Broadening your horizons - BMA

30
BMA International Department
received written conformation from the GMC. There is no fee for individuals removing their name
from the register.
Doctors can apply for voluntary erasure either online, via the GMC website 26
(which, in most cases, is
the quickest route) or using a paper application form.
Restoring registration
If a doctor has voluntarily relinquished their registration (voluntary erasure), or has been erased after
failing to pay or maintain an effective registered address, they may apply for restoration to the register.
Those who applied for voluntary erasure do not have to pay a fee for restoration. A restoration fee is
applicable only for those who have failed to pay or maintain an effective registered address either
while overseas or in the UK.
When applying for restoration to the register, individuals must submit an application, available via the
GMC website at www.gmc-uk.org supply copies of supporting documentary evidence by post, and
attend a GMC office, in either London or Manchester, for an identity check, before having their name
restored to the register.
To be restored to the register, doctors who have been registered in other countries by the relevant
medical authority must provide a Certificate of Good Standing from every country where they have
been registered in the previous five years.
Where registration was not required during a period of absence from practising medicine in the UK,
the application for restoration must include information about work experience undertaken in the
previous five years, such as working for a voluntary organisation. All applications will be judged on a
case-by-case basis, and a statement from any employers may be required by the GMC before
registration can be restored.
In order to minimise potential delays in restoration that may prevent an individual from recommencing
work immediately on their return to the UK, doctors can apply for re-registration up to three months
before being restored to the register. For those who have opted for voluntary erasure, the reregistration
process can be initiated online by completing an online application.
For further information on these steps, please refer to the GMC guidance notes on relinquishing and
restoring registration. 27
Revalidation
The GMC is developing proposals for the revalidation of doctors. These proposals will require doctors
practising in the UK to demonstrate, on a regular basis, that they remain up to date and fit to practise
and are complying with the relevant professional standards.
Although the plans for revalidation are still being developed, doctors who are considering leaving the
UK may wish to take advice from the GMC about the implications of leaving the UK for an extended
period should they subsequently wish to return to practise in the UK.
Further information can be found on the GMC website. 28
Broadening your horizons: a guide to taking time out to work and train in developing countries