It was a close-run thing, but the champion chosen by over 400 readers of Pulse magazine was RCGP chair Dr Clare Gerada.
The populist RCGP chair has fearlessly fought the profession's corner against anything or anyone she feels is undermining general practice and the NHS in 2011, and won 41% of the vote. She will receive a celebratory hamper from the Pulse team.
Following closely behind was former GP and chair of NHS Tameside and Glossop Dr Kailash Chand with 40% of the vote. Dr Chand was recognised by readers for his high profile campaign against the health bill.
Here are the other nominations for GPs who did the profession proud in 2011:
Dr John Cormack
An Essex GP, Dr Cormack has campaigned tirelessly on behalf of his practice, which he claims is the worst funded in the country – and has turned a long-running dispute with his PCT into an art form.
Dr Louise Irvine
The Lewisham GP and vocal health bill critic went head to head with Dr Hamish Meldrum over the BMA's stance on the NHS reforms, and highlighted claims its press office had deliberately downplayed GP opposition.
Dr Richard Scott
Like Tony Blair, Pulse doesn't ‘do' God – but wherever you stand on praying, Dr Scott's David and Goliath fight with the GMC over a thorny ethical question has won GPs' respect.
