3 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
Professor Sir Sam Everington
RCGP President elect
Dr Janakan Crofton
RCGP North East 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 Janakan Crofton
RCGP South East Thames Faculty Chair
Dr Nasir would like to thank his friends and family for all their support.
Adepeju Olaitan Moronkeji
Dr Moronkeji would like to thank her friends and family for all their support.
Aderonke Aladesiun
Dr Aladesiun is a salaried GP in Suffolk, nurturing a specialist interest in women's health. She extends her heartfelt gratitude to her family for their unwavering support and, most importantly, to God Almighty for His divine guidance and blessings.
Aditi Prakash
Dr Prakash works as a GP Partner in Twickenham with special interests in minor surgery and dermatology. She would like to thank her parents, husband and children for all the support in achieving her goal.
Agboola Taiwo
Dr Taiwo works as a GP in Downton. He would like to thank his wife and other members of his family for their continuous support.
Aisling Gilmartin
Dr Gilmartin is a GP working in London, and is developing a specialist interest in healthcare ethics. She would like to thank her lovely husband and family for all their invaluable support
Amber Saleem
Dr Saleem is a GP in Camden and has recently been elected as an LMC member. Dedicated to advocating for colleagues, she is grateful to her parents, fiancé and trainer, Dr Sarah Scott, for their enduring support
Archibald
Masiyambiri
Dr Masiyambiri is a salaried GP at the Cornerstone Practice, Blackburn. He would like to thank God, for being ever present, and his wife, Kundai, and children, Matipa and Kai, for the support and love. He thanks his mum, Justina, and in-laws for the prayers. A new chapter has started.
Arindam Chattopadhyay
Dr Arindam is a GP in Ipswich with a passion for holistic care. He would like to thank his wife, Emma, children and family for their unwavering love, support and inspiration
Dr Ofili-Okonkwo is graduating as a GP from Imperial NHS Trust. She is deeply grateful to her husband, Wale, her parents, Jugo, her family and her supervisor, Maya, and she proudly dedicates this achievement to them.
Ashok Kumar
Dr Kumar is a salaried GP based in the UAE, with special interests in family medicine and community health. He is grateful to his family, mentors and colleagues for their continued support and inspiration throughout his medical journey.
Ashimedua Ifeoma Ofili-Okonkwo
Dr Ahmed works as a salaried GP in Kingston upon Thames, with a specialist interest in dermatology. She would like to thank her husband and parents for the tremendous support provided throughout her training period.
Asusheyi Umoize
Dr Umoize works as a GP in Cumbria with special interests in emergency medicine and dermatology. He would like to thank his parents and trainers for their support and encouragement through this journey.
Khan
Dr Khan works as salaried GP in Oman. He is honoured to become a member of the RCGP. He dedicates his degree to his late father, Haji Mumtal Khan, his mum, wife, children, brothers and sisters. To gain MRCGP and become part of the RCGP is a special achievement for him.
Azam Saied
Dr Saied works as a GP in Islington. He is the Education Lead for the RCGP JIC and has a special interest in genomic medicine. He would like to thank his peers and friends, Dena and Reem, for all of their help and support along the way. He thanks his sister, Aliya, for everything.
Bilkees Abdulazeez
Dr Abdulazeez is a salaried GP serving the Romney Marsh area of East Kent. She is developing interests in women's health and dermatology and views being a GP as an honour and a privilege. She thanks her husband and children for their love and continued support
Burhan Hussain Wani
Dr Wani undertook his GP training in Colchester and is now based in London. He expresses his deepest gratitude to his wife, Iram, and their two young children, Zayn and Zara, for their constant encouragement, as well as to his mother, Posha, for her prayers and blessings throughout his GP journey.
Caitríona Callan
Dr Callan has been working as a salaried GP in Oxford and Clinical Policy Fellow at the Health Foundation, with a focus on environmentally sustainable healthcare. She would like to thank her parents, husband and her GP trainer for all their support.
Catherine Ruddick
Dr Ruddick works as a GP in Gosport, with special interests in aviation medicine and veterans health She would like to thank her mentor, Dr Rebecca Paterson, and her family.
Charlotte Juman
Dr Juman works as a salaried GP and out-of-hours GP in South East London. She would like to thank her eversupportive husband and parents.
Chi Mun Kimberley Wong
Dr Wong works as a portfolio GP with special interests in women's health, longevity and wellness medicine. She would like to thank her mum, sister and all her mentors
Attaullah
Christina Krivcevska
Dr Krivcevska works as a salaried GP in London. She would like to thank her husband, Ben, her family, friends and her colleagues, for their support.
Diana Balan
Dr Balan is an Associate GP Partner. She thanks her mum for being her rock, her partner, Alistair, for his love and encouragement, her parents-in-law for their support and her Educational Supervisor, Dr Zafar, for his belief in her. She thanks her toddler, Adam, her greatest source of motivation.
Faisel Alam
Dr Alam is a Clinical Academic GP. He is a Senior Clinical Lecturer and the Academic Lead for Education Quality at Brunel Medical School, and works as a locum GP across Hillingdon, North West London. He would like to thank his amazing wife, parents and three children for their unwavering support.
Faizan Hussain
Dr Hussain is a GP with special interests in diabetes and endocrinology. He expresses gratitude to his parents, brothers and wife for their support and sacrifices throughout his medical journey. This achievement would not have been possible without their encouragement, love and belief in him.
Fangwei Chen
Dr Chen is a salaried GP in Barnsley. She extends heartfelt thanks to her family, especially her father, husband and two young children, for their unwavering love and support. She acknowledges the dedication of her mentors, colleagues and the NHS team, whose guidance shaped her career.
Farheen Ishtiaq
Dr Ishtiaq extends heartfelt gratitude to her husband for his unwavering support, and her parents, especially her late father, for instilling the courage to dream big
Dr Moinuddin is a locum GP in Warwickshire and has a special interest in Acute Medicine. She expresses her gratitude to God AlMighty, her parents, husband, children, trainers and to the children of Gaza, Palestine for teaching her resilience.
Dr Rahmanzai would like to thank his friends and family for all their support. Ghulam Habib Rahmanzai
Dr Ghanim trained in Ealing and is a GP in London. He thanks his parents and wife for their love, support and belief in him throughout his journey.
Dr Makhdumi would like to thank her family for all the support, especially to her son, Hamza, who is now two years old. She had to leave him back at home for a few months as she finished her training Thankyou for being so strong
Humaira Hashmi
Dr Hashmi is a GP at Langley Health Centre with a special interest in joint injections. She gratefully credits her parents for their unwavering support in helping her reach this milestone
Fatima Moinuddin
Hasan Ghanim
Hira Makhdumi
Ines Castro-Moore
Dr Castro-Moore works in Wales. She would like to thank her husband for all his support during training.
Jennifer Dhingra
Dr Dhingra is a GP with an interest in sexual health and women's health and works with BASHH. She is now a salaried GP working in London, and is a clinical teaching fellow for GKT School of Medical Education. She would like to thank her family for all their support.
Jezeera Ibralebbe
Dr Ibralebbe is a newly qualified GP and would like to thank her mentor, Dr Tarek Alwan, her beloved husband, Raffess Mohammed, and her lovely son, Jibreel Mohamed, for their dedication and motivation.
Joshua Tognarelli
Dr Tognarelli is a GP partner in West London. He is dual qualified in acute medicine and has a special interest in elderly care. He would like to thank his mum and dad, without whom none of this would be possible.
Kanchan Ghimire
Dr Ghimire is based in West Yorkshire and has a special interest in dermatology. She would like to thank her parents.
Lakshita Shah
Dr Shah works as a GP at the London Doctors Clinic. She would like to thank her parents for their continuous support, especially through the more difficult times She is committed to excellence in clinical care and supporting the health and wellbeing of patients.
Dr Abdallah would like to thank her friends and family for all their support. Lubna Ibrahim Okasha Abdallah
Luke Paul Tognarelli
Dr Tognarelli is a GP partner from the North East of England He trained in Manchester and is now practicing in the West Midlands. He would like to thank all of his family who have supported him.
Lydia Maw
Dr Maw works as a salaried GP in North Wales. She would like to thank her partner, parents and family for their support in her achieving this qualification.
Madiha Amran
Dr Amran works as a GP in England and is developing a special interest in women’s health She would like to thank her mother, her husband, children and her whole family for their continuous support in her career. She dedicates this achievement to her late father, Mr Muhammad Altaf.
Madonna Younan
Dr Younan works as a salaried GP in Chester with a special interest in women's health. She would like to thank her husband and parents.
Maham Khalid
Dr Khalid works as a salaried GP in Dorset. She is committed to improving deprivation and health outcomes. She would like to thank her family, friends and mentors for all their support
Mandeep Bhattarai
Dr Bhattarai is a dedicated salaried GP working in West Yorkshire with clinical interests in menopause care and palliative care He would like to thank his wife, Kanchan, his sister, Priyanka, and his parents, Jeewan and Dibya, for their unwavering support and encouragement.
Maryam Dar
Dr Dar is a salaried GP in Solihull. She has a Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetes from the University of South Wales. Currently, she is furthering her interest in women's health, having already obtained the DRCOG qualification and now undertaking a Diploma in Sexual and Reproductive Health.
Maryam Sattar
Dr Sattar works as a salaried GP in Greenwich. She would like to thank her parents, husband and mum-in-law for all that she has achieved.
Dr Abdelgwad works as a salaried GP at Rosedale and Kirkley Mill Surgery and is developing specialist interests in diabetes, obesity, and lifestyle medicine. He thanks his mentor for invaluable guidance, and his wife for her unwavering support.
Mohamed Ahmed Hegab
Dr Hegab wishes to thank his parents and wife, Tasnim, for their love and support, dedicating this proud moment of achievement to their son.
Mohamed Ruzaik
Dr Ruzaik is a GP with Oman's Ministry of Health. He is committed to patient care, with special interests in internal medicine and dermatology.
Dr Ojo works as a salaried GP in Larkside. He also works as a prison GP. Morakinyo Akindele Ojo
Dr Wahaj is from Pakistan and completed his GP training at the Cornwall Deanery. He is working as a GP in Cornwall and is committed to excellence in patient care, with a special interest in care of the elderly He extends thanks to his wife, children, parents and colleagues for their encouragement.
Neelam Sowamber
Dr Sowamber is a salaried GP based in Norfolk, with a strong interest in global family medicine. She is keen to further develop her skills in this area and gratefully acknowledges the support of her family, especially her husband.
Mohamed Abdelgwad
Muhammad Wahaj
Nwanneka Vera Ihionu
Dr Ihionu is a GP with a passion for lifestyle medicine. She celebrates her graduation, giving thanks to God, her husband and siblings for their unwavering support and love.
Oana Aftudor
Dr Aftudor trained as a Specialty Doctor in Rehabilitation Medicine in Romania. She relocated to the UK, where she pursued training in General Practice She gives thanks to her husband, children, parents and mentors, whose love, encouragement and support have been the foundation of this journey.
Ogechukwu Taiwo
Dr Taiwo works as a salaried GP in Salisbury with special interests in child health and medical education. She would like to appreciate God, her family and mentors.
Okpetoritse Omotola Ologban
Dr Ologban works as a salaried GP in Bexhill. She would like to thank her supervisors and friends for being a part of this journey. She thanks her husband for his unwavering support and her parents for their love and sacrifices This achievement is as much theirs as it is hers.
Dr Shaw works as a salaried GP and would like to thank her family for their support. Olivia Shaw
Oluwadamilola Adio
Dr Adio is a salaried GP in Milton Keynes, completing a Leadership in Action Fellowship in her first year of practice and now embarking on a Medical Education Fellowship. She acknowledges her mother for getting her here, and thanks her siblings and husband for their continued support.
Oshani Illangasekera
Dr Illangasekera is a Family Physician from Sri Lanka, with special interests in diabetes, geriatric and palliative care. She believes being a GP is a privilege and honour. She expresses gratitude to her husband, Yasitha, parents and family for their support, enabling her to fulfill her training.
Poonam Suchcha Rai
Dr Rai would like to thank her parents and sister for their unwavering love, support and belief in her. This achievement is as much as theirs as it is hers.
Ray Zheng Liang Tan
Dr Tan completed his GP training in North West England, with special interests in diabetes and digital health. He gratefully acknowledges the unwavering support of his supervisors, wife and family.
Dr Akhter is a salaried GP in Derby with special interests in medical education, women's health and lifestyle medicine. She would like to thank her parents, husband, brothers, extended family, friends and mentors who have supported her on her journey to becoming a GP.
Reema Akhter
Rishi
Rajesh Jiwarajka
Dr Jiwarajka works as a salaried GP with the Devon Out of Hours team and is developing a specialist interest in prehospital medicine and Aviation medicine. He would like to thank his parents and mentors
Ross Jarvis
Dr Jarvis works a salaried GP in Manchester. He would like to thank his parents and his wife, Olivia.
Sameena Shamraiz
Dr Shamraiz, who is originally from Pakistan, completed her GP training in North West England. She gives thanks to Allah and her family. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, patientcentred care as a General Practitioner.
Sara Elshamekh
Dr Elshamekh is a salaried GP at Drayton Surgery. She thanks her beloved husband, Ahmed, daughters, Malika and Dalila, all her family and her trainers for their endless love and support.
Sarah Said Noor
Dr Noor is a portfolio GP, working across telemedicine, General Practice and community settings, including 'Hospital at Home' services. She expresses heartfelt gratitude to her partner, family and mentors for their unwavering support throughout her training.
Shamim Abdulrahman
Dr Abdulrahman is a GP in the West Midlands. She honours her daughters for their love and patience and thanks her stepmother, for guiding her through struggles. She is grateful to her siblings for their support, wider family and friends and her father, whose love and resilience inspire her.
Sharita Pradhan
Dr Pradhan is a GP in Milton Keynes. She extends gratitude to her parents, Gopi Man and Sushila, whose love, sacrifices and encouragement have been her foundation. She also thanks her brother, Pradeep, sister-in-law, Sujina, and new nephew, Riaan, for their endless support and belief in her.
Shayista Mirwais
Dr Mirwais works as a salaried GP in Ashton Gardens and is developing specialist interests in dermatology and women's health. She would like to thank her parents, friends and mentor.
Shoaib Mahmood
Dr Mahmood works as a salaried GP at Gordon House Surgery. He dedicates this achievement to his late parents, and thanks his wife and brothers for their unwavering love and support.
Sivasakthy Pirathapan
Dr Pirathapan is a newly qualified GP with a special interest in dermatology. She would like to thank her mentor, parents, husband and her daughter.
Dr Kayani works as a GP in London. She would like to thank her husband and parents for their continual support and encouragement. Sumera Kayani
Taiwo Alegbeleye
Dr Alegbeleye is a GP in Essex and Kent. She expresses heartfelt gratitude to her late parents, supportive siblings, loving husband for his encouragement and her children for their understanding. Above all, she thanks God Almighty for His unwavering love and faithfulness
Tanya Ansari
Dr Ansari works as a GP in Paddington and is currently on maternity leave. She would like to thank her family for their continuous love and support
Tazyeen Tanveer
Dr Tanveer is currently working as a GP in Reigate and would like to thank her husband and two beautiful daughters for supporting her throughout her training. She would also like to thank her mum, without whose support she would not have been able to get into training.
Temitope Omikunle
Dr Omikunle is a salaried GP in Dersingham, Norfolk. She is celebrated for her compassion, excellence and inspiring dedication to patient care. She gives glory to Almighty God for today's achievements and is looking ahead to greater heights through Him.
Uzma Khalid
Dr Khalid is a GP in Northampton, with a special interest in women's health. She would like to thank her parents for the prayers and God for listening to those. She also thanks her husband, Asif, and her children, Zohaib and Zuhaa, for their patience, support and love on this difficult journey.
Vrishali Rohankar
Dr Rohankar would like to thank her friends and family for all their support.
Walid Siouda
Dr Siouda says: "The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same."
Yasmin Safavi
Dr Safavi works as a salaried GP in Gloucestershire. She has an interest in women's health and education. She would like to thank her husband, Will, and her parents for their support.
Yumna Iqbal
Dr Iqbal works as a GP in Coventry. She dedicates this achievement to her late mother, whose prayers remain her guiding light, and to her father for his unwavering trust and continuous support.
Zeeshan Ahmed
Dr Ahmed works as a salaried GP in South West London, He would like to thank his parents and trainers.
Zunaira Sikandar
Dr Sikandar is a GP in Surrey. She holds a degree in Public Health from the University of Sheffield and a PG Diploma in Clinical Dermatology from Queen Mary University of London. She dedicates her achievements to her late mother and expresses thanks to her husband, son and mentors for their support.
FELLOWS’ PRESENTATION
Dr Sam Cole is a GP specialist in substance use disorders, leading a multi- professional outreach service to people experiencing homelessness in Exeter. She is honoured to be awarded fellow of the RCGP.
Dr Gibbons is a GP at Rolle Medical Partnership, Exmouth, Primary Care Setting Lead of NIHR Regional Research Delivery Network South West Peninsula, Co-Chair of RDN Primary Care Digital Reference Group, member of RCGP Health Informatics Group, an Honorary Fellow at the University of Exeter and Clinical Lead for Urgent Care Governance NHS Devon.
Samantha Cole
Lisa Gibbons
Royal College of General Practitioners
