Dr Shana Tam – From local experience - building support for Cheshire's sessional GPs

NASGP

In this episode, we feature an insightful conversation with Dr Shana Tam, a GP based in Cheshire and a key representative on Cheshire LMC, where she also serves as Vice Chair.

* YouTube – https://youtu.be/KKjXlJbB9mY

Richard discusses Dr Tam's career progression, from an initial interest in palliative care to discovering her passion for general practice, driven by a desire to be 'embedded in the community' and a commitment to 'health promotion'. She shares her experiences, including GP training in Chester, her initial 'baptism of fire' as a maternity locum, navigating two distinct partnerships in Wales and England, and ultimately transitioning to a sessional GP role in late 2019.

Dr Tam offers valuable insights on 'professional risk' and the significance of 'self-reflection' in career development. The conversation highlights her extensive work as the sessional GP representative and chair of the education group for Cheshire LMC. She explains how surveys have been instrumental in identifying challenges faced by sessional GPs, such as underemployment and unemployment, noting that some responses were 'one of the hardest things' she had to read. Her initiatives aim to equip GPs with essential skills, including marketing, CV writing, interviewing, and complaints handling, addressing crucial gaps often not covered in standard GP training.

The discussion also covers the vital role of LMCs in supporting all GPs, regardless of contractual status, by providing confidential advice and signposting. Dr. Tam shares recommendations for other LMCs, emphasizing the 'valuable' contribution of sessional GPs and the 'fundamental' importance of professional unity for a secure future of general practice.

Finally, Dr Tam provides a forward-looking perspective on the future of general practice, advocating for a clear vision, understanding 'our why,' embracing new developments like AI, and prioritizing 'safe working' supported by adequate funding. This serves as a powerful reminder that 'Everyone Counts' and 'Everyone has a voice' within the profession.

We invite you to listen to this insightful discussion.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Shana Tam

00:57 - Shana's journey into General Practice

02:32 - First steps as a qualified GP: The locum years

05:19 - Navigating different partnerships and professional growth

07:40 - The art of professional risk and self-reflection

10:30 - Joining Cheshire LMC as a Sessional GP Rep

12:31 - Understanding and addressing Sessional GP needs

17:00 - The vital role of LMCs and supporting all GPs

18:27 - Advice for other LMCs

20:22 - Wisdom for GPs in 2025: Vision, Unity, and Embracing Change

24:49 - Conclusion and thank you

If you find this episode beneficial, please consider subscribing and sharing it with your GP colleagues.