How is the George Medal different from the George Cross?

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Curie, Marie and Pierre; medal — medal Pierre and Marie Curie depicted on the obverse of a medal from the Unio Internationalis Contra Cancrum (International Union Against Cancer) commemorating the Curies' discovery of radium in 1898.

The George Cross and the George Medal were both instituted by King George VI in 1940, but they differ primarily in the level of heroism required for the award.1

George Cross: This is the higher of the two honors, ranking second only to the Victoria Cross. It is awarded for acts of the greatest heroism or most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger. Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters G.C.1
George Medal: This award is analogous to the George Cross but is reserved for acts of bravery that are not quite as outstanding as those required for the George Cross. Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters G.M.1

While both are medals recognizing gallantry, their designs also differ: the George Cross features St. George slaying the dragon with the inscription "For Gallantry," whereas the George Medal features the reigning monarch's effigy on one side and St. George on the other with the inscription "The George Medal".1