2 October 2025 | Morning
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
Dr 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
Abayomi Fola-adelegan
Dr Fola-adelegan works as a GP in Coventry and has a keen interest in dermatology. He would like to thank his lovely wife for her support and his immediate family, not forgetting his parents
Abhishek Kumar
Dr Kumar works as a salaried GP in Sunderland. He would like to thank his mentors and parents for the support given to him to achieve this milestone.
Abiramy Eswaravel
Dr Eswaravel is a salaried GP working in Lewisham She would like to thank her friends and family for their support through her journey.
Adepoju Adeleye
Dr Adeleye is a salaried GP with Reach Healthcare in Medway, Kent. He thanks God for seeing him through training and also his programme directors, clinical supervisors, colleagues and family for the support and encouragement through the journey.
Amit Purmah
Dr Purmah works as a salaried GP in Lichfield, with an interest in minor surgery. He would like to thank his parents, brothers and wife for their everlasting love and support.
Amy Ellison
Dr Ellison is a GP in North Wales and sits on LMC, GPC Wales and RCGP First Five Committees. She is eternally grateful to her son, parents, partner and mentors for their unwavering support.
Andrew Peetamsingh
Dr Peetamsingh works as a GP in East London and the London Docklands. He is developing his interest in medical education. He would like to thank his mentors and his family for their support.
Annabelle Clarke
Dr Clarke is a newly qualified GP in the North West and would like to thank her parents, boyfriend, Warren, and friend, Lewis, for their unwavering love and support throughout training. She is very happy to have put exams behind her and to celebrate today.
Anuj Pathare
Dr Pathare is a salaried GP working in London. He would like to thank his parents, his wife and mentors for their support.
Aroop Bhattacharya
Dr Bhattacharya is a salaried GP in Islington. He would like to thank his trainers and family for their support.
Dr Mudiyanselage is a GP in Southendon-Sea with special interests in menopause and women's health She expresses heartfelt gratitude to her husband, Jeewantha, and sons, Nishitha and Thanula, for their unwavering support. She also extends appreciation to her mother, sisters and their families.
Bhadra Mudiyanselage
Deekshita Ramanjooloo
Dr Ramanjooloo is a salaried GP in South East London and the Junior Clinical Lead for the Bexley Training Hub. She would like to thank her fiancé and her mother for their unwavering support
Diana Lee
Dr Lee would like to thank her amazing husband and beautiful children.
Dr Dickson works as salaried GP at Ongar Health Centre with a special interest in minor surgery. He is grateful to God Almighty for bringing him this far and his wife, Dr Nyaneba Dickson, for her unflinching support throughout his time in training.
Ebram Zaki
Dr Zaki is a GP based in Devon, with a special interest in cardiology. He would like to thank his wife, Marina, for her unwavering support and his parents for their guidance and encouragement throughout his journey.
Emokiniovo Akpughe
Dr Akpughe works as a salaried GP in Redcar with special interest in improving local health outcomes. while also strengthening the wider NHS. He would like to thank his parents, wife, child and siblings.
Heba Ragheb
Dr Ragheb works as a salaried GP in Bexley with special interests in women's health and medical education She is deeply grateful to her family for their support throughout her training and in achieving her GP qualification.
Helen Price
Dr Price works as a salaried GP in Hampshire and is developing a special interest in lifestyle medicine. She would like to say a big thank you to both her parents, Lisette and Steve, and to her husband, Will, who have continually supported her throughout her training and career in medicine.
Hitesh Mistry
Dr Mistry would like to thank his partner and family for their support over the last few years.
Dr McGhee works as a salaried GP in Oxford. She would like to thank her parents, Alastair and Margaret, her brother, Matthew, and her partner, WillIam, for all of their support and encouragement over the years.
Emma Gorst
Dr Gorst works as a salaried GP in London with a specialist role working with looked after children. She wishes to thank her husband and family for their love and support.
Jaya Chatterjee
Dr Chatterjee works as a salaried GP in Newham with a special interest in women's health. She would like to thank her parents for their unwavering support and gives a heartfelt mention to her seven-year-old daughter, Mridvika, who has been her biggest cheerleader throughout this journey.
Emily McGhee
Ebenezer Dickson
Joseph Akhator
Dr Akhator is dedicated to lifelong learning and high standards of medical practice. He brings a wealth of public health insight through his Masters of Public Health and is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health He hopes to strengthen the health outcomes of the communities he serves.
Kanastana Yasotharan
Dr Yasotharan is a salaried GP in Greenwich and Bexley with special interests in medical education and improving racial health disparities. She would like to thank her mentor, family and her partner.
Katerina Vyhnalkova
Dr Vyhnalkova now works as a GP in Liverpool and would like to sincerely thank her sister, parents, grandparents and partner for their unwavering love and support throughout her journey Dekuji.
Kathryn Dixon
Dr Dixon works as a GP in Cambridge, alongside roles in research and medical education. She would like to thank her parents for their unwavering support.
Kaung Thet Han
Dr Han givesh is heartfelt thanks to his parents for their unwavering support. He offers special gratitude to his wife for continuing to believe in him and for being a constant source of strength and encouragement. He is a GP in Havant, Hampshire, where he takes great pride in serving the community.
Kavetha Sundaram
Dr Sundaram trained at St Mary's, earning DRCOG and DFSRH qualifications, and now works as a GP in London. She warmly thanks her family and friends for their loving guidance and support.
Keiko Verzon
Dr Verzon would like to thank her friends and family for all their support.
Khin Thazin Oo
Dr Khin is grateful for the constant support of her other half and her family, who always believed in her. She hopes her parents, 5000 miles away, are proud of her achievement. She is deeply grateful to everyone who helped her reach this special moment.
Laura Ross
Dr Ross works as a salaried GP in Runcorn with a special interest in women's health. She would like to thank her close friends and parents.
Lewis Palmer
Dr Palmer is a salaried GP in the Rossendale Valley, Lancashire.
Lydia Kyrllos
Dr Kyrllos works as a GP in London and is developing a special interest in dermatology. She would like to thank her family for their continuous support.
Maciej Rusilowicz
Dr Rusilowicz works as a salaried GP in Oldham. He would like to thank his mentor, Dr Paul Richbell, and his family for their support and encouragement.
Majura Srikanthan
Dr Srikanthan is working as a GP and in clinical research in dermatology.
Manal Yassin
Dr Yassin trained in the Stevenage scheme and qualified in October 2024. She now works in Hospital at Home in Stevenage and GP surgeries in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire. She is grateful to her family and husband for their endless support.
Meenakshi Goel
Dr Goel is a salaried GP in Lancashire. She thanks God for his blessings and guidance and is grateful to her family, husband and children She thanks her mum and in-laws for their blessings, her mentors for their support and remembers her father and aunt whose memories she carries every day.
Melika Hamouda
Dr Hamouda would like to thank her friends and family for all their support.
Michael Kamal Soliman
Dr Soliman works as a salaried GP in Surrey. He would like to thank The Lord Jesus and St Mary as well as his family and his trainers.
Mikel Quammie
Dr Quammie is a salaried GP in Liverpool. Graduating as a GP is a proud moment, made possible by the support of her amazing wife, devoted mother and everyone who stood by her She is deeply grateful for their love, patience and encouragement.
Dr Dauda is a GP with experience in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He has worked in a variety of clinical settings, from general practice and emergency medicine to palliative care. He has also served as a mentor to international medical graduates, coaching and guiding them on the UK medical system
Mohamed Tarek Zidan
Dr Zidan is grateful and honoured to be here today. He works happily as a GP and family doctor in St Johns Medical Centre in Grantham. He gives thanks to Allah, his parents, wife and training supervisors. He would not have made it without you all.
Mohammed Mustafa M E Salih
Dr Salih works in General Practice in Slough and is looking to further the use of medical imaging in primary care He would like to thank his wife and children for their continuous support.
Mrunmayi Gogate
Dr Gogate is a salaried GP and a Fellow of GP Wellbeing in Bexley. She is endlessly grateful to her mentors, her superhero sister, family, friends and the cats who provided emotional support throughout.
Mobolaji Dauda
Naheed Alam
Dr Alam would like to thank her friends and family for all their support.
Neil Warwick
Dr Warwick works as a salaried GP in Crowborough. He would like to thank his partner, Katie, and his late mother, Marion, for their unwavering support throughout his training.
Nelson Ebole
Dr Ebole began his medical career in Nigeria and now works as a committed GP in the UK. He is grateful to his wife and family for their unwavering love and support throughout his journey.
Ngozi Allanah
Dr Allanah works as a Locum GP in Kent.
Prashanti Persad-Singh
Dr Persad works in General Practice in Shrewsbury. She is from Trinidad and Tobago and would like to thank her husband and parents for their support.
Numra Asad
Dr Asad would like to thank her husband and family.
Oluwatoyin Litan
Dr Litan is GP in Islington with special interests in lifestyle medicine and paediatrics. She believes being a GP is a privilege for which she is grateful to God. She would to thank her son and family for their support over the years.
Osama Jamali
Dr Jamali chose GP life: no nights, no weekends. With gratitude to his wife for her support and his parents for their foundation. He is excited for future opportunities to keep learning and giving back.
Peter Abouelsaad
Dr Abouelsaad works as a GP in Devon with special interests in dermatology and women's health. He would like to thank his family who supported him through the journey, but gives special thanks to his brother who came from the USA to attend today.
Premini Thiagarajah
Dr Thiagarajah serves with great dedication as a GP in North West London. Being a GP is an honour and a profound privilege. With heartfelt gratitude, she extends her sincere thanks to her family, friends, mentors and the deanery, whose unwavering support has been invaluable throughout her journey.
Prince Vaid
Dr Vaid works in Norwich as a salaried GP He would like to thank his parents and partner, Kim, for their support.
Rebekah Gnanaratnem
Dr Gnanaratnem works as a salaried GP in London. She would like to thank her parents and her mentor.
Nirvana
Dr Yahia is a GP and clinical academic working in London. She would like to thank her family and friends, especially her mother who is visiting here today from Palestine.
Rini Abraham
Dr Abraham works as a GP in the East of England. She is deeply grateful to her family, husband, daughter and trainers for their unwavering support. Above all, she gives thanks and glory to God for His guidance and grace throughout her journey.
Rowell Hernandez
Dr Hernandez hails from the Philippines and currently works as a salaried GP in Southampton. He would like to thank his mentors and his family who have been a huge inspiration in this journey.
Sajeenth Thavabalasingam
Dr Thavabalasingam would like to thank his family, mentors, colleagues and his friends for all the support given with his achievements.
Sara Jalal Alsaad
Dr Alsaad is a GP in London with special interests in care of the elderly and mental health. She dedicates her success to her late mum, Dabia, who gave her strength every step of the way and whose spirit remains with her. She thanks her sister, Fatima, for her support along with family and friends.
Saranha Amirthasigamanipillai
Dr Amirthasigamanipillai is working as a salaried GP. She extends heartfelt gratitude to her parents, Mr Amirtharajah and Mrs Saratha Amirtharajah, her husband, Thanga, and her sister, Jeyanda, for their unwavering love, encouragement and support throughout her journey to becoming a GP.
Sehar Shami
Dr Shami works as a salaried GP in South London. She would like to thank her parents and twin sister for their support, guidance and love
Shazia Shafi
Dr Shafi is a GP in Manchester with a special interest in women's health. She is grateful to her parents, children, husband, supervisors, mentors, colleagues and patients who have all played a part in shaping her into the GP she is today. Their support, wisdom and encouragement have been invaluable
Sitwat Islam
Dr Islam works as a salaried GP in Leicester. She would like to thank her family for their support during her training.
Subhash Mishra
Dr Mishra trained and now works as a salaried GP in Cambridge, dedicating himself to providing quality care to his patients and supporting his colleagues. He thanks his parents and his wife for their unwavering support throughout this journey.
Dr Tailor is a salaried GP in Reading with a special interest in aesthetic medicine. He thanks his parents for their love and support and his grandparents for their courage and sacrifice to emigrate to the UK Today is a proud day and it shows that dedication and resilience can achieve any goal.
Syeda Shahana Ali Naqvi
Dr Naqvi is a GP in Scotland. She is developing an interest in academic primary care and is pursuing a PhD in telemedicine. She is grateful to Allah, her parents, sisters and husband for their support.
Dr Theint works as a GP in England. She would like to thank her husband and parents for their continuous support. Thet Su Theint
Tina Menachery
Dr Menachery is a salaried GP in Nottingham. She extends heartfelt thanks to all her well-wishers for their continued support and encouragement. As she celebrates this milestone, she is deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of her journey in General Practice.
Ugomma Okorie
Dr Okorie is a salaried GP with West Wakefield PCN. She would like to express her heartfelt gratitude to her husband, daughters, parents, siblings and friends for their unwavering support throughout her training journey.
Veena Aggarwal
Dr Aggarwal works as a salaried GP in Battersea and has special interests in sustainability and asthma. She would like to thank her parents and her training practice for their support
Verda Amin
Dr Amin thanks her daughter, Zainab, who inspired her every day, her parents and brothers. She is grateful to her husband, whose belief kept her going, and her study partner and trainers for their guidance. She is grateful to Allah for giving her the strength and patience to complete this journey.
Dr Soe works as salaried GP and she would like to thank her family, friends and mentors. Win Mar Soe
Zara Khan
Dr Khan would like to thank her parents, Mr Mohammed Subhan Khan and Mrs Naseem Khan, for their unconditional love and support, which has allowed her to get to this stage in life.
FELLOWS’ PRESENTATION
Abdul Zakir Mohammed
Dr Mohammed says "Alhamdulillah" for Allah’s blessings and his family’s unwavering support. He is grateful to his wife and children, whose love sustains him, and honoured to receive the RCGP Fellowship. He dedicates it to his family and the patients and communities he serves
Ajith Sivaprasad
Dr Sivaprasad is a Senior Partner and GP Educator in Southend.
Amar Sattar
Dr Sattar works as a GP for Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare. He would like to thank his parents, wife and children for their unwavering support
Mark Wigglesworth
Dr Wigglesworth works as a GP and trainer in Southport with a lead role in complex lives and health inequalities. He would like to thank his wife, Annette, for all her support.
Natalie Catherine Hodgson
Dr Hodgson is a GP partner and trainer in Leeds. She has a special interest in medical education. She is a Lead Examiner and case writer for the SCA. She would like to thank her husband and family for their continued support
Dr Fray's Fellowship is for his leadership implementing processes in Derbyshire to improve the safety of clinical communication across the ICB. He thanks his wife, Helen, his family and parents for their support.
Dr Fox is honoured to be able to enjoy a portfolio career as a GP Educator and Clinician. She works as a GP Partner and Trainer in Devon and Head of School for Primary Care in the South West. She would like to thank her husband, family and all who have supported her as a GP and educator in her career
Clare Jane Spencer
Dr Spencer is a GP and menopause specialist in Leeds, with interests in women's health and education. She wants to thank her husband and children for their support in enabling her to develop her career, particularly over the last few years Claire Fox
Dr Viswanath is a GP partner and training programme director in Essex who loves being part of the GP community. She enjoys working in women's health, safeguarding and medical education. She is thankful to her mother, husband and children for always encouraging her to reach her full potential.
Paul David Wright
Dr Wright is a salaried GP working in Bedford and is Head of School of General Practice for the East of England.
Neil Fray
Claire Fox
Nithya Viswanath
Rubia Usman Ruth Cunliffe
Dr Usman is a GP with a special interest in dermatology from North Lincolnshire. She is grateful to her husband and children, whose patience and encouragement carried her through training. She thanks her friends, trainers and wider family. Today she is thinking of her mother, who recently passed away, and dedicates this recognition to her memory.
Dr Cunliffe is a GP from Leeds with a special interest in women's health. She wishes to thank her family and colleagues for all their support over the last 23 years. She has loved her GP journey.
Royal College of General Practitioners
