What is good character of registered medical practitioner?

(Photographer Ducky)

In the registration of medical practitioner, under Medical Registration Ordinance (Cap. 161) ("MRO") [1],  the term "good character" is one of the requirements in the licensing examination and registrations.

• 7A. Eligibility for taking Licensing Examination
• 8. Qualification for registration under section 14
• 14. Registration
• 14A. Limited Registration
• 20K. Inclusion in Specialist Register

While in "red book", Code of Professional Conduct of the Medical Council of Hong Kong [2], surprisingly, the term "good character" does not exit.

So, what is good character of registered medical practitioner?

In practice, to decide on fitness of practice including mentally fit or good character, a 13-member quorum of the Council meeting will be held.

• Section 21A of the MRO gives powers to the Council to take action in relation to a doctor who, by reason of health, is physically or mentally unfit to practice medicine, surgery or midwifery [1].
• Section 4 of MRO, Meetings of the Council, (2) Except in an inquiry under section 21, in an appeal hearing under section 20F, 20O or 20W, or in an election petition under the Election Regulation as defined in section 3, at any meeting of the Council 13 members shall be a quorum. [1]

Then, what is good and what is the character of registered medical practitioner?

I do not know legally, then I go to ask google.

• WMA Declaration of Geneva – WMA – The World Medical Association
• What's a good doctor and how do you make one? BMJ VOLUME 325 28 Sep 2002
• GMC | What makes a good doctor?
• What are the CharacterStrengths of a Good Doctor? Dr Demelza Jones. University of Birmingham6 Essential Traits - i-studentglobal
• 7 Key Traits of the Ideal Doctor - WebMD

What is your view on the good character of registered medical practitioner?

REFERENCES
[1] Medical Registration Ordinance (Cap. 161)
[2] Code of Professional Conduct of the Medical Council of Hong Kong

Dr. Pierre Chan
5 July 2017