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What's surgery like?
CPD
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a continuing learning process that requires surgeons to maintain their knowledge base and performance throughout their working life.
There is currently no formal CPD system in place for surgeons (oral and maxillofacial surgeons should participate in the GDC system if they are dual qualified). Surgeons should agree a personal development plan of CPD with their appraiser. Guidance on this is available from a number of sources.
Once revalidation is in place, all doctors will be required to complete 250 credits over a five-year period (50 credits per year, where one credit equates to roughly one hour’s activity).
CPD for surgeons generally falls into three main categories – clinical, professional and academic (including managerial), your CPD should be balanced across all of these. There is a huge variety in the number and kind of activities that can be considered as CPD, not all of which are “formal” – such as journal reading. The activities you undertake should be planned and discussed at your appraisal to ensure it fits with your learning needs.
There is more information about the CPD requirements for revalidation on the College website.
