I am a member of a vast team,
Yet I work alone.
I feel valued by many,
Yet I am undervalued by a key few.
I own, manage and work independently,
Yet I am accountable to everyone.
I must offer judgement,
Yet I must not be judgmental.
I am privileged to be told,
Yet the information can be a burden.
My influence is wide,
Yet little of what I say is remembered.
I care for thousands,
Yet must focus on the individual.
I must remain the advocate of each,
Yet often I must say, “No”.
I am deeply trusted,
Yet I feel under great scrutiny.
I stand on a pedestal,
Yet I am vulnerable to all.
I know about a great many things,
Yet I know a fraction of all I may need.
I must teach them all I know,
Yet I have to learn more.
I must allocate the resource,
Yet I know there is not enough.
I must find evidence for it all,
Yet I must think for myself.
I must be friendly,
Yet I dare not become friends.
I am a Great Paradox,
Yet I am ‘Just a G.P.’
I am a General Practitioner,
But I think it’s more important I’m a Good Person.
- © British Journal of General Practice 2019
