Abstract:The remarks which follow are the personal views of a young practitioner established in general practice, and an associate of the College. My reasons for joining the College were that it seemed to prov...The remarks which follow are the personal views of a young practitioner established in general practice, and an associate of the College. My reasons for joining the College were that it seemed to provide, as no other body could, a way in which I could constantly improve my knowledge and methods of practice, and be provided with a stimulus at times when the day-to-day work got on top of me. Just as the Society of Apothecaries, in its time, did much to transform the medical scene, so have I hopes of our College. For here is a completely non-political body, emerging through the political bog that surrounds us. Equally byjoining it there is nothing to be gained except intellectual richness and fulfilment. A general practitioner easily becomes isolated. Unlike the competitive climate of the university, the surgery can soon close down its four walls. Most of the time the inexact or slipshod diagnosis does not matter. Many of the everyday conditions are self-limiting. Others will respond to the blind exhibition of antibiotics. Much of the consulting is of a social or advisory nature and a well trained almoner or health visitor could do as well. Small wonder that the aspirations and ideas which we all have when we first sit behind the desk fade into the limbo of despair. Add to this the expense of these ideas, in new equipment, together with the increasing encroachment on free time plus an inflationary economy, and it is surprising that our branch of the profession moves forward at all. Against this background, came the introduction of the College. For me it sets out to do four things. The first is to raise the standard of general practice throughout the country, at a time when political interference is likely to lower it drastically. Secondly, it enables us to share mutual experience in a way not possible before, and inform ourselves of the broad progress of disease and epidemics on a national basis. Thirdly, it helps in planning large programmes of research and observation, and provides a personal service to the lone worker. Fourthly, it provides ideals in learning and achievement to which we may endeavour to ascribe. In essence therefore, the College informs, educates, refreshes and advises us without reference to colour, race, creed, politics or financial gain. It is both right and proper that any qualified and registered doctor, engaged in the field of general practice, should on the payment of a fee, be eligible to become an associate of the College. Nor would anyone disagree that in the selection ofmembers some discriminatoryRead More
Publication Year: 1959
Publication Date: 1959-08-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['pubmed']
Access and Citation
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot