The benefits and opportunities available to young and newly-qualified GPs in east London came under the spotlight at an event hosted by the local NHS.
The second successful GP Careers Fair organised by East London Health and Care Partnership (ELHCP) took place in Stratford on 9 April as part of the ongoing drive to attract and retain family doctors in Barking and Dagenham and neighbouring boroughs.
The event was backed by GP Federations, which highlighted the personal and professional benefits of working in primary care across the area. It was also supported by the Royal College of GPs, Health Education England, the NHS Leadership Academy, east London Community Education Provider Networks and the Medical Defence Union.
One trainee GP who attended the event said afterwards: “It’s great to hear that the NHS in east London is focusing on helping young GPs stay in the local area. I’d really like to stay here, and today’s fair has helped me think about where to go next.”
These comments, and other positive feedback from the event, demonstrates that there has never been a more exciting time to work as a GP in east London, with a range of support and opportunities on offer for newly-qualified GPs.
Dr Anwar Khan chairs the North East London Joint Commissioning Committee for the local NHS and is clinical chair and director of research and education at Waltham Forest CCG.
Dr Khan told attendees: “We have shown today that the camaraderie among GPs is second to none and there is so much support in the early years of your career for newly-qualified GPs in east London.”
Local GP, Dr Farzana Hussain, who is based in Newham, is on the board of the local GP Federation as well as being a GP trainer and appraiser, an undergraduate tutor for Queen Mary’s University and a coach and local quality improvement champion.
Dr Hussain’s enthusiasm for working in east London has not waned, and she told the trainee GPs: “Working as a GP in east London makes me a better person every day, learning from a great team, and I am privileged to serve so many diverse patients.”
For more information about working as a GP in east London, please contact elhcp.enquiries@nhs.net
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