3 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 Margaret Ikpoh
RCGP Vice Chair - Professional Standards, Training and Development
Professor Sir Sam Everington
RCGP President elect
Dr Vannaboon Phag-Udom
RCGP South East Thames 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 Win Phag-Udom
RCGP South East Thames Faculty Chair
Adeola Adebukola Ogunlewe
Dr Ogunlewe is a GP in Carlisle and is developing a special interest in geriatrics. She is committed to delivering compassionate, patientcentred care and upholding high standards of medical excellence She extends thanks to her parents, husband and children, whose support has made this possible.
Adeyosola Adeyeye
Dr Adeyeye is a GP in Liverpool and is cultivating a special interest in occupational medicine. She is grateful to her husband, Kenny, and her parents and siblings, for their constant love and support during training. She is delighted to have her son, Mo, here to celebrate this milestone with her.
Aisha Siddiqa Bhamji
Dr Bhamji works in West Yorkshire as a salaried GP. She would like to praise God, and thank her family and mentors, who have made this achievement possible
Aksa Ahmed
Dr Ahmed works as a salaried GP at the Rothschilds Group Practice in Tring. She is a First 5 representative of the RCGP on the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Faculty. She would like to thank her mum, friends and colleagues who have always been an amazing support.
Amelia Horne
Dr Horne works as a salaried GP in Woolpit, Suffolk. She would like to thank her parents and her fiancé, Joe, for all of their support, both over years past and those to come. She could not have done it without you.
Angela Hyare
Dr Hyare is a GP working in the Coventry area. She would like to thank her family for their support throughout her training.
Ashvini Dharmendram
Dr Dharmendram is a GP in North West London. She would like to thank her loving husband for his incredible support throughout training, her parents and sister for their continuous motivation and for believing in her, as well as her new baby boy.
Dr Olaseinde is a salaried GP at a Primary Care Centre in Stafford, with a special interest in emergency medicine. He recently completed a GP Fellowship Leadership programme at the Staffordshire Training Hub. He gives God the glory for successful completion and is thankful to family for the support.
Dr Sallahdeen is a salaried GP in South East London. She expresses her deepest gratitude to her family for their unwavering love, support and encouragement throughout this journey. She would also like to thank her mentors and supervisors for their invaluable guidance, wisdom and dedication.
Chibugo Nwafor-Orizu
Dr Nwafor-Orizu is a locum GP with a developing interest in palliative care. She is grateful to God for strength and her family for their unwavering support.
Ayomideji Olakunle Olaseinde
Azeezat Aderayo Sallahdeen
Chinyere Ogechi Okwuonu
Dr Okwuonu is a portfolio GP who works mainly in hospital dermatology with a special interest in hair disorders. She is very grateful to her husband and parents for their immense support. She hopes to continue to make them proud of her.
Chioma Ugwuachu
Dr Ugwuachu is a salaried GP, with a special interest in women's health. She expresses gratitude to her husband, Methodius, and her children, Tony, Ugonna, Derick, Brian and Kendra, for their love and encouragement. Above all, she gives thanks to God Almighty for His grace, guidance and sustenance.
Deepa Chalam
Dr Chalam works as a GP in the UK and would like to thank her husband, daughter, parents and family, for supporting her to become a GP as well as for their continued support
Dumoateli Iboroma
Dr Iboroma has completed the Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners and a Master's in Medical Education, with research into feedback in GP training. He looks forward to combining clinical practice with leadership, education and policymaking to shape the future of Primary Care.
Ebenezer Olulade
Dr Olulade is a salaried GP in Norwich. He thanks his mentors and friendsfor their support. He is grateful for the care and prayers of his parents and in-laws in Nigeria His deepest gratitude is for his wife, Bolanle, and daughter, Jasmine. Their love has made being here today easier to achieve.
Eleanor Southgate
Dr Southgate works as a salaried GP in Bromley-By-Bow, East London. She is also an academic GP at Queen Mary University of London with interests in cancer, health inequality and clinical communication.
Emmanuel Ngwoke
Dr Ngwoke works as a salaried GP in King's Lynn. He would like to extend his deepest gratitude to God, his beloved wife, Mrs Gloria Ngwoke, and his cherished children, Divine and Chimkasichi, for their unwavering support throughout his training journey.
Emmanuel Sedze
Dr Sedze works as a GP and would to thank his lovely wife, Becky, and family for the support. Above all he gives the glory to Jesus Christ for his guidance.
Ezgi Ozcan
Dr Ozcan works as a salaried GP in Enfield with special interests in women's health and health inequalities. She would like to thank her husband, parents and close friends for their support in her journey. She wishes to inspire her daughters, Ella and Lina.
Faisal Sait
Dr Sait is a salaried GP in Great Yarmouth. He would like to thank his wife and parents.
Faiza Khan
Dr Khan is a salaried GP in Oldham with a special interest in women's health and child health. She is deeply grateful to her parents for their constant love and support throughout her journey to becoming a GP.
Farheen Arien
Dr Arien works as a salaried GP in Greater Manchester. She would like to thank her GP trainer and family for their support.
Fatimat Olorunjuwon
Dr Olorunjuwon has been dedicated and commited throughout training. Her journey has been marked by a strong work ethic and passion for lifelong learning. As she embarks on this phase in her career, she hopes to make significant contributions to the medical profession and the wellbeing of her patients.
Frances Emanuel-Okonkwo
Dr Emanuel-Okonkwo is currently working as a locum GP for Vita Healthcare. She would like to express her heartfelt gratitude to her husband, Ken, for his patience and unwavering support. She also extends her deepest thanks to her parents for their encouragement and love.
Funmilola Adigun
Dr Adigun is a salaried GP in Kent, with interests in women's health and dermatology. She has been supported by the encouragement of her husband, their twin boys and her family and friends, to whom she extends heartfelt thanks. She expresses gratitude to Almighty God for His guidance and strength.
Grace Bello
Dr Bello works as a GP in Essex and lifestyle medicine GP in London. She thanks her parents, Theophilus and Florence, husband, Ayo, and all her family for their support.
Dr Butt is an international medical graduate, who moved to the UK and began working in the NHS just before the COVID-19 pandemic. She completed her GP training in London, during which she married and welcomed a baby. She thanks her husband and parents for their life and support during this journey.
Singh Bindra
Dr Bindra is a salaried GP in Slough, with a special interest in medical education. He expresses thanks to his family for their love, support and encouragement. Special thanks goes to his parents and his wife; their sacrifices and belief in him have been the cornerstone of his success
Hanaa Iftikhar Ahmed Khaksar Ali Butt
Harmit
Ibimo Imenjima Dabibi
Dr Dabibi is a sessional GP practicing in Somerset and the South West of England, with specialist interests in dermatology and urgent care. She extends her heartfelt gratitude to God Almighty, her parents, children, family, loved ones and colleagues for their unwavering support throughout her career.
Iqra Khalid
Dr Khalid works as salaried GP in Ipswich. She would like thank her mentor, parents and family.
Jyotikona Devi
Dr Devi works as a salaried GP in Stratford, London. She would like to express her heartfelt gratitude to God, her mother and her sisters, whose love and support have shaped her journey
Katie Quinn
Dr Quinn works as a GP in Puckeridge. She would like to thank her husband, children and family for their support.
Kaung Htet
Dr Htet works as a salaried GP in Pontefract.
Dr Kent is a London-trained GP with a passion for women's health and lifestyle medicine. Behind her achievements stands the constant support of her husband, the encouragement of her parents and the daily inspiration she draws from her two wonderful daughters, who remind her why this work matters.
Javeria Salam
Dr Salam works at South Street Surgery as a salaried GP. She thanks her husband, Zahid Naeem, who was there to support her throughout training. She also thanks Muhammad, Aisha and Omar, her warriors who were patient during her studies and exams, so she could complete her training.
Dr Thavendran works as a salaried GP in Ruislip and a locum GP in North West London. She would like to thank her husband, parents, mother in law and children for their love and support in helping her complete her training in 2024.
Mawuena Hafeh
Dr Hafeh would like to thank his family and friends for all their support.
Dr Ajemba is a GP working in Cumbria. He is also a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire and has recently been nominated for the 2025 Best Lecturer of the Year award at the Westlakes Campus He holds the MRCGP INT qualification alongside the MRCGP obtained in the UK.
Isabella Kent
Mathura Thavendran
Michael Ajemba
Mohammed Ali Sayed Khider
Dr Khider works as a GP in Huddersfield. He would like to thank his wife, children and parents for their continuous support.
Morenikeji Owolabi
Dr Owolabi is a GP in London. She considers her role in General Practice an honour and a privilege, reflecting her deep respect for the trust placed in her by her patients. She credits her professional journey to the support of her husband, family and siblings, whose encouragement inspires her work.
Muhammad Saad Bin Zahid
Dr Zahid works as a lead GP in Bury, Greater Manchester. He is a trained surgeon and has specialist interests in minor surgery and joint injections. He is also a Clinical Supervisor and currently completing his Post Graduate Certificate in Medical Education.
Musttafa Al-Ani
Dr Al-Ani is a GP working in Morecambe, developing a special interest in frailty. He would like to thank his sister and parents for their continued support.
Mutaz Zeyad Daoud Yousef
Dr Yousef works as a salaried GP at Vernon Street Medical Centre, Derby. He thanks his wife for her unwavering support, his children for their spirit, his late father for his lasting inspiration and his mother for her endless encouragement.
Ndidi
Dr Ndidi is a salaried GP in Surrey. She would like to thank her husband, children and extended family for all their support and encouragement.
Neha Shah
Dr Shah works as a salaried GP on the Isle of Wight. She would like to thank her supervisor, Dr Cule. She gives special thanks to her husband and two beautiful children.
Neelima Varaganti
Dr Varaganti would like to thank her friends and family for all their support.
Nithya Achuthan
Dr Achuthan works as a salaried GP in Thistlemoor Practice. She would like to thank all her mentors, her husband, Dr Arun, children, Samhita and Sashwat, her parents, Mr Achuthan and Mrs Suganthi, and her siblings, Sathish and Lavanya.
Nivejan Santhakumaran
Dr Santhakumaran thanks his parents for the opportunity they gave him to build the life he has, and his wife, Arrani, and children for their unwavering support throughout his exams and career.
Khalid
Dr Khalid works as a salaried GP in Ipswich and Felixstowe. She is planning to delve into minor surgery. She would like to thank her mother, beloved son and her sister, who stood by her during hard times.
Noor-ul-ain
Olatunji Odugbesan
Dr Odugbesan works as a GP and is based in the Wiltshire area. He would like to thank his family, trainers and colleagues.
Olufunke Oseyinka Alayande
Dr Alayande is a GP in Stoke-on-Trent. She expresses gratitude to God for His guidance and acknowledges the support of her husband, whose care and encouragement have been a source of strength. She gives thanks to her children and parents for their love, support and sacrifices over the years.
From foundational medical knowledge to the complexities of patient encounters, Dr Adetoro has embraced the challenges of GP training. He is prepared for a lifetime of learning and advocacy. Special thanks to his family in England and abroad, and supervisors for their support during training
Omowunmi Agoro
Dr Agoro works as a locum GP with special interests in women's health and minor surgery. She would like to thank her beloved husband for his steadfast support and encouragement. She would also like to thank her three wonderful children, her mum and siblings for their support throughout her career.
Onyinye Claire Ibekwe
Dr Ibekwe is a salaried GP. She thanks God, her husband, daughters, parents and GP trainers for their support. She looks forward to making meaningful contributions to Primary Care both in the UK and internationally.
Prabha Subbaiyan
Dr Subbaiyan is working as a sessional GP with a special interest in women's health. She would like to thank her family and mentor.
Priya Sarnobat
Dr Akomolafe is a salaried GP in Wolverhampton with special interests in management of chronic diseases and patient-centred care She expresses gratitude to her mentors for their guidance, and to her husband and parents for their support, encouragement and belief in her at every stage of her journey.
With gratitude, Dr Sarnobat celebrates the careers of her GP parents, Meena and Sudhir, and thanks the Sarnobat and Vallis families and friends for the invaluable support to her in raising Jaguar and Chase.
Rabia Afzal
Dr Afzal works as a salaried GP and has a special interest in dermatology. She would like to thank her husband and Educational Supervisor for their support throughout her training
Olumide Adedayo Adetoro
Omolade Akomolafe
Rahil Siddique
Dr Siddique is now a GP Partner in Essex. This would not have been possible without the support of his wife, Areesha.
Reem Koko
Dr Koko is working as a salaried GP with a special interest in women's health. She would like to thank her loving husband and parents for their support throughout her journey.
Resheka Sridharan
Dr Sridharan works as a salaried GP in the East Midland. She would like to thank her parents, husband, mentors, patients and her beautiful daughter for their support and guidance.
Roxann Holder
Dr Holder is working as a GP in Bedford and is a bank doctor for a hospice. She would like to thank her partner, son and family for their support.
Saba Alam
Dr Alam is working as a salaried GP in South East London. She would like to thank her family, especially her husband for all the support during her training.
Sana Fatima
Dr Fatima works as salaried GP. She would like to thank her family for their continued support.
Sara Waheed
Dr Waheed is a salaried GP in Harlow. She thanks her husband for his support and extends her gratitude to her beautiful daughters, Amal and Hana, for their love and patience which made it all possible. She also thanks her parents and sister for their continuous encouragement throughout this journey.
Shaajishiri Kanagasabapathy
Dr Kanagasabapathy trained at St George’s, London, and is a locum GP in London and Kent. She thanks her Amma and Appa, Mrs Pushparani, husband, Sumi, children, Jaisai and Sairaj, sister and supervisors, Dr Beddoe and Dr Salim, for their support.
Shaheen Sultana
Dr Sultana works as a salaried GP, and is passionate about developing skills in mental health and dermatology. She thanks her husband and son for their sacrifices, especially her son, who left his hometown in New Zealand to support her journey.
Simpson Timilehin Adeniji
Dr Chinedum is a compassionionate GP, listening to her patients to ensure that every concern is addressed. She gives thanks to God, whose grace has carried her through this journey. She thanks her son, family and friends who have stood by her. Your love, prayers and support have made this possible.
Dr Adeniji works as a salaried GP in Barrow-in-Furness. He would like to thank his wife, daughter and parents for their support
Samantha Chinedum
Sobia Ikhlaq
Dr Ikhlaq is working as a salaried GP. She would like to thank her parents, husband and children for their endless love and support.
Tolulope Olalekan Apampa
Dr Apampa works as a GP Partner in Old Colwyn, North Wales. He would like to thank his wife, Bolu, for being so supportive through the journey. He thanks his family members for their prayers and love, and his trainers for being supportive, especially when things got tough.
Toochukwu Berna Asogwa
Dr Asogwa is a salaried GP in King's Lynn. She attributes her success to the support of her family and mentors, whose encouragement and trust in her ability have been a source of strength. She represents the strength and excellence of international medical graduates who continue to enrich the NHS.
Dr Vijh works in Essex as a salaried GP. She would like to thank her parents, brother and fiancé for their unwavering support Yashvi Vijh
Yosra Al-beyatti
Dr Albeyatti is a salaried GP in London and runs a private aesthetic clinic. During training, she became a mother of four and completed training by the grace of God. She is grateful to her husband for his support and thankful to her parents, mother-in-law and children, Zayd, Hayat, Haneen, and Idrees.
FELLOWS’ PRESENTATION
Georgina Deighton
Dr Deighton has worked as a GP in Woolwich in South East London for 24 years. She has an interest in dermatology and is a GP trainer. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support over the years.
John Brook
Dr Brook would like to thank his friends and family for all their support.
Qumer Younis
Dr Younis is a GP in Sheffield at an inner-city practice, in one of the most deprived wards in the UK. He is a medical student tutor and examiner for the University of Sheffield, as well as a GMC Associate PLAB examiner. He thanks his family, especially his wife, for all their support He is grateful and humbled to become a fellow.
Sarah Cousins
Dr Cousins is a portfolio GP. She would like to thank her husband, Matt, daughters, Harriet and Abigail, and the rest of her family, friends and colleagues for their love, support and patience. Remember; nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Royal College of General Practitioners
