The GPR committee is a group of GP Registrars within the KSS GP Deanery that are appointed to represent their vocational training scheme. Currently it meets once every three months at Bermondsey Street, the central Deanery office in London, to discuss the various issues that arise from their training schemes. With protected time away from their practice, it provides an interesting and social forum where ideas are exchanged with colleagues from neighbouring schemes. The aim of the committee is to provide constructive and supportive guidance for any difficulties that are encountered, and to effect change within the Deanery if appropriate. Involvement with the committee can broaden the GPR experience, as opportunities within the Deanery are discussed, and various projects [eg the GPR website] are explored and developed.

Members of the committee represent the GPRs on several Deanery committees, eg Course Organiser Appointment Committee, Trainer Selection Committee, as well as being involved with specific projects, eg the development of the KSS GP website. The GPR committee reports formally every 3 months to the Education Board, where discussion of particular issues takes place. The committee ideally has representation from each VTS, of either a GPR or an SHO and we will be asking the Course Organisers to nominate representatives from their scheme, and to emphasise the importance. The representation can be on a rolling basis if the GPRs prefer that as a local arrangement.

GPRs:
We would like to invite you to represent your VTS on this Committee. It provides you with experience of medical politics, gives you insight into the procedures of KSS GP Deanery, and will enhance your future career opportunities, particularly within KSS. You will be fully reimbursed for all travel expenses, and administrative support will be provided.

On the 17th those of you coming to London will visit the RCGP before watching Richard III at the Globe Theatre. Whether or not you become a member of the college one of the key aspects of good general practice, which is examined in the MRCGP, is communication.

After watching the play we will spend some time with the actors. This gives us an opportunity to understand the play in greater depth and explore the challenge of being an actor. A colleague once said to me that ‘all doctors are actors’. You may wish to consider this remark when meeting with the cast.

You will be required to do some written work following this day away. On no more than a single sheet of A4 you should summarize the story portrayed in Richard 111 and explore any link you are able to make between this play and your professional life.

The purpose of this written work is to inform our reflections on this experience.
We are privileged in being able to take advantage of these cultural opportunities and as such should be prepared to share those benefits with others. This is also an opportunity to critically appraise and express in writing our own thinking and opinions.

Please submit a copy of your work to the Course Organisers at your subsequent lunchtime meeting and be prepared to discuss your paper with colleagues who were unable to attend the play.

The Royal College of General Practitioners
14 Princes Gate
Hyde Park
London
SW7 1PU
Tel 020 7581 3232