GMC introduced the Specialist Register on 1 January 1997. Since then, doctors must be on the Specialist Register to take up appointment to any post as a fixed term, honorary or substantive consultant in the National Health Service (NHS), other than in foundation trusts.

Some doctors on the Specialist Register will have completed a period of formal specialist training in the UK. The GMC certify this training now, but it was previously certified by the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB, 2005–10) and the Specialist Training Authority (STA, 1996–2005).

Other doctors may have been awarded qualifications in specialised medicine by an appropriate competent authority in other countries of the European Economic Area. 

Some doctors will have been found eligible by the PMETB, the STA or the GMC, following an assessment of the specialist training undertaken or the specialist qualifications awarded in the UK or elsewhere.

THE GMC operate a scheme for what are known as existing specialists, which lets doctors who are not entered onto the Specialist Register, but who were appointed as consultants in the NHS or in the UK armed forces before 1 January 1997, apply for entry onto the Specialist Register.

If the above scenario applies to you then please go to the GMC website the link below for more details and information on how to apply.