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Summarised by Centrist
The UK’s General Medical Council (GMC) has admitted that doctors who change their gender can have their disciplinary histories wiped from public record.
By issuing trans-identifying doctors with new registration numbers, the GMC effectively severs any connection between past sanctions and their new identity, preventing patients from discovering prior complaints or suspensions.
The scandal emerged after concerns were raised about Dr Beth Upton, a trans doctor at the centre of a high-profile tribunal case in Scotland.
While there is no evidence Upton has a disciplinary history, the case revealed that at least 62 doctors have been granted new GMC numbers, erasing past infractions from public view.
Critics argue that this practice puts patient safety at risk. “There is a strong public interest in knowing a doctor’s disciplinary history,” said KC Sarah Vine. Helen Joyce of Sex Matters warned that female patients may unknowingly be seen by a biologically male doctor despite requesting a female practitioner. “What is a woman supposed to do when confronted with that? Ask, ‘I’m sorry, but are you a man?’”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has called for urgent reform, saying the GMC must find a way to balance transparency with legal protections.
