A welcome message from the GP Registrar Co-Chairs to our ST1 trainees

As the Co-Chairs of the GP Registrar Community Group at the RCGP, we would like to extend a warm welcome to you, a member of our new cohort of GP registrar colleagues commencing GP specialty training this month. You are about to commence this incredible journey to becoming an independent practitioner, and whilst you will face your fair share of challenges, there are endless opportunities to be explored and experiences to be had. We hope you can look forward to this exciting period in your professional life - it may not be easy, but it will definitely be worth it!

Dr Akram Hussain – GPST3

A little about me. I come from Hyderabad, India, where I completed medical school, however most of my schooling before that was in Dubai. After finishing my medical school, I trained in Emergency Medicine in India and spent another 3 years learning to save lives in an acute setting. During my EM training, I also managed to complete my MRCEM Primary exam which helped with my move to the UK in December 2020 where I was recruited directly by the NHS Northwest Anglia Trust to Peterborough City Hospital and ended up working for 1.5 years as a Specialty Registrar.

In August 2022, I moved to the West Scotland, Ayrshire/Arran deanery to commence GP training, and I am currently in my ST3 rotation in General Practice.

Dr Deepthi Lavu – GPST4

I took the slightly longer route to General Practice. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) who went to medical school in Hyderabad, India. Yes, I graduated from the same city as Akram did - isn’t the world a small place! I trained in Obstetrics and Gynaecology initially in York and then in the West Midlands and following my MRCOG, DFSRH and a Masters in O&G from Keele University as an academic doctor in training, I made a proactive switch to general practice. Why? For a zillion reasons including the passion to pursue an academic career whilst providing continuity of care for the people I see. I moved to Devon with my family and commenced academic GP training in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK in August 2021. I am currently at the tail end of my ST4 year, preparing to step into the real world of general practice as an independent practitioner.

Training and relocating to the UK

In talking a bit about our diverse backgrounds, we hope you can find something to relate to. Whether you are coming from abroad to train or have relocated within the UK, many of you will relate to some of the difficulties that come with moving to a new place with new people and new ways of working. Of course, as we progressed through GP training we faced many hurdles, and you will too. However, it is crucial that we remember – ‘our diverse backgrounds are our strengths’. It was definitely an advantage for the two of us. We bring to the table experience from different parts of the world with a distinct approach to healthcare and new ideas have always been welcomed in the NHS.

Tips for progressing through GP training

These are some of the things we have both learnt which might help you in your GP training journey:

1. Be professional: Always be punctual and have a strong work ethic. Be respectful to all your colleagues, no matter who they are, and thank them for their services whenever you get a chance. A thanks or an apology go a long away if you use them correctly. Ask for permission (even when you don’t think its required). Some of these ethics will really account for your character and help you in both, your personal and professional lives.
2. Be eager: Always stay hungry for knowledge. Ask questions and make the most of your time in your learning environment, hospital wards or GP practices, as every encounter will teach you something new. Learning is a never-ending process as described by any good doctor providing excellent care. Most experienced GPs are still learning new things even after spending more than 25 years in the profession. The more you show your willingness to learn, more opportunities will come your way.
3. Be communicative: This is key for successful relationships, whether professional or personal. If you’re struggling with anything, speak up. If you have a family emergency, speak up. If you’re not able to cope with the pressure, speak up. If you’re having personal problems, speak up. The more you open up to your supervisors and colleagues, the more comfortable you will feel with your interactions and the more genuine you will come across. Having moved countries and worked in new systems we both learnt and have come to believe - “If you don’t ask, you won’t get”. Simple!

These are some of the simpler hacks that helped us as GP registrars in training. Do get in touch if you found these useful or have tips that helped you settle in new environments, there are certainly things that you could teach us as well.

RCGP support community

Representing this GP registrar community and the RCGP is a privilege, and we are extremely grateful for the support received from our respective local RCGP faculties, Tamar and West Scotland faculties. Our election as your RCGP GP Registrar Co-Chairs, hopefully shows you what can be achieved when you put yourself forward to receive such opportunities.

If you would like to find out more about getting involved with the College or are interested in finding out more about the GP Registrar Community Group, or even becoming a representative yourself, reach out to your local faculty team members who will be more than happy to talk.

Get in touch

Lastly, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. If there is anything you’re struggling with whether it be professional or personal, we can always have a chat to see how we can help and support you.

Akram Hussain and Deepthi Lavu
RCGP GP Registrar Co-Chairs
gpregistrars@rcgp.org.uk