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I am Dr Kate Barusya, honoured to have been elected to represent my colleagues on the Sessional GP Subcommittee of the GPC to serve 2010 - 2013.
I have been a sessional GP since completing my GP training in 2007. I qualified from Makerere University, Kampala in 1999. I had had career intentions of becoming a Paediatrician, and was introduced to General Practice – the noblest profession by my mentor Dr Nerminathan (I’d encourage each of us to have a mentor). It was the best thing that happened to me.
As a mother, with a young family, General Practice has allowed me flexibility, independence and autonomy as a Sessional GP. I’ve still been able to get back into Paediatrics in a round about way by my role in Safeguarding Children. I enjoy my work.
Since my appointment as Named GP for SEE, I’ve gained confidence and do realize that you don’t have to wait to be a Principal GP to make a difference – for those of us aspiring to; we can still make a difference wherever we are, where we can.
I have been privileged to be a member of the Non-Principals GP group in Southend, which opened my eyes to the ‘blight’ experienced by some of my colleagues. This was in a way what promoted me to put stand for this position.
I intend to stand up for my colleagues, to be a voice and especially at this crucial time in the NHS history, be a part of the lobbying group to provide better and fairer conditions especially for the new entrants – in most cases who will enter as Sessional GPs, and for those who wish to pursue a portfolio career.
The challenge I face now, is how to link up with the very people I represent. At present we are blessed to have a LMC that greatly supports sessional GPs. I look forward to working closely with the LMC, and would very much appreciate your support and you sharing the issues you are facing that affect your practice.
Together we can make a difference. We are thinking of a Conference – but still deficient of ideas to address the need.
Please contact me on:
Email: k.barusya@nhs.net
Mobile: 07538 462622
I’ll try my best to be of help, and at least sign post you to the right people.
Best wishes
Dr Kate Barusya
DCH DRCOG DFRSH MRCGP
Southend Sessional GP Group
The Southend Sessional GP Group was established in June 2009 and since September 2011 our meetings have been taking place in the Boardroom at the Spire Wellesley Hospital. The term sessional GP refers to any non-principal GP and the group comprises mostly local salaried and locum GPs. We started off as a group of four meeting up informally in one another’s front room for a general chat and peer support. We are a self-directed learning group and discuss a wide range of issues pertinent to working as a sessional doctor and have members who are just starting out in general practice and others who have become sessional doctors after many years in partnership. It is always fascinating to have the different perspectives of such a diverse group.
It can be quite isolating working as a sessional doctor and meeting regularly with other colleagues is a good opportunity to share experiences, interesting cases, significant events and any difficulties we may encounter in a safe and confidential forum, similar to the meetings many of us had during VTS training. Several of the founding members of the group have been inspired to get more involved in sessional GP representation. Three members are on the South Essex LMC, one is the regional BMA representative on the sessional GP subcommittee of the GPC and two other members are also on the board of the RCGP Essex Faculty. Our group is testimony to the fact that a handful of doctors regularly meeting up and sharing ideas can lead to progressive steps; the enthusiasm of this group was a driving force behind the first Essex Sessional GP Conference held at Anglia Ruskin University on 1st October 2011. We are looking forward to the second conference on 13th October 2012 as well as an exciting programme of monthly meetings in 2012.
We generally meet on the second Thursday evening of each month at the Spire Wellesley from 8-10pm and newcomers are most welcome. If you would like to come along to a meeting or find out more about the group or the LMC please do not hesitate to get in touch: kkporter@doctors.org.uk
Kamilla Porter
(Vice Chair South Essex LMC and South East Essex representative for Salaried/Sessional GPs)
> Sessional GPs Guidance |
