In this issue, we focus on revalidation guidance for doctors returning to clinical practice after a period of absence. This is an issue which our helpdesk receives a number of enquiries about.

The revalidation cycle typically allows for short periods of absence during a five-year cycle. Some types of supporting information – such as colleague and patient feedback – don’t need to be collected each year, and where doctors have been unable to collect sufficient supporting information, their responsible officer may recommend a deferment of their revalidation to the GMC in order to allow them sufficient time to address these gaps.