Medical practice is rapidly evolving and growing more complex. Never before has career-long learning and reflective practice been so important
Niall Dickson, the Chair of IAMRA

GMC Press Release: 04 Oct 2016

In an historic decision, medical regulators from around the world signalled that in future doctors will have to show they have the skills and knowledge to provide good care throughout their careers. The General Assembly of the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities (IAMRA) meeting in Melbourne, Australia passed a resolution encouraging regulators to introduce systems that will make sure doctors can show they are competent and up to date from the day they qualify to the day they retire. The Association, which has 104 medical regulators and other organisations from around the world, aims to protect, promote, and maintain public health and safety by encouraging best practice in the regulation of doctors.

Niall Dickson, the Chair of IAMRA, said: ‘Patients have a right to expect safe, effective and compassionate care and treatment from their doctors. It is simply not enough that someone gained a medical degree at some point in their lives. The capacity of doctors to do good has never been greater, but so too is their capacity to do harm. Medical practice is rapidly evolving and growing more complex. Never before has career-long learning and reflective practice been so important.’

‘Medical regulators have a vital role in supporting doctors to remain competent and up to date throughout their working lives. Continued competency systems can help to increase confidence that doctors are able to provide good, safe care to their patients.’
Dr Humayun Chaudhry, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States and the incoming Chair of IAMRA, said: ‘The adoption of a statement on the continued competence of doctors is an important milestone in the development of medical regulation globally. IAMRA’s members have signalled that lifelong learning is an essential component of medical practice, that patients everywhere deserve safe and competent care, and that only those doctors who remain current in their medical knowledge and skills should be granted the privilege of practising medicine.’

The General Assembly also adopted a resolution to improve the quality of medical education globally by helping to put in place robust accreditation systems for medical schools. There is a proliferation of medical schools across the world and real concerns about standards and the quality of those being trained. Although some countries have well established accreditation and approval programs for their medical schools, this is by no means universal.
IAMRA has promised to encourage robust medical school accreditation systems around the world.

The International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities (IAMRA) exists to bring together and support medical regulatory authorities (MRAs) around the world to protect, promote, and maintain the health and safety of the public by ensuring proper standards for the profession of medicine. Through scientific, educational, and collaborative activities, our aim is to share experiences, learn from each other and encourage best practice. We currently have 104 members from 46 different countries.

In the UK, revalidation for doctors has been in place since 2012 and a similar system has this year begun for nurses and midwives, while in Australia the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) has launched a consultation on revalidation and strengthening continuing professional development.

From India the following belong to the IAMRA:
Delhi Medical Council
Karnataka Medical Council
Manipal University (Partner)
Medical Council of India