King’s GP and former BMA GP committee chair receive honours 

The King’s doctor and the BMA’s former GP committee chair are among GPs recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List. 

Former GPC chair and RCGP president Dr Richard Vautrey, who is a GP in Leeds, was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for ‘services to general practice’.

Dr Vautrey chaired the GPC from 2017 to 2021 and served as RCGP President from 2023 to 2025. 

Meanwhile, Dr Michael Dixon, who has been a practising GP for 40 years and was the head of the Royal Medical Household and Doctor to the King since 2022, was made Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) by the King himself.

Dr Dixon – who will now become Sir Michael – chaired the NHS Alliance from 1998 to 2015, and in 2016 NHS England appointed him its first national clinical champion for social prescribing. 

The College of Medicine – which Dr Dixon founded and jointly chairs – said he had been head of the Royal Medical Household ‘until this month’ and said he had ‘inspired generations of GPs and healthcare professionals through decades of work’. 

Professor Sir Sam Everington, fellow College of Medicine co-chair, said: ‘Michael is a great model for family doctors and has for many years been an exceptional ambassador both nationally and internationally for the NHS, quality care and empowering patients. 

He added: ‘Michael is known for advocating for an NHS that prioritises patient-centric care, continuity of doctor-patient relationships, and holistic, integrated person-centred treatments. He is a prominent champion of grassroots clinical leadership, local empowerment, and reducing reliance on top-heavy bureaucratic management.’ 

Meanwood Group Practice in Leeds, where Dr Vautrey practises, said on social media it was ‘incredibly proud’ he had been awarded a CBE. 

The practice said in a Facebook post: ‘We are absolutely thrilled and immensely proud to share the wonderful news that our very own Dr Richard Vautrey has been recognised in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List!

‘This prestigious honour is a true testament to his unwavering commitment, hard work, and the incredible impact he has made on healthcare, both locally within our community and on a national scale.  

‘To have his achievements celebrated at the highest level is a monumental milestone for him and an absolute honour for everyone at the practice.’ 

Elsewhere, Dr Tyrell Evans, who was a GP partner for 35 years at Paxton Green Group Practice in Dulwich, south London, will become a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for services to palliative care. 

Dr Evans is vice president of St Christopher’s Hospice, south London. In a statement from the hospice announcing the award, Dr Evans said: ‘I am delighted for my work to have been recognised in our King’s Birthday Honours. … I am fortunate to have worked with so many skilled, committed and compassionate people. It has been a real pleasure to be part of the teams at Paxton Green and St Christopher’s, and I hope to continue my involvement with our hospice for many years to come. 

‘May I take this opportunity to thank all my friends and family who have contributed to my wife’s legacy fund for the hospice.’ 

And Dr Azhar Chaudhry, a GP at Thistlemoor Medical Centre in Peterborough, received an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) ‘for services to the community in Peterborough’. 

Dr Chaudhry is also an executive member of the Association of Pakistani Physicians of Northern Europe (APPNE). In a social media post from the APPNE announcing the award, Dr Chaudhry said: ‘From arriving in the UK as an International Medical Graduate with no NHS experience, to achieving MRCGP, becoming a GP Trainer and Partner, being awarded FRCGP, receiving numerous local, regional and national awards, and now being awarded an MBE, the journey has been both extraordinary and deeply humbling.  

‘This recognition belongs to all those who have supported and worked alongside me, including the people of Peterborough, my colleagues at Thistlemoor Medical Centre, the national and local BIMA teams, APPNE, my trainees, local charities, community leaders and local mosques. Thank you for being part of this journey.’ 

Lastly, Liverpool GP partner Dr Deborah Faint was also awarded an MBE, for ‘services to General Practice for People Experiencing Homelessness in Liverpool’. 

Brownlow Health, a group of four Liverpool practices, said: ‘Dr Faint has dedicated nearly 30 years to improving healthcare access and outcomes for some of Liverpool’s most vulnerable communities. Widely recognised as a leader in inclusion health, her work has focused on addressing the complex needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, trauma and social exclusion. 

‘She has been the driving force behind Brownlow Health’s specialist Homeless Service, which provides tailored healthcare and holistic support to people experiencing homelessness across the city. Under her leadership, the service has played a vital role in breaking down barriers to care and improving access for patients who often struggle to engage with traditional healthcare services.’