International Medical Graduates group

Organised by the RCGP IMG Member Community Group, 24th September 2025

A couple of weeks ago, our community had the privilege of hosting an inspiring online fireside chat with an exceptional leader in UK medicine: Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Council.

With 33 members in attendance, the hour-long session was a deep dive into a remarkable career built on compassion, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to patient care. For those who couldn't join us, here are the key insights from a truly engaging conversation.

A global heart rooted in local communities

Professor Hawthorne’s story itself is a powerful lesson in belonging. Born in Tanzania and the child of IMG doctors of Asian origin, her personal narrative bridges continents. While she trained as a GP in the UK, her perspective is deeply informed by an understanding of diverse backgrounds and the contributions of IMGs to the NHS. Qualifying from Oxford University in 1984, she has dedicated 36 years to general practice, with 29 of those spent serving communities in South Wales.

Her impressive bio, which includes roles as Head of the Graduate Entry Medicine Programme at Swansea University, Trustee for major organisations like The King's Fund, and being a Bevan Commissioner is underpinned by a simple, powerful belief: we must train "excellent, caring and inclusive clinicians, for a global society."

Forging your path to leadership

A central theme of the evening was demystifying leadership. Professor Hawthorne offered pragmatic, heartfelt advice for IMGs looking to build credibility and step into leadership roles within a system that can sometimes feel unfamiliar.

Her blueprint for leadership is built on foundational qualities rather than complex strategies. She emphasised the importance of being:

• A safe pair of hands: Reliability, common sense, and integrity are paramount. It’s about being someone others can trust to be honest and dependable.
• A relationship builder: True leadership stems from being a good listener, a team worker, and someone who is pleasant and helpful to colleagues. It’s about caring for your team as much as you care for your patients.
• Authentically yourself: Perhaps the most resonant message was the encouragement to "be yourself." Skills and confidence grow with time and experience; they don’t need to appear overnight.

Her actionable advice for aspiring leaders was clear:

1. Stand your ground: When you believe in something important, advocate for it, always with politeness and courtesy, but with firm conviction.

Learn by observation: "Watch those in leadership you admire. See what they do that is good and copy it; avoid the things they do that are not good."
Be courageous: "Don’t be afraid to take the bull by the horns." If you see an opportunity for improvement, step up.

Redefining role models: The power of representation

One of the most memorable moments came when Professor Hawthorne redefined what it means to be a role model. It’s not just about words and policies; it’s about presence.

She shared a powerful anecdote from a Council session where she and former Chair, Helen Stokes-Lampard were the only women on the podium.

After speaking, some female GPs approached her, complimenting both her speech and her shoes. Professor Hawthorne noted that the comment about her shoes was far from superficial; it was a symbol of identification. These doctors saw in her a leader they could relate to, proof that success and leadership could look like them. This moment underscored a vital lesson: representation matters. By simply being present and confident, she demonstrated the potential for others to follow.

A passion for equity and patient advocacy

Throughout the chat, Professor Hawthorne’s passion for tackling health inequalities shone through. Her own research for her MD focused on Type 2 diabetes in BAME communities, and she remains a fierce advocate for equitable access to healthcare. Her message reinforced that GPs are not just clinicians but essential advocates for their patients within the wider system, a principle that aligns perfectly with the goals of our IMG community.

The session with Professor Hawthorne was more than just a talk; it was an affirmation. It affirmed that leadership is accessible, that your background is a strength, and that sometimes, making a difference starts with being a reliable, caring professional, and maybe, just maybe, wearing a great pair of shoes.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Professor Hawthorne for her generosity, wisdom, and time.