Message from the President – July 2007
President Dr Tony Palframan
“It was just over a year ago that Chris asked me if I would consider becoming the next GP President of our society. I was honoured and flattered. I then remembered words of wisdom given to me many years ago – learn to say no. However I didn’t say no and after some thought and discussion with members and ex-presidents accepted his offer.
“It was then that I panicked. I didn’t own a suit – did I need one? Where were my ties – I was sure one of my registrars had given me one as a leaving present, but where was it? Who would I get to speak? What challenges faced me? Would I be able to find a successor?
“I hope that I have put together an interesting programme. There is a strong Norfolk theme with talks on Boudicca by a local historian and author Simon Scarrow; on the formation and early development of Norwich from Brian Ayers county archaeologist and on Norfolk after the ice caps have melted from Climatologist Andrew Watkinson. We move further afield to Tanzania with a talk from local GP Jamie Dalrymple on his successful ascent of Kilimanjaro and from Rob Russell, a medical officer in the army about medicine in Helmand Province Afghanistan. Infections are constantly evolving and we will have an update on prion disease and, topically with the recent outbreak of avian flu not so far away, on diseases caught from animals, particularly in a rural setting. There are talks on learning medical ethics and law, risk management and a gastroenterological extravaganza. The endoscopy unit is to be put at our disposal and by the end of the evening we should have an update on current trends as well as a hands on opportunity to try the equipment. I must stress that this will be in the training unit using models and we will not be endoscoping each other, however much we might wish to.
“I have been fortunate to obtain the time and experience of Tom Mackie a landscape photographer of international renown. He will talk to us about the use of light and colour in photography. Two other social events are planned - an evening at Seething observatory star gazing in October and a trip to Cley Marshes or Hickling Broad courtesy of Norfolk Wildlife Trust in April or May.
“Our annual dinner will again be held at the Great Hospital. We are fortunate in that Fiona Godlee editor of BMJ has agreed to be our guest.
“I have two other challenges this year – to increase membership and to move the society into the 21st century. I am in the process of writing to all 600 GPs in Norfolk and also contacting the medical students at UEA to see if they would be interested in some of our meetings. The society lacks a website and I am discussing with local website designers to see if we can put this right. There is already a link to our society through the norfolkgp.com website, but we should really have our own.
“I hope that we will have a successful year and that I will be a worthy successor to Magdi Naguib.”
Dr Tony Palframan