New GMC chair appointed

Professor Terence Stephenson has been appointed as the new chair of the General Medical Council (GMC).

Professor Stephenson studied medicine at Oxford Medical School and has spent most of his career specialising in paediatric medicine and paediatric emergencies. 

He was also president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and a member of the GMC Council between 2009 and 2012. He is currently Nuffield Professor of Child Health at the Institute of Child Health at University College London, Honorary Consultant Paediatrician at UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust & Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, and current chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges.

Professor Stephenson will take up his appointment on 1 January 2015.

Responding to the announcement the GMC’s current chair, Professor Sir Peter Rubin said: “I am delighted that Professor Terence Stephenson has been appointed. 

“Terence brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles, which will benefit the GMC in our work to protect patients by maintaining and improving standards in medical practice. I look forward to working with him to ensure a smooth transition.”

Professor Stephenson said: “I am committed to working with doctors, patients, employers and educators to build on the achievements of the GMC over recent years and to make sure we continue to use our expertise and  leadership to help ensure safe, high quality care for patients and high standards of professionalism.”

Professor Terence Stephenson was appointed following a robust competitive recruitment process overseen by a four-strong selection panel independent of the GMC and of the government.

The panel, who between them had significant experience of healthcare, regulation and corporate governance, was chaired by Dame Janet Gaymer, a former Commissioner for Public Appointments.