I was recently honoured by the College. Not with a gong or a fellowship but by an invitation to vote in the Election of Members of College Council 2005–2008. I was instructed to read the Candidates' Statements first and, of course, could not refuse. The 12 candidates (I cannot call them the Baker's dozen as the Honorary Secretary only nominated two) were a strikingly experienced and talented bunch. Among them there were three professors, a past GPC chair, chairs of Council, JCPTGP chairs and a veritable smorgasbord of present Council members and GMC and RCGP examiners. Yet despite this, humility was evident. One candidate either chairs or is a member of 17 committees and yet described himself as an ‘ordinary’ GP. I'll show you ordinary mate. After reading this I felt less like a grass roots member and more like a worm within. This member once attended a faculty annual lecture and … well, that's been it. I was rather despondent at the energy, talent and contribution of others, but relieved that such greatness speaks for my profession and me. But how representative are these worthies? Only one practises in my country, that being 60 miles as the crow flies (a worrying expression for a worm) and the youngest is 10 years my senior. I know of several members who have felt as close to the College as they do to an orbiting planet and exchanged their College subscriptions for that of a wine club. Could the College and Council be more inclusive and representative? It's not for me to say, but meanwhile I'll continue to enjoy the Journal (the second half anyway) and to exercise my vote.
- © British Journal of General Practice, 2005.
