professional communication** Description: Dr. Vance's professional communication is consistently clear, accurate, and respectful, whether with patients, colleagues, or external bodies. Evidence: * Feedback from referring clinicians praises her concise and informative imaging reports and direct communication regarding urgent findings. * Effective participation in multi-disciplinary team meetings, contributing clearly and professionally. **Public professional communication – Public communication** Description: Dr. Vance approaches public communication, including social media, with careful consideration for her professional role, ensuring responsible and appropriate engagement. Evidence: * Adherence to GMC guidance on social media use, with no public-facing comments found to be unprofessional or inappropriate. * She has delivered a public health talk on 'Understanding Your X-ray' at a local community centre, promoting health literacy responsibly. **Giving evidence and acting as a witness – Providing evidence** Description: Dr. Vance understands her responsibilities when providing evidence or acting as a witness, ensuring her statements are factual, objective, and presented professionally. Evidence: * Reflected on a case where her imaging report formed part of a medico-legal investigation, ensuring her contribution was purely factual and objective. **Managing private communications – Private communication** Description: Dr. Vance ensures that her private communications uphold professional standards, maintaining respect and appropriate boundaries. Evidence: * Demonstrated understanding of maintaining professional decorum in all digital and personal communications. **Managing conflicts of interest – Conflict of interest management** Description: Dr. Vance effectively identifies and manages any potential conflicts of interest, ensuring transparency and impartiality in her professional decisions. Evidence: * Declared a minor commercial interest in a medical device company (e.g., related to a specific imaging coil) at the beginning of the appraisal, demonstrating transparency. * Recused herself from a decision-making process involving a vendor where she had a potential conflict. **Cooperating with legal and regulatory requirements – Legal and regulatory compliance** Description: Dr. Vance fully cooperates with all legal and regulatory requirements, including those from the GMC and other relevant bodies, ensuring compliance in her practice. Evidence: * Maintains her GMC registration in good standing and provides all requested information promptly. * Active engagement with departmental policies that reflect national legal and regulatory frameworks. **GENERAL SUMMARY** Dr. Vance has completed a highly successful appraisal, demonstrating exemplary practice across all four GMC domains. She is a dedicated and highly competent radiologist who consistently prioritises patient care, professional development, and collaborative working. Her commitment to quality improvement and sustainability is commendable. She is on track for successful revalidation in March 2026. CPD CONCLUSIONS CLINICAL MATRIX AND DISCUSSION REGARDING SPECIALTY REPORTING DISCUSSION OF REPORTING VOLUMES FOR THE ORGANISATION YEARLY QA REPORT REFLECTIONS ON LEVEL 1 OR LEVEL 2 DISCREPANCIES ATTENDANCE AT CLINICAL GOVERNANCE MEETINGS CURRENT 360-DEGREE FEEDBACK STATUS PDP PROGRESSION NON-ORGANISATIONAL ROLES