The GMC does not currently have statutory powers to approve trainers other than GPs providing training for GP registrars.

It said while standards of education and training are high but there is ‘still room for improvement’.

The GMC is now consulting on plans that would allow it to formally recognise medical trainers outside of general practice.

The GMC said the new proposals will relate to named educational supervisors and clinical supervisors in postgraduate training, lead coordinators of undergraduate training at each local education provider and doctors responsible for overseeing students’ educational progress for each medical school.

GMC chief executive Niall Dickson said doctors who train other doctors are ‘absolutely critical’ to developing and improving standards of care.

‘They help to shape the next generation of doctors and are important role models for medical students and trainee doctors. We want to give this formal recognition by identifying and recognising the contribution they make to improving standards and protecting patients.

‘We would need new legal powers to approve non-GP trainers on an official basis, until then, we believe the proposed recognition system will ensure that more formal arrangements are in place.’
 
The consultation will run from 6 January to 30 March 2012.