The Royal College of GPs has appointed its first international medical graduate for its next chair of council.
Dr Victoria Tzortziou Brown trained as a doctor in Thessaloniki, Greece, before moving to London to complete her education as a GP. She has worked as GP in east London for over two decades.
The new chair will take up office in November for a three-year term when Professor Kamila Hawthorne steps down.
Dr Tzortziou Brown said: “At a time of extraordinary pressure, I will be a determined and principled voice for our profession.
“Our patients deserve excellent, person-centred care, and GPs must be supported to provide it. This means valuing continuity, embracing innovation grounded in evidence, and ensuring that every GP has the opportunity to build a fulfilling, sustainable career.”
Dr Richard Fieldhouse, NASGP chair, said: “We are very pleased to see Dr Victoria Tzortziou Brown appointed as the next chair of the RCGP council, and notably as its first international medical graduate.
“Our organisation has had the opportunity to work closely with Dr Tzortziou Brown, particularly since the challenging times of the Covid pandemic, when she supported us with the roll-out of remote working.
“We’ve consistently found her to be a careful listener who deeply understands the specific realities faced by sessional GPs and the wider profession.
“She has also actively supported the sessional GP workforce, especially at a time when ARRS roles and unemployment have been having a significant impact on many.
“This appointment is an encouraging step forward, and it’s positive to see greater representation of the diverse UK GP workforce at the head of core organisations like the College, reflecting the valuable contribution that international medical graduates make to our healthcare system. We believe this increased representation is important for ensuring the voices and experiences of all GPs are recognised and valued, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for the profession.”