Good Medical Practice (GMP) is the GMC’s core guidance document that describes what it means to be a good doctor. It was significantly updated in January 2024, and the updated version reflects the modern NHS working environment. Every answer you give in an NHS interview should implicitly align with GMP principles, even if you never mention the document by name. Understanding the four domains allows you to anchor your answers in professional standards.
Domain 1 — Knowledge, Skills and Performance: Maintaining competence throughout your career, keeping your skills up to date through CPD and reflective practice, recognising the limits of your knowledge and referring appropriately, competence in formal leadership roles, and a new 2024 addition: choosing sustainable solutions in healthcare where possible.
Domain 2 — Patients, Partners and Colleagues: Patient-centred care and shared decision-making, treating patients with kindness, courtesy and respect, supporting patients to make informed decisions about their care, effective communication, and recognising that patients are individuals with diverse needs.
Domain 3 — Colleagues, Culture and Safety: Working effectively with colleagues, creating compassionate and fair workplace cultures, raising concerns about safety, tackling bullying, harassment and discrimination. This domain was significantly expanded in 2024 to include explicit guidance on sexual harassment, workplace culture, and the responsibility of all doctors to contribute to a positive working environment.
Domain 4 — Trust and Professionalism: Honesty and integrity, maintaining patient confidentiality, knowing the limits of your knowledge, being open when things go wrong (Duty of Candour), and new guidance on social media and instant messaging — reminding doctors that messages sent privately may not stay that way.
How to use GMP in interviews: You do not need to quote paragraph numbers. The goal is to demonstrate through your answers that your practice aligns with these domains. For example, when discussing a mistake, reference learning and reflection (Domain 1) and honesty (Domain 4). When discussing a difficult colleague, reference supportive workplace culture (Domain 3) and patient safety (Domain 2).
- Resource: GMP 2024 One-Page Summary Card (printable, organised by domain).