His Honour Judge David Pearl has been Chair of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) since June 2012. The MPTS took over the adjudication of doctors’ fitness to practise from the GMC in order to create a system independent of the investigation process. Judge Pearl recently met with Gareth Gillespie to reflect on the first year of the MPTS and what further plans he has in store for the organisation.

Dr Richard Fulton, ST8 specialty trainee in paediatrics, shares an insight into this ‘marmite’ specialty

Patient safety in healthcare has never been more in the spotlight. Events such as the Stafford Hospital scandal and the subsequent Francis Report have raised awareness that at times patients receive suboptimal care.

Roslynne O’Connor relocated to the beautiful Isle of Skye to work as a practice manager; she describes her typical day

In the second part of his four-part series exploring elements of the new Good Medical Practice, Professor Sir Peter Rubin, chair of the GMC, looks at conflicts of interest

How does a nurse practitioner run a successful GP practice? Charlotte Hudson chats to Carol Sears who is the clinical director of The Cuckoo Lane Practice in Hanwell, London

New GP Dr Laura Davison took a career break to become a jungle GP in Mexico. Here’s what happened

In this issue we share a case where a GP got in trouble prescribing for a family member, when a pharmacist reported him to the GMC

Try these sample AKT questions provided by Dr Mahibur Rahman from Emedica

Dr Sarah Clarke contacted MPS when she encountered issues when an elderly patient tried to leave. She tells her story.

Try these sample AKT questions provided by Dr Mahibur Rahman from Emedica

The GMC’s latest advice around social media has caused much debate. Here chair of the GMC, Professor Sir Peter Rubin responds to the criticism, and new GP Dr Laura Davison comments on the guidance

The GMC’s latest Good Medical Practice reflects the ever-changing demands of modern healthcare provision, says Dr Rachel Birch, and these two cases illustrate two areas where the GMC has expanded its guidance

Deputy chair of the BMA Dr Richard Vautrey gives an insight into his busy life

In April the clinical landscape of the NHS will undertake the biggest change since its inception in 1948. In his analysis of the changes, Dr Simon Abrams raises concerns over potential conflicts of interest.

MPS clinical risk manager Diane Baylis shares risk advice for practices in how to prepare for a CQC inspection.

Earn CPD points by reading this feature on shared decision making. Dr Paul Nisselle explores how to move from bedside to beside

Dr Laura Davison, a GP registrar from Milton Keynes, shares her thoughts on topical issues facing GP trainees. Here she explores how to break the ice in general practice

Kate Taylor, MPS Clinical Risk Manager, highlights the importance of infection control in general practice

In this issue we share a case where a locum GP raised concerns about patient safety in a practice he had worked at for three months

Dr Paula–Jane Marrett, Dr Fiona Boyd and Beverley Chapman recently won the poster competition at the annual Patient Safety Congress. They share their research and findings