Second editorial on GMC is ironic

doi:10.1136/bmj.321.7267.1020/a

BMJ 2000;321:1020 ( 21 October )

Letters

Second editorial on GMC is ironic

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

EDITOR $---$ Smith's second editorial on the General Medical Council in recent weeks was characteristically cogent and pointed butis ironic for various reasons.¹ The first editorial on thesubject was influential in raising questions about the continuingexistence of the organisation and of the supposed unpopularityof its president.² It is therefore perhaps not surprising thatthe BMA, at its annual representative meeting in July, shouldcarry a motion expressing "no confidence" in the GMC, albeit surroundedby qualifying amendments in order to soften its impact. It isreassuring that Smith now takes the view that GMC leaders shouldnot be put to the sword and that doctors must work together. Itis a great pity that the problems the GMC faces in managing themedia were not expressed in the original piece, let alone thetardy recognition that it has come into the firing line probablyunfairly.