A letter from GMC is not end of the world

Receiving a letter of complaint from the GMC is a stressful experience for any doctor. However, there is no reason for immediate panic. Dr Mary Peddie runs through the stages in an investigation.

Often the first we hear of a GMC complaint is an anguished telephone call from a member to say a letter has arrived from the regulator.

And, of course, they are worried that they will be struck off and crucified in the tabloid press with friends, family and colleagues reading all about what a terrible doctor they are.