Bristol GP wins major Royal College of General Practitioners research award

A Bristol GP and lecturer has been awarded the 2017 John Fry Award by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and Society of Academic Primary Care (SAPC).

Dr Matthew Ridd is a practising GP and Consultant Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Academic Primary Care, at the University of Bristol. His research explores continuity of care and person-centred care, with a foundation in dermatological issues in general practice and wider primary care.

As well as highlighting the importance of his research, a panel of senior academics praised Dr Ridd’s leadership in a wide range of clinical and academic communities. Their decision was agreed by the RCGP’s governing Council in June.

The John Fry Award is presented to a practising GP, who is a College Member or Fellow, who has promoted the discipline of general practice through research and publishing.

Dr Ridd will receive his award at the RCGP Spring General Meeting on 12 May 2017.

He said:

“I’m delighted and honoured to receive this award. General practice and primary care in the UK are the jewels in the NHS crown, and as such deserve the best evidence to support the complex and important work that the doctors and nurses working do every day. My contribution, only possible through the many mentors and colleagues who have supported and work alongside me, is my small part towards this endeavour.”

Professor Maureen Baker, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said:

“The value of academic primary care can never be underestimated. It is essential in progressing our profession in the best interests of our patients and keeping general practice sustainable for the future – that is what the John Fry award was created to recognise, and that is what Matthew has done. He is a very worthy winner and I look forward to seeing what comes next from him – congratulations on this excellent achievement.”