Primary Source Verification for Overseas Doctors

The Registration Information team conducts verification checks on doctors' qualifications where there is a requirement to do so. These checks may be carried out as part of the regular 6% sample process or on an ad hoc basis.

The team contacts the relevant medical school or regulator themselves in the first instance, and in the majority of cases receives a response. However, in approximately 25% of instances, a response is not received.

Following a risk assessment, in circumstances where it is felt that the GMC requires a definitive response, assistance will be required from a third party organisation which specialises in verification services.

The third party will be contracted to provide verification services on an ad hoc basis to the GMC. A successful verification means confirmation from the medical school that a doctor's primary medical qualification is genuine, and was gained by that individual at the medical school in question, on the date claimed.

Verification may be required from any medical school or regulator anywhere in the world. It is important that swift responses are achieved, ideally within 2-3 weeks.