17 October 2025
Bristol Beacon
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
Dr Toyosi Adeniji
RCGP Nationally elected First5 Chair
Dr Thomas Patel-Campbel
RCGP Vice Chair - Finance and Member Value
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 South West England 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 South West England region spans four faculties Severn, Tamar, Thames Valley and Wessex with over 7,000 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 Holly Hardy RCGP Severn Honarary Secretary
Abdul Asees Fathima Fainas
Dr Fainas is a GP and Senior Registrar in family medicine, with an interest in dermatology. She attributes her accomplishments to her family's support, her teachers' instruction and inspiration and her patients' faith and confidence in her. This drives her quest to achieve medical excellence.
Abiodun Samson Akinola
Dr Akinola works as a salaried GP in Warwick and is developing a special interest in men's health. He would like to thank his parents, wife and children for their unflinching support, love and prayers throughout this journey.
Adil Hasnain
Dr Hasnain is a GP in London with special interests in minor operations and joint injections. He is grateful to his wife for all her support during his training.
Adrian Hucks
Dr Hucks works as a Regimental Medical Officer with an interest in Mental Health. He would like to thank his wife, family and mentors.
Dr Osman would like to thank his parents who provided guidance, his beautiful wife Mayen who stood by him along the journey, his children, Khalil and Amal who are the joy of his life and his friends, supervisors and colleagues who supported him along the way.
Ahmed Salem
Dr Salem is a salaried GP in Telford, Shropshire, at the practice where he completed his training. He is deeply grateful to his wife and mentor for their tremendous support throughout every stage of his training journey
Ahsan Abbas
Dr Abbas is a locum GP in the Scottish Highlands. He thanks his wife, Mariam, for her support, love and sacrifice, and his parents for their prayers and values, which have guided him every step of the way. Sincere gratitude goes to Dr Rod Sampson, his Educational Supervisor, for his mentorship.
Akintunde Abimbola
Dr Alhusban is a salaried GP with a special interest in diabetes. He owes his success to the love and support of his parents, wife and the joy he finds in his son, Naser.
Dr Abimbola is a locum GP. He extends his deepest gratitude to his parents, for their sacrifices, prayers and guidance. He thanks his siblings for their belief in him and gives special appreciation to his wife, for her patience, love and support. He dedicates this achievement to his son.
Ahmad Alhusban
Ahmed Osman
Ali Ikram Khan
Dr Khan works as a salaried and out-ofhours GP in Leicester, with a special interest in mental health. He credits his achievements to the unwavering support, guidance and sacrifices of his parents, along with the encouragement and understanding of his wife.
Dr Zahra is a GP at Sedgley PCN. She expresses her deepest gratitude to Almighty Allah. She also extends heartfelt thanks to her loving husband, her cherished daughter, and her wider family. Their belief in her has provided the foundation upon which she continues to grow and thrive as both a professional and an individual.
Dr Carmichael is a salaried GP in Hanham, with a special interest in public health. She would like to thank her supervisor, Fizz, her partner, Martin, and her mum, Linda, for their unwavering support during her GP training years.
Dr Benazir is a hardworking, enthusiastic, newly-qualified GP and very proud to be the first GP in her family.
Dr Obi works as a salaried GP in Lincoln. He would love to use this opportunity to thank his family and friends for being so supportive throughout his training period.
Arunraj Kunjumon Jessy
Dr Arunraj is a salaried GP in Derby. He expresses gratitude to his wife, Sherrin, for her support and dedicates this milestone to their children, Evelyn and Alwyn. He thanks his in-laws, Molly and Varghese, and honours the memory of his late parents, Jessy and Kunjumon, and sister, Anju.
Babatunde Ade-Arigbabuwo
Dr Ade-Arigbabuwo works as a salaried GP in Bournemouth with a special interest in musculoskeletal health. He would like to thank his family for their unwavering support.
Dr Machado works as a salaried GP in Wiltshire, as well as working for the out-of-hours service. She would like to thank her husband and parents for their support throughout training, as well as her daughter and golden retriever dog for providing endless love.
Bosede Omodara
Dr Omodara works as a salaried GP in Wakefield. She thanks God Almighty for the successful completion of her training She also thanks her husband, children and family members for their support throughout her training.
Bukola Odunaiya
Dr Odunaiya is a salaried GP at Birchills Health Centre. She thanks God for completion of her training and thanks her husband, children, mum, siblings and in-laws for their prayers and support. She dedicates this achievement to her late dad and gives gratitude to her trainers for their mentorship.
Anthony Olisa Obi
Amy Cass Carmichael
Bethan Machado
Beenish Zahra
Benazir Omar
Chimaobi Azubuike
Dr Azubuike is a salaried GP in Batley, originally from Nigeria. She gives thanks to God and to Our Mother of Perpetual Help. She expresses gratitude to her husband and family for their love and support, and acknowledges her mentor, Dr Cherry, and her supervisor, Dr Lloyd, for their guidance.
Chinweoke Uchechi Onyekuru
Dr Onyekuru is a salaried GP in the West Midlands. Her journey into medicine has been profoundly influenced and supported by her family, who have been her unwavering source of motivation and encouragement throughout her training.
Christopher Okowi
Dr Okowi works as a salaried GP at Pershore Medical Practice. He would like to thank God for making this possible and also thank his amazing wife and family for all their support.
Dr Eluwah is a GP working in Westbury. He is a dedicated doctor who is keen to give his best and more to General Practice. He is grateful for the support of his wife, Ruby, and his daughters, Crystal, Emerald, Pearl and Ruby II, for their unwavering support throughout the training period
Chukwunonso Emmanuel Nduka
Dr Nduka is a GP in Leominster. He thanks God, his family, friends and mentors for their support. He acknowledges his wife, Cindy, his mum and sisters, who are present today, and dedicates this achievement to his late father
Daniel Olusola Ade-Onojobi
Dr Ade-Onojobi works as a sessional GP in Dumfries and Galloway. He has special interests in minor surgery and dermatology. He gratefully acknowledges the unwavering support of his parents, his family and his mentor.
Dr McCluskey would like to thank her friends and family for all their support. Dawn Elizabeth McCluskey
Dr Afuwape works as a salaried GP in Coventry and has interests in women's health and lifestyle medicine. She would like to thank her husband, sons, family and friends for their amazing support throughout her training.
Dr Shittu works as a salaried GP in Birmingham. She has special interests in minor surgery and health inequalities. She would like to thank her husband and family.
Dr Ogunleye works as a salaried GP in Birmingham. She is passionate about women's health and hopes to develop a special interest in this field. She is deeply grateful to God, her family, and her friends for their unwavering love and support.
Chukwudinma Eluwah
Fatima Shittu
Folake Rashidat Ogunleye
Ibidolapo Afuwape
Francis Akpamu
Dr Akpamu works as a salaried GP at Oakwood Surgery and would like to thank his family for their love and support.
Godson Chukwuzubelu
Dr Chukwuzubelu works as a salaried GP in Rugeley and Great Haywood PCN with a special interest in minor surgery. He would like to thank God Almighty, his wife, family and friends for their support.
Hannah Clarke
Dr Clarke is a GP in Gloucester and the Forest of Dean, with interests in women's health and acute medicine. She thanks her TPDs and supervisor, and is excited to travel South America next year.
Hebah Ijaz
Dr Ijaz is a GP in Bedford. She thanks God, her parents, mentors, brother and close friends for their support. She quotes her late father, who was her pillar of strength: "Never allow challenges to shake your focus or deter you from your purpose. With this mindset, success is inevitable."
Ibok Smart Ibok
Dr Ibok works as a salaried GP in Somerset He would like to thank the Almighty God for his goodness and mercy. He also thanks his family and trainers for the support offered during his training.
Ifeyinwa Okoye
Dr Okoye is a GP on the Isle of Wight who finds joy in research, teaching and giving back to society. She hopes to inspire others through care and knowledge, and is grateful to her family for their love and encouragement.
Ikenna Gospel Okpala
Dr Okpala works as a salaried GP in Crewe. He is grateful to God and also would like to thank his wife, mother, family and trainers for their unwavering support during his training.
Dr Khan works as a salaried GP in Guernsey after completing his training in the North East. He would like to thank his mentors, family and parents for all the sacrifices they made.
Irene Nwonye
Dr Nwonye is a salaried GP at Healthy Hyde. She thanks her husband, Ed, and three children, Ellie, Israel and Timothy, for their love and support throughout training. She is grateful to her Educational Supervisor, Dr Sarah Crowley, whose guidance and encouragement helped her complete her training.
Isi Ajayi
Dr Ajayi works as a salaried GP in Huyton. She would like to thank her husband for his support and would like to dedicate this to her son who encouraged her with his smiles.
Irbaz Ul Ebad Khan
Dr Agha works as salaried GP in Derby with special interests in sports medicine and minor surgery. He would like to thank his wife and parents for their support.
Jackson Uche Eluma
Dr Eluma is a GP in the West Midlands. He expresses gratitude to God Almighty for His grace and help upon his life. He would like to thank his wife and family for their support and commitment throughout his professional journey. He also sends a big shout out to his trainer, Dr Toby Spolton.
Jessica Kartyo
Dr Kartyo is an integrated GP Fellow in Pembrokeshire, with special interests in leadership, medical education, mental health and psychiatry. She credits her success to God and the support of her family, particularly her mother and sisters, whose strength and encouragement have shaped her path.
Joey Edomobi
Dr Edomobi is developing special interests in dermatology and musculoskeletal medicine. He extends gratitude to his wife for her love, patience and belief in him throughout this journey. He also thanks his family and friends, whose encouragement formed a vital support system during his training.
John Akinjolire
Dr Akinjolire works as a salaried GP in Yate, Bristol. He has special interests, with diploma, in women's health and dermatology. He is grateful to God, his family, church family, friends and supervisors for all their support.
John Metcalfe
Dr Metcalfe works as a GP in Alton, Hampshire. He would like to thank his family for their support.
Asake Savage
Dr Savage expresses heartfelt gratitude to her family, her husband, her children who inspire her daily, and her extended family, whose prayers and support have lifted her throughout this journey. She recognises the strength of her family behind her and their contribution to her professional success.
Dr Galadima is a salaried GP. She gives glory to God Almighty for His grace and mercy throughout her training. She would like to thank her husband, William, and children, Nicole, Janelle and Daniel, for their love, support and understanding. She also thanks her friends and family God bless you all
Kyi Phyu Maung
Dr Maung would like to thank the Severn and Swindon GP teams for her achievement.
Khadijat Oladunni Galadima
Kareemat
Madhura Kunal Targe
Dr Targe would like to thank her friends and family for all their support.
Marwa Salem
Dr Salem works in Huddersfield, with a special interest in diabetes and aesthetic medicine. She would like to thank her lovely boys.
Mehreen Bhat
Dr Bhat would like to thank her mentors for their invaluable guidance and encouragement. She is grateful to her husband, Waseem, and her children, Hannah and Ali, whose love, sacrifices and support have been the foundation of her journey. She also thanks her wider family for believing in her dreams.
Mubaraq Mustapha
Dr Mustapha is a GP with special interest in hospital medicine. He would like to thank his wife, daughters and parents for their support
Muhammad Umar Khan
Dr Khan works as a salaried GP in Lichfield. He would like to thank his mentor for all the help.
Nana Adwoa Dwumoh Prempeh
Dr Prempeh works as a salaried GP in South Petherton, Somerset, and is developing a special interest in women's health. She would like to thank God Almighty, her husband and beautiful children, extended family and supervisors for all their love and support.
Obasi Odefa
Dr Odefa would like to thank his friends and family for all their support.
Ogochukwu Enueze
Dr Enueze works as a salaried GP with special interests in medical education and adult mental health. He is grateful to God for achieving this feat, and would like to thank his lovely and ever supportive wife, children and parents, all here today.
Ogochukwu Olebu
Dr Olebu works as GP in Coventry, West Midlands. She is developing a special interest in dermatology. She would like to thank God, her family, parents and siblings for their continuous support.
Olalekan John Ogedengbe
Dr Ogedengbe works as a salaried GP in the North West of England. He is developing a special interest in frailty and care of the elderly. He would like to thank God, his wife and son for standing by him.
Oluchi Oguchi
Dr Oguchi is a GP in Nottingham, where she is nurturing a specialist interest in medical education. She views the role of a GP as a true honour and privilege She extends heartfelt gratitude to her husband and family, whose unwavering support continues to be her greatest strength and inspiration.
Olufemi Bewaji
Dr Owolabi works as a salaried GP in Coventry. He has developing interests in lifestyle medicine, diabetes and obesity. He thanks his Lord and saviour, Jesus Christ, for help during his training, and his wife, daughter, trainers, friends and family for their unwavering support and encouragement.
Olufemi Bewaji
Dr Bewaji has special interests in minor surgeries and obesity and diabetes management. He is grateful to his teachers, supervisors, parents and inlaws. He is thankful to his children, who bore the brunt of his absences, and his wife, for complementing his graces and compounding his blessings.
Oluwafemi Oyewole
Dr Oyewole works as a locum GP with a special intrest in chronic illness. He would like to thank his wife, children, parents and supervisior for the support.
Oluwaseyi Alomaja
Dr Alomaja works as a salaried GP in Kent with special interest in Medical Education. She would like to thank her husband, daughter and friends for their unwavering support.
Omogbenga Odusola
Dr Odusola is a GP in Cumbria, with a special interest in minor surgery. He extends thanks to his wife and children, whose encouragement have been his foundation, to his mother and brother, for their faith, to his teachers, for their wisdom and guidance, and to his friends, for their companionship.
Onyedikachi Idagu
Dr Idagu hopes her approach to patient wellbeing and unwavering pursuit of knowledge will promise a significant contribution to the field of General Practice. She is looking forward to making a positive impact on the lives of her patients and the wider community.
Palma Ali Eneji
Dr Eneji is a salaried GP at The Gables Medicentre in Coventry. He would like to thank his family and trainers, who have been a major source of support and inspiration throughout his training and practice as a GP.
Samuel Olusola Alabi
Dr Alabi is a GP in Coventry. He expresses heartfelt gratitude to his father and late mother, for their sacrifices. He thanks his wife and children, for their patience and support on his journey, and is honoured to share this moment with his family Special thanks to his siblings and friends.
Sana Sultan
Dr Sultan is working as a salaried GP in the Solent Trust She would like to thank her parents and husband for their endless support and love. She gives huge thanks to the Royal College of General Practitioners for providing a training platform to international medical graduates.
Sherrin Varghese
Dr Varghese is a salaried GP in Derby. She extends gratitude to her husband, Arunraj, whose belief in her has been the backbone of her success. She offers heartfelt thanks to her children, Evelyn and Alwyn, and pays tribute to her parents, Molly and Varghese, for their sacrifices and encouragement.
Stella Apica Ayo - Mwaura
Dr Mwaura works as a GP in Dorset. She would like to thank God, her family and friends.
Syeda Nayab Gilani
Dr Gilani would like to thank her friends and family for all their support.
TiJesunimi Olaoye
Dr Olaoye is a salaried GP in Chesterfield.He extends heartfelt thanks to his wife, IbK, for her steadfast support, fortitude and encouragement. He also expresses gratitude to his wider family, teachers and mentors, and gives thanks to Jesus Christ for this achievement and privilege.
Ubaidullah Khuwaja
Dr Khuwaja would like to thank his friends and family for all their support.
Ugochukwu Amara Uzondu
Dr Uzondu is a salaried GP in Doncaster, with a special interest in medical education. He thanks God Almighty for His continued love and guidance and his trainers and friends for their support. He gives special thanks to his wife, Nenye, children and parents for their prayers and encouragement.
Yetunde Adekoya
Dr Adekoya works as a salaried GP in Coventry, with a special interest in dermatology. She would like to thank her husband and amazing children for their support during her training. She would also like to thank her friends, family and trainers.
Zainab Salau-deen
Dr Salaudeen is a portfolio GP in the North West. She is currently balancing her career as a GP with a strong interest in healthcare policies. She is a prospective student of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, where she plans to earn her MSc in Health Policy, Planning and Financing.
FELLOWS’ PRESENTATION
Helen Day
Dr Day has worked as a GP in Somerset for 30 years in several different practices, and also for four years at St Margaret's Hospice in Taunton and Yeovil. She enjoyed the variety of General Practice and would not have managed without the staunch support of her husband, daughters and wider family and friends
Jaime-Ann Tweedie
Dr Tweedie works as a GP with a special interest in urgent and emergency care. She would like to thank her family, colleagues and friends for their support and encouragement throughout her career, and to apply for RCGP Fellowship.
Royal College of General Practitioners
