Volunteering opportunity awaits

Written by
Dr Aaliya Gopal

Published
25 Apr 2022

25 Apr 2022 • by Dr Aaliya Gopal

I have volunteered for the Royal College of General Practitioners since qualifying as a GP in 2020. I learned about the College’s work by attending regional and national events and taking up the open invitation to observe Midland Faculty board meetings. I was given a warm welcome and my perspective was valued.

I put myself forward as Birmingham Representative and was elected onto the Faculty Board. Getting involved in my local Faculty allows me to put forward innovative ideas for Membership engagement and bring those ideas to life. I enjoy interactive GP Wellbeing events and have organised an award-winning “Cooking for Busy GPs” evening and, more recently, “Time to fold: Origami for Self-Care”.

I can use my lived experience as a Faculty Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion, encouraging reflective conversations on how we can better represent our membership community at all levels.

I champion the importance of educating GPs and future GPs about the specific needs of the diverse ethnic communities we care for. I have been able to influence regional and national output through a RCGP Podcast, newsletter, communications for Ramadan and South Asian Heritage month.

Volunteering for RCGP gives me a supportive environment to use my voice and leadership skills to follow my passions.

Twitter post below:

'Ramadan is usually a time for community and connection'

As we move through the month of #Ramadan this year, @Aaliya_UK brings you 5 practical tips on best supporting #TeamGP staff during this time.

— TeamGP (@TeamGP) April 27, 2021

About the writer

Dr Aaliya Goyal, Midland Faculty Board, Faculty Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion, and Fellowship Committee.