Dr Priya George is Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group’s Clinical Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).

She talks about her upbringing in India and the rich culture of her background.

Priya was born in Kerala, a southern state in India, and was brought up in the north of India, in a city called Bhopal.

“I went to a Convent school where English was the first language. I also speak Malayalam and Hindi. After medical training, I got married and we came to the UK in 2000, to pursue further training and career opportunities,” said Priya.

“After completing my medical rotation in Burnley, Lancashire, I was looking at further training in hospital medicine, when I had my first child in 2003. I decided to move into General Practice and took up a training post in Hull, Yorkshire. I completed training and commenced work as a GP in 2007.”

“My husband took up a position as a Consultant Radiologist in Staffordshire and our family moved there. I had my second child in 2008 and continued to work as a GP.”

“In 2016, I took up a post at Market Drayton Medical practice and became a GP partner. Apart from clinical practice, I am also a GP Appraiser and a GP Trainer. I have also being a Local Medical Committee member in 2017, a board member of Our Health Partnership in 2018 and a Governing body member of the CCG in 2019.”

Priya added: “I am proud to be South Asian and the rich culture to which I belong. I love the vibrant colours and art, the flavoursome cuisine and deep seated family values that are part of my culture.”

“The large family gatherings, the festivals and celebrations are something which I enjoy and cherish. I love the diversity of cultures around us and have friends from diverse backgrounds.”

“I am a Christian and member of the Church of England at St Andrew’s Church, Church Aston, Shropshire, and value the friendship and love I have received from the community there.”

“I love UK, the kindness and politeness of the people, the beautiful landscapes, the cooler climate and even the orderly queues and roads. I truly appreciate and value our NHS which is indeed a national treasure. I am really proud to be part of the NHS family.”

Priya spoke about the difficulties faced with childcare when she and her husband were bringing up their sons, now aged 18 and 12, with no parents or relatives on hand to help.

“I think we should help trainees who are coming from overseas with advice on childcare, schooling and transport. The information would be so valuable,” said Priya.

She said that her parents were quite open in the way that they perceived people and that was an important lesson in her childhood.

She is passionate about equality and diversity and in 2020 she was appointed as a CCG Clinical Lead to cover Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Mental Health, Children and Young People, Learning Disabilities and Autism and Maternity.

“I sit on the ICS EDI group and have helped organise events throughout last year to raise awareness about Black History Month, LGBTQ+, Disability and Islamophobia.

“I have also helped set up and organise BAME network events and currently am working with our primary care team in formalising our primary care ethnically diverse network.

“We have also managed to get some funding for a GP champion for ethnically diverse groups, especially those in training, to help address the concerns in this group and having their voices heard. We are also looking at creating the role of a “Freedom to speak up Guardian” in primary care, which is something I have raised as a gap before.”

“I am passionate about equality and inclusion and believe that compassionate leadership which hears all the diverse voices is important for the success of any organisation.”