Simon Tobin is a fellow of the RCGP and has been a GP Partner at Norwood Surgery in Southport for over 30 years. He is the RCGP National Lead for Faculty Fellowship Committees.
For me, being elected as a fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) was much more than simply gaining a title. It revitalised my career. It’s true! When I tell other GPs this, as all good primary care physicians do, they say “tell me more…” We GPs are naturally curious. I hope that sharing my experience might encourage others to consider applying for fellowship and, like me, reinvigorate their professional lives.
I was astonished to learn just what my colleagues had achieved, and I felt a massive wave of imposter syndrome crash over me.
I was thrilled when I became a fellow 15 years ago. I can vividly remember the excitement, travelling down on the train to Euston Square. Sitting nervously in the auditorium I waited for my name to be called. To either side of me were other newly elected fellows. As each one rose to walk to the stage, the President read out a summary of their contribution. I was astonished to learn just what my colleagues had achieved, and I felt a massive wave of imposter syndrome crash over me. I believed I didn’t deserve my fellowship as much as the others. Imposter syndrome among GPs is probably far more common than we realise – perhaps because we are generalists.
At the time I received my “tap on the shoulder” (fellowship now is by self-nomination), my work at the practice had plateaued. I wasn’t sure where I was headed and reflecting now, I may have been on a slow glide path towards burnout. On the train home I decided that if I wanted to hold my head up high and merit the honour I had been awarded, I would need to up my game.
My first step was to attend the next RCGP annual conference. To my embarrassment, I had never been. I was bowled over by the conference – so many inspiring speakers and colleagues. I started attending every year and then decided to submit ideas for conference sessions. Some of these were accepted and I have been lucky enough to present several times and been asked to sit on panels. Stepping outside my comfort zone helped to link me with other clinicians with similar interests. Invitations to speak at more events, write articles and co-author an editorial for the BJGP soon followed. I began to feel re-energised in my career.
The icing on the fellowship cake has been the removal of the last barrier to applying – since April 2025 the application fee has been abolished. It’s now free to apply.
I joined my local faculty committee in Cheshire and Mersey and got involved in our fellowship, awards and bursary committees which I love. Judging medical student projects and posters makes me optimistic that the future of our profession is in good hands. My interest in fellowship led me to become involved with the fellowship team at the college and to be elected as the National Lead for Faculty Fellowship Committees three years ago. This has enabled me to meet, watch and get to work with the Officers of the RCGP. I’ve learned a tremendous amount about leadership by observing them in action. These experiences have changed my outlook. I think I’ve become a better partner in my practice and a more effective leader.
I’m thrilled at the changes we’ve been able to make to the fellowship application process over the last few years. It’s much simpler, the word count has been slashed, and applicants are no longer required to prove their clinical competence – appraisal and revalidation do that. The icing on the fellowship cake has been the removal of the last barrier to applying – since April 2025 the application fee has been abolished. It’s now free to apply.
For me, the rewards and impact of becoming a fellow of our college have been enormous. Becoming a fellow certainly made me happier, gave me a new sense of direction, connected me with many wonderful people, and rejuvenated my career. Perhaps it could do the same for others?
Deputy Editor’s note: Information on Fellowship of the Royal College of General Practitioners and eligibility is available here: https://www.rcgp.org.uk/membership/fellowship
Featured Photo by Thomas Park on Unsplash
