When we chose the title of our Autumn Meeting a year ago, 'Patients' and Doctors' Safety: Can Women Change the Culture of the NHS?', we could not possibly have known how topical it would be. Patient Safety has never left the headlines in the recent lambasting of doctors and the NHS. Our speakers, including Dame Fiona Caldicott, Vivienne Nathanson and Vicky Osgood, were inspirational and generated lively discussion. Kim Peters and Michelle Ryan discussed their work from Exeter University on Role Models and the need for role models at all levels, not just the ones at the top of the profession who might not seem attainable. We had about 100 delegates, ranging from medical students to professors, so opportunities for talking and networking were ideal.
Dinner at the Waldorf was a great success and Tami Hoffmann from Sky News regaled us with stories about being a woman in a predominantly male domain of news reporting. Have a look at some photos and a review here.
I would urge any of you who have not attended an Autumn or Spring Meeting to consider it. There is a special atmosphere because of the mixing of specialties and grades of doctor, which is exceptional. You can also achieve 6 CPD points!
This month I attended a Fellowship Ceremony at the RCGP where I was one of about 100 GPs receiving their Fellowship. I was thrilled to see so many women on the platform in leadership positions for the College, Amanda Howe, Clare Gerada and Maureen Baker.
I arranged an informal supper for members and friends in a Cambridge restaurant this week. We had 21 people present, including some GP trainees. There was plenty of discussion and exchange of ideas, in a very congenial atmosphere.
Dr Fiona Cornish
MWF President 2012-2014
November 2013
