The role of the GP is poorly understood by many doctors. It is a common misconception among my contemporaries that the world of general practice is an ‘easy-deal’, where doctors work 9 to 5, Monday to Friday, with nothing more challenging than a patient with the common cold. Hospital doctors are quick to criticise these hard-working GPs who, in reality, have to work 10-hour days, during which they juggle surgeries (with sick patients!), visit patients at home, teach their juniors and run a …