A system in the UK, supervised by the GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL (GMC) which periodically assesses all doctors’ professional competence. The process depends, amongst other things, upon the doctor being able to demonstrate that he or she has maintained a continuing programme of professional development: ‘lifelong learning’, has been appraised annually; and can provide evidence of patient satisfaction. Doctors unable or unwilling to revalidate cannot maintain a licence to practice in the UK, either for the NHS or privately.