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5 – Harold Shipman

Perhaps the most infamous GP of all time, Harold Shipman makes our panel's list for the profound changes in the regulation of general practice that have been introduced in his wake.

On the surface, Shipman was a popular, competent and generally unremarkable GP in Hyde, Greater Manchester.

He was actually one of the world's worst serial killers, responsible for the murders of at least 218 of his patients, who he killed by administering massive doses of diamorphine. He was jailed in 2000 for their murder, but hanged himself four years later.

Dame Janet Smith's inquiry laid the foundation for tougher controls on prescribing and revalidation.

Dr Harold Shipman Top 50 most influential GPs

To view the full list of Pulse's top 50 most influential GPs, put together by a panel of leading GPs to mark Pulse's 50th anniversary, please click here.