Shonky doctors who put patients at risk should be forced to face a panel of their peers.

That is one suggestion from the Medical Board's new discussion paper on how to make sure doctors' skills are up to date - a process called revalidation.

Medical Board chief Dr Joanna Flynn says it is all about safety.

“Part of this involves making sure that medical practitioners keep their skills and knowledge up to date,” she told the ABC.

“We are committed to finding the most practical and effective way to do this that is tailored to the Australian healthcare environment.”

The commitment includes plans for peer-mediated review sessions for those who pose more serious risks.

The shonkiest doctors would have their medical records and performance in practice reviewed as well.

“Developing accurate indicators to identify 'at risk' medical practitioners and intervening early has the potential to improve patient safety ... and reduce the adverse impacts of patient complaints on complainants and medical practitioners,” an expert advisory committee found.

Dr Flynn believes any change must start with the ability to identify practitioners at risk of poor performance.

“Most of the practitioners in the at-risk groups will be able to demonstrate that they are performing satisfactorily, just as most people who are screened in a public health intervention do not have the disease for which the screening program is testing,” Dr Flynn said.

The Medical Board says the input of peers, colleagues, co-workers and patients will have to come together to identify poor performing practitioners.

Updates on the revalidation process are available here.