Professional Development Plan (PDP)
From 1 May 2025, completing a Professional Development Plan (PDP) became a mandatory requirement of the Medical Council.
A PDP helps doctors reflect on their professional practice, identify learning needs and set clear objectives that support their personal and professional development.
All registered medical practitioners are required to develop and review their PDP annually as part of maintaining their Professional Competence.
Why is a Professional Development Plan important?
A PDP encourages you to:
Reflect on your current professional practice and identify areas for improvement.
Identify relevant Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Practice Review activities.
Set achievable personal and professional development goals.
Monitor your progress and reflect on your learning throughout the year.
Plan the time and resources needed to participate in educational activities.
Your PDP should be developed early in the Professional Competence year (1 May–30 April) to allow sufficient time to organise activities, arrange study leave where necessary and work towards your learning objectives.
Your plan can be updated throughout the year to reflect changes in your professional practice, learning needs or circumstances.
How can I claim CPD credits for Planning activities?
You can record up to 5 CPD credits for Planning activities through MyCPD, RCPI's system for recording Professional Competence activities.
The credits are allocated as follows:
3 CPD credits: Developing and submitting your Professional Development Plan to MyCPD.
1 CPD credit: Completing and recording a peer review of your PDP.
1 CPD credit: Reviewing your PDP at the end of the year and recording reflections on your progress and achievements.
Important reminder
Completing a PDP is a mandatory requirement of the Medical Council. Doctors should ensure that their PDP is developed, recorded and reviewed during each Professional Competence year.
CLICK ON MYCPD AND ENTER YOUR PLAN
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