2025
2 October 2025 | Evening
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
Dr Dr Michael Mulholland
RCGP Honorary Secretary
Professor Margaret Ikpoh
RCGP Vice Chair - Professional
Standards, Training and Development
Dr Nilesh Bharakhada
RCGP North & West London Faculty Chair
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 Nilesh Bharakhada
RCGP North & West London Faculty Chair
Andrew Proctor
Dr Proctor is a GP based in Sussex He is delighted to celebrate today with his wife and parents, and would like to express his deepest gratitude to them and the rest of his family, friends and colleagues for their support throughout training.
Andrew William Fraser
Dr Fraser works as a salaried GP in South London and is a teaching fellow at King's College London.
Dr Chithiramohan is a sessional locum GP in Birmingham. She wishes to express her heartfelt thanks to her husband, parents, sister, family, friends, mentors and training programme director for their unwavering support and encouragement.
Anup Kar
Dr Kar works as a salaried GP in Manchester with a special interest in internal medicine. He would like to thank his family for this achievement.
Aqil Emir Rafi
Dr Rafi works as a GP in Hertfordshire. He would like to thank his parents for all their support throughout his career so far.
Arqam Shariq Syed
Dr Syed thanks his parents, wife and loved ones for their unwavering support, encouragement and love throughout this journey. This achievement is as much theirs as it is his.
Chhaya Popat
Dr Popat works as a salaried GP in Watford. She would like to thank her parents and husband for their continuous support.
Clara Sage
Dr Sage recently moved to Cornwall and is working as a salaried GP with an interest in sports medicine She would like to thank her parents and her partner for their support throughout her training.
Dr Babu works as a GP in Cambridge.
Dr Varsani, a London GP and Diplomate of the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine, champions prevention over cure. She empowers patients to lead their health journey, integrating prevention with evidence-based care.
Dr Ishwar is a GP in Bedford, with specialist interests in diabetes and endocrinology. She thanks the Lord and her husband, Mr Ishwar Kumar, children, Jaini and Avyaan, and siblings for their support. She thanks her mother, Mrs Jaivanti Devi, and father, Mr Tara Chand, for their prayers and belief.
Ebba Nielsen
Dr Nielsen is an independent private GP in Chelsea. Her main professional approach to general practice is Holistic, Educational and Preventive. She focuses on factors that support individual health and well-being.
Anita Rebecca Chithiramohan
Divya Suresh Babu
Divya Valji Varsani
Duarka Ishwar
Elizabeth Harwood
Dr Harwood works as a salaried GP in Dartford and also works for Kent and Medway Medical School. She would like to thank her family for all their support during her journey.
Fahaad Alam
Dr Alam works as a salaried GP in Essex, a lecturer at the University of East London and as a GP tutor at King's College Hospital and Queen Mary's Hospital. He would like to thank his wife and parents for their unwavering support
Farah Nauyan
Dr Nauyan would like to thank her friends and family for all their support during her training.
Flora Tariela Adonkie
Dr Adonkie is a salaried GP in Paignton. She expresses gratitude to God and extends deepest thanks to her husband, Kess, for his unwavering support. The encouragement and support of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adonkie, siblings, friends, family and colleagues have been instrumental during her journey.
Gazala Shaikh
Dr Shaikh works as a GP in Morpeth, Northumberland. She would like to thank her husband, children and parents for their continuous support and prayers
Hailemeskel Negash Hailemeskel
Dr Hailemeskel is a GP in Hampshire and celebrates today with gratitude to God's grace. He is grateful to his partner, fellow graduate, Dr Helina, his parents, Mr Negash and Mrs Woin-shet, sister, Betelhem, and his mentors and beacons, Dr Tew and Dr Maule, alongside the team at Webb Peploe Surgery.
Hamza Iltaf Malik
Dr Malik works as a salaried GP in Coventry with a special interest in dermatology. He would like to thank his parents, wife, children and his mentors.
Harsha Gamage
Dr Gamage works as a salaried GP in Oxford She would like to thank her husband and son.
Helina Gashaw Negusse
From Ethiopia to life as a GP in the UK, Dr Negusse is deeply thankful for the journey. She owes it to God and is grateful for the love of her partner, Dr Hailemeskel, her mother, Aberash Tesfaye, sister, Lina, grandparents, Mr Tesfaye Gizaw and Mrs Getenesh Delelegn, and all whose love carried her.
Dr Huda Qureshi works as a salaried GP in Norfolk, and is developing her special interest in Male Hormonal Health She would like to thank her parents for their unwavering love and sacrifice, and her fiance for his endless support and encouragement. This achievement is ours together.
Huda Qureshi
Ibinabo Bounty Opara
Dr Opara works as a GP with special interest in women's health in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She would like to especially appreciate her husband, family and friends for their immense support through her training years.
Jaibir Singh
Dr Singh is a GP, new runner and life experimenter. He is grateful to his amazing wife for putting up with him, and to his parents and aunt for travelling all this way to witness the madness.
Dr Abreu works as an associate GP. He would like to thank his mentor and parents Julimar Abreu
Kamal Kamboj
Dr Kamboj is working as a GP partner in Doncaster, with a special interest in orthopaedics. This achievement is not only a professional milestone, but also a personal one. He wishes to sincerely thank his wife, Pooja, for her patience, encouragement and unwavering support throughout his journey.
Dr Patel would like to thank his friends and family for all their support. Kayur Patel
Khalida Khan
Dr Khan works as a GP in the North East. She would like to thank her father, husband and children for their continuous support and prayers.
Khei Jazzle Lim
Dr Lim is a newly qualified GP from the South West. She would like to thank her mentors, friends and especially her family.
Kingsley Ohaju
Dr Kingsley is a salaried GP in Doncaster. He would like to thank his wife and family for their support during his training days.
Lamiya Bakhshaliyeva
Dr Bakhshaliyeva is a GP with heart, skill and purpose and works in North London. She thanks her family and friends for supporting her throughout this journey.
MadhuMitha Arun Shankar
Dr Shankar is a GP in the Cotswolds, with aspirations to be a Primary Care women’s health expert. She thanks her biggest cheerleaders; her dad, Arun Shankar, husband, Karthik, backbone of strength, Mala, Anu and Nity, ever supportive auntie, Akila, and papa. Lastly, her lucky charm, Amirthi.
Malinga Ratwatte
Dr Ratwatte is a GP in Barnet. He is Past Chair of the BMA GP Registrars Committee and is active within the College. He thanks his wife, Vindhya, and his parents, Hiran and Dhilakshini, for their support
Maria Irene Zanon
Dr Zanon is a GP in South Somerset. She holds a special interest in palliative care. She wishes to express her sincere gratitude to her husband, Dario, and her parents, Patrizia and Maurizio, for their unwavering love and support, which has been invaluable in her professional journey.
Maria Naveeda
Dr Naveeda works as a salaried GP in FedBucks out-of-hours with a special interest in dermatology. She would like to thank her mentor and parents
Mark Chan
Dr Chan completed his GP training in the Stevenage VTS scheme within the East Anglia Deanery He would like to express his sincere thanks to his family, friends, course tutors, Training Programme Directors and educational and clinical supervisors for their support and guidance.
Martha Martin
Dr Martin has a passion for health equity and health system innovation as a means to achieving this. She would like to thank her family for supporting her and always being there.
Melissa Mather
Dr Mather works as a salaried GP in West Kent, with experience in public health research. Of all her achievements, this one means the most. She would like to give a special thank you to her husband for his unconditional support.
Mirnalini Ashokkumar
Dr Ashokkumar works as a GP in Milton Keynes. She would like to thank her parents, family and friends for their unwavering love and support, and extends her gratitude to her mentors and colleagues who have guided her journey.
Mohammad Abdur Rehman
Dr Rehman works in Abbey Road Surgery.
Mohammed Ibrahim
Dr Ibrahim is now a salaried GP in Northamptonshire. He would like to thank his family and all the mentors and educators that took part in his training.
Dr Elahi would like to thank his friends and family for all their support. Mohammed Mahdee Elahi
Dr Rajawat is a London GP with a side obsession for skincare. From acne to anti-ageing, she believes in glowing skin and glowing spirits. Thanks to caffeine and good genes.
Monali Rajawat
Dr Ojo would like to thank his friends and family for all their support. Moses Ojo
Nalini Nair
Dr Nair is a GP working in Corby. With interests in women's health and internal medicine, she is committed to patientcentered care and combining knowledge with compassion. She gratefully acknowledges the support of her parents, mentors, and friends who have guided her journey
Dr Syngal works as a salaried GP in North London. She trained in the midst of the COVID pandemic and would not have achieved her dream of becoming a GP without the support of her family. She is happy and privileged to help others.
Natasha Adel Benons
Dr Benons works as a salaried GP in South London with special interests in palliative care and medical education. She would like to thank her parents and partner for their support.
Nicole Nation
Dr Nation, a proud Jamaican, delivers compassionate, patient-centred care as a General Practitioner in Torbay, South Devon. She extends heartfelt thanks to her family, friends and colleagues for their unwavering support on this remarkable journey.
Nikitha Pasunuru
Dr Pasunuru is a salaried GP in Cwmbran, Wales. She would like to thank her husband, parents, grandparents and siblings for helping her throughout training She gives a special mention to her grandmother, who sadly passed away a day before her AKT but is very proud of her achievements from above.
Dr Mahendran is a salaried GP in Wimbledon. She would like to thank her mum, Suthamini, husband, Shiva, and sister, Nishni, for their unwavering support.
Dr Vignarajah works as a salaried GP in South Wales and would like to thank her family and partner, Dan, for all their support and guidance.
Nima Amin
Dr Amin works as a salaried GP in Kent. She would like to thank her parents, husband and mentor.
Dr Anosike is a salaried GP at Ashcroft Surgery. She is filled with gratitude to God, her family, for their unwavering support, and to close friends who stood by her on her journey. This is a celebration of resilience and growth, and the start of a path in General Practice that she deeply enjoys.
Dr Balogun works as a salaried GP in Stratford, London. She would like to thank God, her parents and husband for this achievement.
Namrata Syngal
Nihmotallah Olabisi Balogun
Nilakshini Mahendran
Nilarnti Vignarajah
NKechi Jane Anosike
Nyla Khan
Dr Khan is a GP in North London. She thanks her parents, husband and children, Azlan, Zayan and Amber; her greatest cheerleaders and kindest teachers. Their love, patience and laughter have made this achievement as much theirs as hers.
Oladimeji Padonu
Dr Padonu works as a GP in Kent. He gives special thanks to God for this great achievement He also wants to say a big thank you to his wife, Grace, his mom and dad in America, his entire family and his friends for their consistent support throughout this journey. May God bless you all.
Olivia Misquitta
Dr Misquitta moved to the UK to work as a Paediatrician but fell in love with General Practice, continuing to work at her training practice in Surrey. She would like to thank her parents, who are visiting from India, her partner, training programme and friends in the UK.
Olufunmilayo Taiwo Oliyide
Dr Oliyide is a GP in Market Rasen. She thanks her late parents, twin, Lola, sisters, Lola Oliyide-Ogunmodede and Bunmi Oliyide-Gbadegesin, soul-sister, Bidemi, and her loving family. Your love and support made this journey possible.
Radhika Gupta
Dr Gupta is currently working as a GP with an interest in longevity medicine and teaching.
Radhika Kumar
Dr Kumar would like to thank her friends and family for all their support.
Rasheed Ali Khaan
Dr Khan works as a salaried GP in Guide Bridge Medical Practice in Manchester. He would like to thank his mentor, wife and parents.
Roaa Fathelrahman Awadalla
Dr Awadalla vows to extend her role and dedication in General Practice to support fellow colleagues and the public to achieve a positive and brighter future. Her strong determination and commitment to making a stronger impact is from the support of her loved ones and faith.
Dr Gardezi works as a GP in Milton Keynes. She would like to thank her family, friends and mentors for their support. She especially wants to thank her husband, Amjad, and children, Rahma and Ali, whose love and inspiration continue to give her strength each day
Dr Ofori is a GP in North East London. She is deeply grateful to her husband, three children, educational supervisor and extended family for their unwavering love, support and encouragement during training. She also acknowledges the strength and guidance drawn from her Christian faith along the way.
Saliha Abid Gardezi
Sally-Ann Ofori
Sana Shahzad
Dr Shahzad is currently working as a salaried GP at Bordesley East PCN. She aspires to pursue her interest in research in the future. She expresses heartfelt thanks to her parents, husband and children for their unwavering support and encouragement in helping her reach this important milestone.
Seema Zulfikar
Dr Zulfikar has a background in women's health and GP innovation, and is bringing dedication, compassion and clinical expertise to the community.
Shaila Sharmin
Dr Sharmin is a salaried GP. She would like to thank her parents, husband, mentor and family for their support and guidance.
Thanurshan Mahenthran
Dr Mahenthran works as salaried GP with a special interest in medical education and diabetes. He would like to thank his family and mentors for all their support
Thomas Best
Dr Best was awarded MRCGP in Feb 2025. Now a salaried GP in Cardiff, he is honoured to join the College and thanks his wife and family for their unwavering support throughout his training.
Tosin Banjo
Dr Banjo works as a salaried GP in Folkestone, with a special interest in women's health. She would like to thank God, her supervisor, friends and family for the journey so far
Dr FitzGerald-Smith completed her GP training in the North West Thames region. She extends her deepest gratitude to her family for their support. In particular, she thanks her mother, Paula, her father, Chris, and her husband, Saurabh, for their encouragement, patience and belief in her.
Dr Ashrafi has worked in General Practice in England. She believes being a GP is an honour and a privilege. She would like to thank her late mum and dad.
Dr Okparanyote would like to thank her friends and family for all their support. Ufuoma Eva Marie Okparanyote
Ushani Rajapaksa
Dr Rajapaksa works as a GP in Buckinghamshire. She is developing her special interests in primary care clinical research and quality improvement. She would like to thank her husband, children, mother and sister for their encouragement and support.
Vinit Agrawal
Dr Agrawal is currently a locum GP in the Surrey area. He would like to thank his supervisor, programme director and the team at the Deanery. He misses his dad.
Sophia FitzGerald-Smith
Tania Ashrafi
Wai Yan Htet Tin
Dr Tin graduated from Myanmar, and is currently working as a GP in the East of England. He would like to thank his family, friends and colleagues who have supported him throughout his training journey
Wee Lun Ho
Dr Ho is a locum GP with a special interest in psychiatry. He expresses gratitude to his wife, Wen Yi, for her support. He is thankful to his mother, sister, parents-in-law, his friends, notably, Dr Nicole Nation, and the guidance and belief of his mentors, Dr John Ridge and Dr Andrew Thornton.
Dr Yakubu appreciates God and his family, especially his wife, for her sacrificial support. Yakubu Benjamin
Yetunde Abimbola Oyeyipo
Dr Oyeyipo is a salaried GP with special interests in women's health and diabetes. She would like to thank her parents, husband and sister for their support throughout this journey.
Dr Mirza has been working as a GP since 2023. She would like to thank her mother, husband, father and her mentors in the completion of the GP training journey.
Zun Htay
Dr Htay is a salaried GP in Ipswich. He is grateful to his parents for their support, to his mentors for their guidance and encouragement and to his wife for her love, patience and belief in him. To his daughter, Aurelia, her light and laughter remind him every day why he strives to be his best.
Yumna Mirza
FELLOWS’ PRESENTATION
Dr Sayegh completed MRCGP in 2007. She is currently working in Dublin.
Nia Clendennen
Dr Clendennen is a GP in Dublin with an interest in medical education. She would like to thank her family, friends and colleagues.
Dr Patel-Campbell has led innovative digital projects in his practice, championed work to support patients in areas of deprivation and has a special interest in respiratory medicine. He thanks his wife and daughter for their patience and support during his journey, his mum and his father who, though no longer with us, inspired him to work as a GP
Dr Uppal has 28 years of clinical experience and is a leading physician and co-founder of Islamabad Diagnostic Centre (IDC). It has 150+ branches and is setting new benchmarks in quality diagnostics across Pakistan.
Claire Fox
Thomas Patel-Campbell
Rehan Uppal
Royal College of General Practitioners
