Dr Catherine Ievers
Medical Director, Somerset LMC
Dr Catherine Ievers
Medical Director, Somerset LMC
How did you get here?
The lights of London and excitement of acute medicine attracted me to a career in Paediatrics and Education. However, the variety and flexibility that general practice offers enticed me to retrain.
Walkers passing me in thick congestion encouraged me to take a plunge and move to this beautiful county. I continued to commute for 12 years, to work as a GP in North Somerset. However, I became frustrated seeing systems and pathways not working. With thanks to Somerset GP Career Plus, they encouraged me to pursue my interests within general practice. I then joined the Somerset LMC and Training Hub at the start of the pandemic.
What’s your role in leading the New to Practice Fellowship for GPs in Somerset?
I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with our newly-qualified GPs throughout Somerset. This fellowship is part of NHS Long Term Plan Commitment to aid primary care workforce recruitment and retention.
It’s a 2-year programme designed to provide personalised support to newly-qualified GPs, to help them gain confidence and to develop enjoyable, fulfilling and sustainable careers in general practice. Our first cohort commenced in April 2021, and our intention is to continue these biannually. I only wish I had this opportunity!
What do you like best about working in Somerset LMC?
The team, who are wise, dynamic, supportive, and humorous. Somerset LMC represents and supports all staff holistically within our 63 GP practices. My colleague described the LMC as ‘the worriers’ so others don’t have to. Sometimes no change noted may have taken a considerable feat to get there. It’s proactive and forward thinking and no question is ever too small or big. I managed to get through many years as a salaried GP without fully understanding the LMC and how supportive it can be for ALL within a practice.
What do you like about working in the Training Hub?
The ‘can do’ approach of all within the team. Anything is possible. An idea is able to come into fruition quickly. National bids are won, and this year winning bids secured significant funding to support Somerset staff in Emotional Wellbeing and the Primary Care Library and Knowledge Service.
Come and join us
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