2 October 2025 | Afternoon
30 Euston Square, London
The College Coat of Arms
The elements of the College coat of arms are explained below:
the owl is a symbol of wisdom. the shield, separated by a chevron, symbolises the roof of the house in which most general practice takes place One side is white to represent day and the other black to represent night. The three spaces are occupied by a white poppy, signifying relief of pain and suffering; a gentian flower indicating medicine and the restorative and rehabilitative role of the GP; and, finally, the Greek lamp indicates the importance of study and research in the work of the College and links with the lamp of nursing.
the unicorn is adopted from the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries. the lynx is adopted from the arms of the Royal College of Surgeons the gavel symbolises authority. the serpent is the ancient symbol of medicine.
The College arms were granted in 1961 by the College of Arms in England (a separate but almost identical coat of arms was approved by the Lord Lyon in Scotland).
The College motto
Cum Scientia Caritas – compassion with knowledge.
Robes and insignia
The current President’s gown was instigated in 2012 to mark the 60th anniversary of the College.
It has incorporated the College arms and reflects the College blue of our modern logo.
The President’s chain was gifted to the College in 1958. It is cast in 9-carat yellow and white gold and consists of a medallion of a white-gold poppy entwined with a yellow-gold foxglove and alternating with entwined serpents in white gold. The medallion of the College coat of arms was added in 1963
The Members’ gown is black with white facing.
The Chair of Council wears a badge that incorporates the College arms with the names of all previous College Chairs on the ribbon in gold
The Royal Charter
An organisation or other body can only be recognised as an independent legal entity if it has been granted either a Royal Charter or a Memorandum and Articles of Association by the Board of Trade.
It would be fair to say that there was more than a little resistance to the formation of an independent college of general practitioners in the early 1950s – not least by the three London based medical royal colleges then in existence. In view of this, the College’s founders were advised to seek a Memorandum and Articles rather than a Royal Charter – as this was a process that was less likely to be challenged by others Such Articles of Association were granted in 1952.
The plan had always been to apply for a Royal Charter and this was duly granted in 1967. It was formally presented to the College in 1972 when HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh became the College’s first royal president.
In common with other Royal Charters, the charter is a vellum document with a large wax seal attached to it. It is a valuable document and is currently kept in the climate controlled college archives. It is only displayed on very special occasions.
The College Mace
A mace is a longstanding tradition in British public life. It symbolises two ideas –firstly, the whole membership so that those at the meeting or body are reminded of their responsibility to all members; secondly, it is a symbol of authority so that those present are reminded of the importance of exercising their authority responsibly.
The College mace is made of silver and ebony. At its head sits an owl from the College coat of arms and at its base sits a Scottish thistle. The College motto is inscribed on a silver band midway down the shaft.
It was gifted by members in Scotland in 1969 to mark the award of an honorary MD by Edinburgh University to Dame Annis Gillie who was then president of the College. As a result, it has traditionally been carried at ceremonial events by the chair of Scottish Council. It was designed by Mr Ian Davidson, then Director of the Jewellery and Silversmith Department at Edinburgh College of Art.
Timings of the day
Photography
Photographers will be taking shots of the event and Ceremony If you would prefer not to be filmed on the day, please let us know. Photographs taken on the day may be used for print and digital ceremony promotion. Discreet photography and video recording can be taken during the Ceremony, please be respectful of fellow guests and the proceedings
Officers in attendance
Dr Richard Vautrey
RCGP President
Professor Kamila Hawthorne
RCGP Chair
Dr Thomas Patel-Campbel
RCGP Vice Chair - Finance and Member Value
Ian Jutting
RCGP South East Thames Faculty Provost
Dr Toyosi Adeniji
RCGP Nationally elected First5 Chair
President’s welcome
Welcome to the Royal College of General Practitioners New Members’ Ceremony. We are delighted to welcome you and your guests to this very special occasion here in Sheffield.
The RCGP exists to help its members deliver great care for patients Being a GP is a rewarding and stimulating but demanding profession, and the times when we can celebrate our successes together are very special. Today we formally – and joyfully! – welcome new Members and Fellows to the RCGP; this event marks your efforts and achievements and hopefully will create some very special moments and memories. We want to say “Thank you!” to all of you for choosing general practice, and also want to thank all those who have supported you in your journey.
We hope that today will leave you feeling proud, and will encourage you to find out more about the opportunities that the RCGP can offer. Having professional networks is a key means for career development and personal wellbeing. Whether CPD, peer support, guidance from others at different career stages, special interest groups, and new professional opportunities, we want to answer your questions and help you use your membership to the full and build on this momentum across the next stages of your careers
The RCGP also advocates on behalf of our speciality, and are always keen to hear your views and ideas. Other parts of this booklet point out the role of your local Faculty, who have representatives who speak for members on Council, and guide the College on members’ needs
As President, I am elected to represent the members. I am delighted that I will meet many of you today in person and to be part of your celebration. You deserve your award! And I am sure it will help you to aspire to even higher professional commitment to excellent patient care.
As the College motto says “Cum Scientia Caritas” – scientific skill applied with compassionate kindness. Being a GP is a vocation where interacting with the patient as a human being can matter as much to effective diagnosis and treatment as the technical knowledge. You deserve others to be kind to you, as you undertake this vital work. So please use the RCGP as your lifelong friend and resource –and if you need further advice and are not sure where to go, you can contact president@rcgp.org.uk.
Dr Richard Vautrey President, RCGP
Faculty welcome
Congratulations, on becoming a fully independent GP. This ceremony is a moment for you and your loved ones to honour this significant milestone. It’s a time to celebrate your achievements and reflect on the years of rigorous training, personal resilience, and dedication you’ve shown especially during some of the NHS’s most challenging times.
The Royal College is your professional home. As a member, we’ll continue to provide the resources, guidance, and community you need to thrive. Whether it’s advancing your career, discovering the unique opportunities of general practice, sharing your successes, or accessing lifelong professional and personal support, we’re here to champion your journey.
Many of you will be part of our vibrant faculties, where you’ll connect with a network of passionate peers. Our Faculty Boards are driven by diverse voices GPs, nurses, pharmacists, and professionals at every career stage, from medical students to seasoned Fellows. As local GPs ourselves, we’re committed to being your first point of contact, ensuring your needs and ideas shape our collective future.
Together as a board and community, we volunteer to deliver our key values: Develop, Connect, Represent, Celebrate. By joining us, you’ll amplify our impact: improving conditions for members, advocating for the profession, and redefining general practice. The London and South England region spans six faculties North East London, North and West London, South London, South East Thames, South West Thames and Essexwith over 12,000 RCGP members united in purpose. No matter where you are, there’s a place here for you.
Thank you for letting us share this day with you, your family and friends. We’re inspired by your achievements so far and excited to see what you’ll accomplish next. Together, we’ll continue shaping a brighter future for general practice.
Dr Ian Jutting
RCGP South East Thames Faculty Provost
Abdulrasheed Amusa
Dr Amusa is a GP in the East Midlands, developing a special interest in sports medicine. He is thankful to Allah for his journey, to his parents for their belief in him and to his family and friends for their unwavering support and motivation.
Adeola Mary Kayode
Dr Kayode is a GP with a background as a Family Physician. She gained her PhD from the School of Health and Life Sciences at the University of the West of Scotland. Her research focuses on women's health and patient experiences. She thanks her parents, husband and children.
Aliya Akhtar Mir
Dr Mir is working as a salaried GP in Bradford and has special interests in children's health and mental health She would like to thank her husband, Zain, her mum, children and her trainers for supporting her on every step of her training journey.
Anas Khan
Dr Khan is a salaried GP in London. He thanks his parents for the years of patient encouragement, free meals and occasional reality checks. To Roxana, his partner, he thanks you for your love and patience when five more minutes of studying mysteriously turned into five hours.
Anna Ridgway
Dr Ridgway is a GP with interests in lifestyle medicine and preventative healthcare. She would like to thank her supervisor, friends and family for their continued support throughout training and beyond.
Antoin Amaechi Okonmah
Dr Okonmah would like to thank their friends and family for all their support.
Ata Mohajer-Bastami
Dr Mohajer-Bastami would like to thank his friends and family for all their support.
Atch Sivanandarajah
Dr Sivanandarajah works as a salaried GP in South West London He would like to thank his family, supervisors and colleagues he has worked with throughout training.
Ballal Seddique
Dr Seddique works as a GP in Tower Hamlets, developing BLS training, leading community exercise programmes and creating culturally tailored diabetes education videos. He would like to thank his wife and parents for their continuous support.
Beatrice Ogunkoya
Dr Ogunkoya works as a GP in North London and is developing a specialist interest in women's health She would like to thank her family, friends and her partner for their continuous support.
Dr Maccall works as a GP in Perthshire. She would like to thank her parents and husband for their support. She would also like to thank her educational supervisor for his mentorship.
Beena Maccall
Caris Emerole
Dr Emerole works as a salaried GP in Essex with an interest in pursuing a career in medical education. She is grateful to God, her parents and siblings for their love and support throughout this journey She looks forward to what the future holds in General Practice.
Christine Samuel
Dr Samuel works as a salaried GP in Maidstone. She would like to thank God, her parents, family and mentors.
Cynthia Okoronkwo
Dr Okoronkwo is currently working as a GP in Southsea, Portsmouth She would like to thank God for the strength and her husband for all the love and support during her journey to becoming a GP.
Dhanya Pillai
Dr Pillai is a salaried GP in Leamington Spa with interests in frailty and medical education. She thanks her family, especially her loving husband, Ashwin, and daughter, Maya, and dedicates this award to her mother, whose strength made it possible.
Diana Moywaywa
Dr Moywaywa works in North East London where she is developing her interest in older adult mental health. She would like to thank her mentors and parents for their support this far.
Dimple Shah
Dr Shah works as a GP in Harrow. She is grateful to her parents and her husband for their constant support, encouragement and the love and sacrifices that have made her journey possible.
Dinoja Sivarajah
Dr Sivarajah would like to thank her friends and family for all their support.
Dr Jerry Obi
Dr Obi thanks his beloved wife, Uju, children, Akwa and Onyi, loving parents, family and mentors for their endless love, support and inspiration on this journey.
Edwin Poku
Dr Poku would like to give thanks, firstly to God almighty and secondly, for his family and friends for their support during his training.
Ee Nin Teo
Dr Teo works as a salaried GP in Chester-le-Street and has a strong interest in menopause. She would like to thank all her mentors and family who supported her throughout this journey.
Eghosa Desmond Irogue
Dr Irogue is working as a salaried GP. He expresses his sincere gratitude to friends, family and the community of trainee colleagues, clinical trainers and non-clinical staff who have supported him throughout his journey. He is grateful to God for seeing him through another chapter in life.
Eleanor Lynch
Dr Lynch (MBChB PgDip DRCOG MRCGP) is now working in Middlesbrough. She would like to thank her husband, Mark, and her mum and dad.
Emma Brotherton
Dr Brotherton works as a salaried GP in the Ribble Valley. She would like to thank her parents and her husband for their unwavering support.
Evalyn Deocareza
Dr Deocareza is a salaried GP in Alfreton, Derbyshire and hopes to develop special interests in dermatology and women's health She thanks her Educational Supervisor for his unwavering guidance and support, and her friends and family, especially her husband and son who have been her inspiration.
Faosiyah Alli
Dr Alli would like to thank Almighty God, her family members, friends and Dr Brettell for successful completion of her training.
Fizza Rizvi
Dr Rizvi works as a salaried GP in London. She would like to thank her parents and sisters for their love and support.
Ata Mohajer-Bastami
Dr Mohajer-Bastami would like to thank his friends and family for all their support.
Gunjan Kad
Dr Kad works as a salaried GP in Hastings.
Hannah Oladokun
Dr Oladokun works as a GP in Kent and London, and has interests in education and women's health. She is grateful to God, and would like to thank her friends and family for their unwavering support.
Helen Christina Hudson
Dr Hudson works as a salaried GP in Hertfordshire, with special interests in women's and children's health and frailty She would like to thank her new husband, Stuart, and her parents, Jane and Brendan, for their constant support.
Dr Haq is a newly qualified GP, trained in London and now working in the North East. She is passionate about General Practice and committed to delivering patient-centred care. She thanks her family and husband for their unwavering support, without whom this achievement would not have been possible.
Hwei Hwei Seah
Dr Seah works as a GP in the North East of England and is developing specialist interests in medical education and sports medicine. He would like to thank his wife, parents, brother and friends for their continuous support throughout his life
Khan
Dr Khan works as a salaried GP in central Manchester with a special interest in cardiology. She would like to thank her husband and parents for their continued support.
Henna Haq
Iram Mahmood
Jacqueline Jackson
Dr Jackson works as a salaried GP in Medway in a GP surgery and out of hours. She would like to thank her mother, especially, and her family for all their love and support. A big thank you to her supervisor, Dr Bell, for his support and belief in her.
Dr Harvey works as a salaried GP in Liverpool. She would like to thank her parents, Ian and Lesley, and partner, Alex, for all their love and support.
Leon Lau
Dr Lau works as a salaried GP in West Yorkshire. He would like to thank his family for their unwavering support.
Lorraine Peck
Dr Peck works at Orchard Surgery in South Cambridgeshire as a salaried GP. She also works in A&E in Addenbrookes and is developing a specialist interest in palliative medicine.
Madhurima Varshney
Dr Varshney works as a GP in Reading and as an out-of-hours GP at WestCall, Berkshire She would like to thank her family and husband for their constant support, without which this would not have been possible.
Mariana Maia da Fonseca
Dr Fonseca works in London and has a special interest in public health. She would like to thank her husband and her parents.
Marina Akham
Dr Akham would like to thank her mentor, Dr Richard De Ferrars, her parents for their life long support and her partner, Dr Ricky Sharma, for all his love and support
Dr Hooda is a locum GP. She volunteers with the Aga Khan Health Board, supporting the health and wellbeing of the Ismaili community in the UK. She expresses gratitude to her husband, Alnasheen, and family for their support. Their encouragement, alongside the blessings of Allah, made this possible.
Dr Pellicer is a GP working in Essex. She would like to thank her parents, sisters, partner and friends for their unwavering support and encouragement.
Dr Hussain is a GP with an interest in women's health. She extends gratitude to her mentor, for their guidance, and to her husband, whose love, patience and belief in her have been a pillar of strength. Finally, appreciation goes to her parents, who laid the foundation for her success.
Dr Bandara works as a salaried GP in Colchester. She would like to thank her trainers, husband, Rukman, and children, Senaya and Raviru, for their continuous support.
Kathryn Emma Wootton Harvey
Mehreen Hooda
Mónica Pérez Pellicer
Nazia Hussain
Nilanga Bandara
Oghenemine
Matilda Dafimu
Dr Dafimu works as a GP in Lincolnshire. She would like to thank God, her family and her husband for their unwavering support throughout this journey.
Olusola Ogundipe
Dr Ogundipe works as a salaried GP at the Heron Medical Practice, with a special interest in minor operations. He would like to thank his TPD, Educational Supervisor, Clinical Supervisors and parents for all the support and prayers over time.
Omobolade Alebiosu
Dr Alebiosu works as a GP in the Yorkshire and Humber region, and is developing special interests in dermatology and medical education. She would like to express her gratitude to God, her family and friends.
Onajite Riamah
Dr Ona works as a salaried GP in Tower Hamlets. She would love to thank God, herself and her amazing friends for the continuous support.
Paraskevi Sakellariou
Dr Sakellariou would like to thank her parents, husband and children for all their support.
Pranav Vyas
Dr Vyas works as a GP in Leicester and is developing special interests in dermatology and becoming a father for the first time. He would like to thank his mother, his wife, her parents and his brother for their continuous and ongoing support.
Ravina Bhanot
Dr Bhanot is a women's health GP, specialising in menopause and contraception. She is a Media GP for the BBC and enjoys writing about women's health on her Instagram page @doctor.ravina. She would like to thank her parents and husband for their unwavering support.
Rohit Reddy
Dr Bhaskar is an Associate Partner in Northampton with a developing special interest in diabetes, who strives to deliver care that makes a difference. He remains deeply grateful to his wife and parents, whose unwavering support, encouragement and belief in him have been the bedrock of his journey.
iqbal
Dr Iqbal is working as a GP in Canada and is grateful to her husband, children and parents for their prayers, love and unwavering support. This achievement is as much theirs as hers
Saayija Kumarachandran
Dr Kumarachandran is a salaried GP with a special interest in psychiatry. She thanks her family, especially her parents for the constant love, unwavering support and encouragement over the years. All her achievements in her career are a reflection of their strength, sacrifice and belief in her
Sana Kazi
Dr Kazi works as a GP in South Yorkshire with a specialist interest in palliative care. She would like to thank her husband, parents and family for all their support.
Romana
Sanam Rathor
Dr Rathor is a portfolio GP with special interests in paediatrics and women's health, and a mother of three. She would like to thank her husband and parents for their unwavering support.
Sapna Agrawal
Dr Agrawal overcame obstacles to become a full-time GP in Birmingham. She gives special thanks to her husband for his unwavering support and colleagues who continued to believe in her. She continues her education with a Diploma in Dermatology.
Sarah Mansoor
Dr Mansoor is a GP in Leeds. She expresses heartfelt gratitude to her parents for their unwavering love and guidance. She is deeply grateful to her in-laws and husband, whose patience, belief in her and steady presence have been pillars of strength. Thanks also to friends, mentors and colleagues
Shafiq-Ali Pradhan
Dr Pradhan works as a GP partner in Epping with special interests in diabetes and education. He would like to thank his wife and his parents for their limitless support during his training
Dr Kozakli is a GP in London. She came to London aged 9, as an asylum seeker with her mother and disabled sister. After 3 months at Sangatte Refugee Camp, they succeeded in crossing the Channel. To all the incredible parents, domestic violence survivors and children; may your path always be open, may you meet kind people on the way, may you never lose hope and may you realise your potential. To every person who touched her life with their kindness, thank you.
Dr Meethal works as a salaried GP in Cambridge with a special interest in women's health. She would like to thank her parents and mentors. She is also grateful to her family, including two daughters for the support during her training period
Dr Ong works as a salaried GP in Swindon and as an out-of-hours GP in Bristol. She wishes to express her heartfelt gratitude to her mentors, family and friends for their unwavering support throughout her journey.
Shiela Magnaye
Sonia Chamberlain
Dr Chamberlain is enjoying her role as a newly qualified GP in Banbury. She thanks her truly wonderful parents, sister and husband for their unwavering support throughout her medical training.
Stacian Tonia Gillespie
Dr Gillespie is a salaried GP in London and has special interests in clinical education and sports and exercise medicine. She would like to thank her mentor, family and friends for their continued support
Sevgi Kozakli
Shamsad Beegum Puliyarath Meethal
Shi Yu Ong
Dr Magnaye works as a GP in Chelsea.
Tamara Common
Dr Common works as a salaried GP at Northgate Medical Practice in Canterbury, Kent. She would like to thank her family and St George's friends for their extensive support over the years
Tara Acharya
Dr Acharya works as a salaried GP in Surrey. She would like to thank her family, friends and partner for all their continued support
Uchenna Njideofor
Dr Njideofor is a salaried GP in Wingate. He gives thanks to almighty God for his blessings and especially to his wife, Kelechi, for her faith in him He is grateful to his children, Jidenna and Tobenna, parents and in-laws and thankful to everyone he leaned on during training.
Varshil Mehta
Dr Mehta works a GP under ARRS scheme in North West London, with a special interest in cardio-renalmetabolic medicine.
Varuni Chathuranga Mallikaarachchi
Dr Mallikaarachchi works as a salaried GP in Kettering. She would like to thank her mentors, husband, mother and son for standing by her with unwavering support. This moment is dedicated to her beloved father who they lost recently; his faith in her still carries her forward.
Victor Okeke
Dr Okeke works as a salaried GP at the Haxby Surgery in Hull. He has a special interest in diabetes. He would like to thank his wife for her support and his trainers for all their effort in helping him become a GP today.
Victoria Nye
Dr Nye works as a salaried GP in Odiham, Hampshire. She would like to thank her husband, children and parents for their continued and unwavering support and love. She has achieved the dream of working in a country practice with her dear friend.
Vijay Prakash
Dr Prakash works as a salaried GP in Surrey and as a private GP in regenerative medicine. He is abundantly grateful for the support from his wife, parents and the joy of his life, Rumi, his 3-year-old son.
Dr Ravis is a GP working in Tower Hamlets and would like to thank his family and partner for their support. William Ravis
FELLOWS’ PRESENTATION
Dr Benson has been a GP in Oxford for 32 years and has special interests in continuity of care, sexual health and medical education. Being a GP is an honour. She gives thanks to her mum and all who have made today possible.
Claire Mitchell
Dr Mitchell is a GP in London, with special interests in learning disability and health inequalities. She has roles as a GP in a community health inequality team, Brent Health Matters, and as visiting GP at The Kingswood Centre for Learning Disability. Prior to this she was a GP Partner for 29 years. She thanks all her colleagues, current and past.
Duncan Shrewsbury
Professor Shrewsbury is a GP in Brighton working across Primary Care and the Sussex Gender Service, where they are a gender identity specialist. They are also a senior academic at Brighton and Sussex Medical School where they are Deputy Director for Curriculum Development and lead on research examining health inequalities affecting LGBTQIA+ communities.
Mike Russell
Dr Russell has served in the Royal Navy since 2007 and became a GP in 2013 He loves being a GP and is passionate about education as a trainer and examiner. He lives in West Scotland, and warmly thanks his wife and family for their support.
Dr Brockhurst does a bit of everything, enjoys it all and is still powered by NHS tea. Her team say she's astute, kind and quietly funny - and somehow still the most dependable in the room.
Rachael Booth
Dr Booth is a Royal Navy GP, with special interests in clinical education and aviation medicine.
Rachel Sylvester
Dr Sylvester is a GP partner and trainer in West Berkshire. She would like to thank her husband and daughters for their steadfast support.
Sally Dougherty
Dr Dougherty is an MOD GP working at RAF Valley on Anglesey, North Wales. She has previously worked as an NHS GP Partner in North Wales and prior to this was a Medical Officer in the RAF.
Catharine Benson
Nikki Brockhurst
Royal College of General Practitioners
