Poem: ‘Just a GP’

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