It has become almost commonplace that every year, when we run through candidates for our General Practice Awards, we mention how tough the year has been for the profession.
This year is no deviation from the norm, and indeed may be the most difficult and unprecedented yet: collective action; GPs across the country unable to get jobs; a new Government; and on top of that, all the usual stress and demands that come as part and parcel of the profession.
The General Practice Awards are the most prestigious awards for primary care professionals, and are a celebration of the very best of the profession.
The GP of the Year award is always a highly contested category and our judges had a very hard time whittling the very impressive nominees down to a shortlist of eight. Here, we take a quick glance at them and their achievements ahead of the ceremony on 6 December.
Anyone wishing to attend the Awards Ceremony on 6 December can book their tickets here.
Dr Azhar Chaudhry
Dedicated to addressing language and cultural barriers in his community, Dr Chaudhry’s efforts have seen a significant increase in cancer screening numbers and MMR vaccine uptake among ethnic minorities at his practice.
As a GP partner and trainer, Dr Chaudhry goes beyond patient care to innovate services and lead transformative community initiatives. His leadership in establishing specialised clinics and accessible clinical protocols has improved patient outcomes and earned national recognition.
Dr Talia Syed
Dr Syed has established herself as a leading expert in women’s health, with her initiatives leading to increased awareness and improved outcomes in areas such as reproductive health and preventive screenings.
She has also taken a proactive role in the management of CKD – improving patient care and education – and been instrumental in integrating digital health technologies into her practice to ensure continuity of care for her patients.
Dr Lil Turner
Dr Turner is committed to inclusive care, having achieved ‘Armed Forces Veteran-Friendly’ accredited status across all three practices in Mereside Medical Group, and being a staunch advocate for transgender and non-binary patients.
Described as having infectious enthusiasm and boundless compassion, Dr Turner has spearheaded initiatives that not only enhanced patient experience but also inspired and uplifted her staff’s morale.
Dr Mark Gaffney
In his 41 years since qualifying, Dr Gaffney has rarely stood still: he set up the OOH service in his area; was the instigator of the local ‘hospice at home’ service; and managed a year-long diphtheria outbreak with NHSE and the home office in an asylum service he set up.
More recently, Dr Gaffney planned and delivered the Victoria Medical Centre by merging four practices, with one having given only three days notice of closure. The centre won ‘Best Primary Care Design’ and he was asked to cancel his retirement to oversee services there.
Dr Yasara Naheed
Drawing on her own experience with diabetes, Dr Naheed set up a 12-week personal training programme for patients with high BMI and diabetes. She conducted the sessions in her own time, doing blood tests, calculating BMIs, educating patients about healthy eating, and exercising with them.
Going outside of the traditional four walls of the surgery, Dr Naheed has worked with many third sector organisations – from charities to football clubs – to reduce bureaucracy between primary and secondary care, as well as ensure a more direct involvement with patients and reach more vulnerable groups.
Dr William Lumb
Dr Lumb’s ethos when becoming partner was one of inclusion with a goal to reduce health inequalities in a rural practice. To achieve this, he successfully negotiated for new premises, as the current building was inadequate, unequipped for modern-day medicine, and unable to accommodate a growing population.
His proactive care and support for veteran ex-military personnel has reduced the need for complex mental health support and has gained the practice RCGP ‘veteran-friendly’ accreditation.
Dr Stephanie Lamb
For over 20 years, Dr Lamb has been dedicated to supporting young people during the transition of adolescence, leading her to found an innovative youth hub in 2011. Her work focuses on removing barriers within the health system, and empowering young people to be healthier, safer, and happier.
Under her leadership, the hub has grown into a sustainably commissioned model of care, supporting over 80 practices across 18 PCNs in Lambeth and Wandsworth boroughs. As chair of the RCGP’s Adolescent Health Group, she supports and advises national colleagues on how to best care for young people.
Dr Claire Taylor
Having worked for a ME/CFS charity during the pandemic, Dr Taylor started to see some of the first long Covid patients, who were struggling to get help anywhere else. When it became clear that there would be no long covid clinics with a doctor in Scotland, she set up her own
She has seen over 1000 patients and become a pioneer in the treatment of Long Covid. Described as ‘the GP people come to when no one else can help,’ she also sees patients with ME/CFS, POTS and MCAS, and has shared her knowledge and experience with the Scottish government and the World Health Network.
