About Us
Your Trusted Partner for Appraisals
Our vision and promise to you
Aspire Medical Appraisals is dedicated to providing professional and independent medical appraisals for doctors registered with the GMC to support them in achieving revalidation and annual return requirements as easily and smoothly as possible. Our vision is that all doctors should be able to access low cost, affordable, effective, compliant, professional and modern appraisals which not only enable them to demonstrate they are meeting GMC requirements, but also support their professional journey and help them Aspire to Achieve.
At Aspire Medical Appraisals, we strongly believe that the appraisal process should:
- be supportive and aspirational
- promote professional and career development
- use modern appraisal software
- be affordable
At Aspire Medical Appraisals, we promise to provide you with an appraisal process which is straightforward, simple, effective, efficient and which will not only meet all the requirements of a GMC appraisal but also offer practical advice in a supportive manner designed to help you take the next steps in your career journey
Meet our Medical Director and Founder
Dr Nicholas Balcombe
MBBS FRCP (Lond)
GMC - 3539417
Medical Director and Founder
Consultant Physician / Geriatrician
Dr Nicholas Balcombe is the Founder and Medical Director of Aspire Medical Appraisals. He is a senior Consultant Physician / Geriatrician with over 30 years experience in the NHS, currently working in the West Midlands.
He is a qualified, trained and highly experienced appraiser with in-depth knowledge of medical appraisals and revalidation requirements. He conducts appraisals on a regular basis for both UK trained doctors and International Medical Graduates of all specialties and all grades of doctor from newly qualified doctors to senior Consultant level. Dr Balcombe meets the GMC requirements to undertake appraisals for doctors who do not have a designated body or suitable person.
During his career, Dr Balcombe has held a number of senior leadership and management positions in the NHS, including Clinical Director for Geriatric Medicine for over 15 years. He also has experience in the Medical Aesthetics sector having been a Co-Director of a Medical Aesthetics Business.
Dr Balcombe has always played a leading role in the education and career development of medical students and doctors. He has previously worked as a Lecturer in Geriatric Medicine at the University of Birmingham and has played a leading role in educating future Physicians and Geriatricians.
He has published widely, including journal articles, book chapters for trainee Geriatricians and previously published a comprehensive book designed to support candidates studying for MRCP exams.
"I genuinely enjoy undertaking appraisals, especially for those who are new to the UK or just starting out on their professional journey. I appreciate that appraisals can be a daunting prospect for many and that with the current highly competitive NHS job market, doctors, especially International Medical Graduates, can find it very difficult to "get a foot in the door". I really enjoy seeing an appraisee change during the course of an appraisal with me - from being anxious and unsure at the start to feeling supported and being filled with positive hope and practical ideas as to how to take the next steps in their career journey"
Why choose Aspire Medical Appraisals
Whether you are connected to a designated body or a suitable person, or do not have a designated body and are following a GMC direct submission route, we offer a range of services to support your appraisals, annual returns and revalidation process.
There are many important reasons for choosing Aspire Medical Appraisals
Price
Are you tired of having to pay extortionate fees for your appraisal?
With Aspire Medical Appraisals, you will pay the lowest costs
Have you had to pay extra for a fast track or short notice appraisal?
At Aspire Medical Appraisals, we do not believe in charging extra for quick appraisals
Our Price remains the same whenever you need your appraisal
Our prices are transparent and there are no hidden costs
Affordability
Even though our prices are low, we still recognise the significant financial commitment required
With Aspire Medical Appraisals, you can spread the costs, with our Direct Debit scheme, making the process more
affordable to you
Quality of Services
Despite our low costs, our services are fully compliant with GMC appraisal revalidation and return requirements
Our services are delivered by a highly experienced and qualified appraiser
Our services support the whole of the appraisal process
Our appraisal software is modern and accredited and recognised by the GMC
We do not use the outdated MAG form, which is now not recommended for use
Our services maintain your confidentiality at all times and are compliant with GDPR regulations
Flexibility
Whilst other providers only offer appraisals during normal working hours or only on weekdays, we offer complete flexibility to suit your convenience, with appraisals offered out of hours and at weekends, as standard and at no extra charge
Efficiency
Our services are extremely efficient and timely. Appraisal portfolios are created within 24 hours for you to access and appraisal dates can be booked immediately. Our appraisals can be completed in less than a week as standard. Once your appraisal is completed, all paperwork and output information is completed within 24 hours as standard and at no extra charge.
Supportive
As well as ensuring your appraisal is undertaken in line with GMC guidance, at Aspire Medical Appraisals we believe appraisals should support your career development and ambitions. During your appraisal, we will offer practical guidance on how to move forward with your professional development and give helpful career advice, as standard and at no extra charge, helping you to Aspire to Achieve
Any GMC doctor
Our services are available to any doctor registered with the GMC, including International Medical Graduates, doctors of all grades from newly qualified doctors to senior Consultant level and no matter whether this is your very first GMC appraisal or your last before retirement and doctors of any specialty.
GMC criteria for Medical Appraisers
In order for an appraiser to be able to complete an appraisal for a doctor who doesn’t have a designated body or suitable person, the appraiser must meet the following criteria. They must:
- hold full registration and a licence to practise with the GMC
- have a prescribed connection to a designated body (or a suitable person approved by the GMC)
- be up to date with appraiser training
- carry out appraisals for a designated body or approved suitable person
- have carried out at least five appraisals in the 12 months preceding an appraisal of a doctor who doesn’t have a connection
- have discussed and reflected on their role as an appraiser as part of their own whole practice appraisal
- understand the context, scope and nature of work the appraisee doctor undertakes
- not have a conflict of interest with the doctor they are appraising
- not be in the process of licence of having their licence withdrawn
At Aspire Medical Appraisals, we can confirm that Dr Balcombe meets all the above criteria
Ready to Get Started?
Contact Us Today
Take the first step towards high quality medical appraisal and revalidation services that empower your practice, enhance your professional development and support you to Aspire to Achieve.