GMC Warnings

GMC warnings are issued to demonstrate the level of practice or behaviour the medical professional had conducted, which resulted in the warning. However, repetition of the particular conduct, practice, or behaviour will involve further action.

The GMC cannot prevent Doctors from holding a licence to practise after being issued a GMC warning, nor does it place any restrictions on their registration. However, if the GMC issues a warning to a doctor, this can damage their reputation and career progression seriously.

GMC Defence Lawyers

Our dedicated team of specialist GMC defence lawyers appreciate the severity of proceedings upon healthcare professionals. Our GMC defence team ensure all cases are treated with the attention they deserve are committed to assisting healthcare professionals during understandably difficult times.
Following an investigation case examiners can:

• Conclude the case with no further action
• Issue a warning
• Agree to undertakings – for example, to re-train or work under supervision.
• Refer the case to a fitness to practise (FTP) panel of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS).

GMC Warnings

The GMC publish the warnings on an online register and disclose warnings to all enquirers for five years. However, doctors find this problematic and stressful given its potential impact on their career aspirations.

The case examiners may issue a warning if a doctor’s behaviour or performance shows a significant departure from the principles set out in our guidance for doctors – Good medical practice – but a restriction on the doctor’s registration is not necessary.

If a case examiner concludes that the doctor should be given a warning, a doctor has 28 days to respond.

Case examiners may decide that a warning is appropriate – and the doctor has not disputed the facts alleged or asked for an oral hearing before the Investigation Committee – we will issue the warning.

Suppose case managers disagree or the doctor disputes the facts alleged. In that case, the case will be referred to the Investigation Committee, which has the same options for disposing of the case as the case examiners.

Should you require any advice or assistance regarding GMC warnings, don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts on