BMA Scotland has elected Dr Andrew Buist to take over as chair of the GP Committee.
Effective 23 August, Dr Buist replaces Dr Alan McDevitt, who has headed the Scottish GPC since 2012.
Dr Buist, a GP in Tayside, has been deputy GPC chair since 2006.
Dr Buist, who graduated from Edinburgh medical school in 1987 and has been a GP in Blairgowrie since 1993, said: ‘It is a privilege to be elected to lead SGPC at such an exciting time for general practice.
‘Having been involved in the negotiation of the 2018 GP contract in Scotland, I am keen to build on this and ensure that we maximise its potential to reduce the workload pressures and GP recruitment difficulties that many practices have been facing.
‘Key to this is ensuring that additional investment and resources are available so that GPs can do what they do best – working as expert medical generalists, providing continuity of care to their patients close to home.’
Dr Alan McDevitt, a GP in Clydebank, will continue to serve as a member of Scottish GPC and a member of the BMA’s Scottish Council.
