The negativity bias in general practice and how to combat it

I recently attended a course and found it really interesting that, after a quick round of introductions, the other GPs had started complaining about general practice before the course had even started. I know that many GPs feel very negatively towards the profession but I couldn't help the feeling that complaining about it was seen …

A Londoner’s guide to (WONCA) London Part 4 – what to see!

London is a vast city and there is so much to see. What are you going to see when you are not at the workshops and plenaries? I've broken down some sites by interest based on 40 years of knowledge accumulated over my lifetime. You will not be bored in this city! The WONCA Europe …

A Londoner’s guide to (WONCA) London part 3 – Eating and drinking

I know that the UK doesn’t have a great reputation when it comes to food but there are plenty of amazing places to eat in London. I actually really love British food but you do need to know where to go. For the record, I live in East London and previously lived near Portobello market so my …

A Londoners guide to (WONCA) London part 2 – what to see/visit on a budget

I know everyone is thinking that London is super expensive. And it is. But it is so easy to do it on the cheap as well. So here is a rough and ready guide on how to get out and about and how I like to spend my frugal days. Also have a look at …

A Londoner’s guide to (WONCA) London part 1 – getting there and where to stay

I’m sure everyone knows that the WONCA Europe conference is in London this year on the 28th of June to the 1st of July. I was born in London and have lived here for the majority of my life and would consider myself a thoroughbred Londoner. Therefore, I thought I would compile a post that …

Edinburgh Forum update

*Book your tickets now* If you follow my blog or VdGM activities, you will know that the 7th VdGM Forum will be held on the 28-29th January 2022. This is a two-day event where GPs early in their careers can get together, share ideas and learn together. We only got the go-ahead to run it …

Thought of the day: why do incompetent people think they are better than they are?

This post has evolved from a conversation with WONCA Junior Researcher of the Year nominee, Dr Ebrahim Mulla. One of the things that I love is hearing about frameworks and theories that encapsulate things that we observe on a day-to-day basis. This was particular to a discussion about something we call in the UK 'reg-itis' …

Can periods be culturally different?

This year, I have had the absolute pleasure of being the medical advisor for Women Empowered International (WE Int) on their six-part online webinar series on periods. This organisation was set up by young international professionals in Japan for other young international professionals to address issues important to them such as gender equality and sustainability. …

Introducing the new CEO of WONCA World, Dr Harris Lygidakis

This week, I have the absolute pleasure to introduce Dr Harris Lygidakis who is the new CEO of WONCA World. We actually recorded the interview back in May 2020 but a whole bunch of things happened (ie covid waves) which meant that this post got delayed. If I am honest, it was a real honour …

The Balearic meeting

On the 9th September, I was checking in at London Heathrow - the first time leaving UK borders since February 2020. The covid pandemic had somewhat reduced me from a global to a national GP with the restrictions placed on travel. So much so that I had almost forgotten what my previous globe-trotting life felt …