After house jobs in the Victoria and Dumfries I had a further 6 months Obs and Gyn at
Robroyston. I was then offered a job, in 1973, as a GP in a West
End practice (long story!) - it seemed a good idea at the time and
I never left. At that time we had 6 full time and 2 part time partners with 4
surgeries and approx 25,000 patients (fairly mind boggling now) covering most
of north west Glasgow. Over the years we gradually downsized and when I retired
in 2009 we had 6 partners and 11,500 patients working from one surgery
(Northcote). The years were interesting as apart from the many changes in GP
work patterns we also had to cope with major internal problems (egstruck-off partner, threat of dissolution
caused by another partner). We were successful fundholders and achieved the Investors in People award, Quality Practice
award and RCGP accreditation. We are also a teaching practice. Since retirement
I miss the chat and banter with staff and patients but at last the stress has gone!!
Personal Details
I married Christine in 1977, an orthopaedic
sister in Gartnavel, who retired in 2006 (and who has been dreading my
retirement because I will get in the way). We have 2 sons – Andrew (30) an
accountant working in Johannesburg and Gordon
(27) a PE teacher in Glasgow
(for the moment). I eventually gave up rugby (playing and coaching) at 42ish
and took up country dancing (Christine’s idea – she is very good) and continue
to be very keen. I also took up water-skiing and later on windsurfing. Last
year I started (easy) hill walking and since retirement have spent much more
time in the garden (no longer do I have to rush out between showers !). About 8
years ago I had serious health issues and it has only been over the last 3 years
or so that I have managed to regain any sort of fitness.
Family bonding – winning the last Lion’s Test
in Joburg 2009 v SA: Gordon, Andrew and Ian
In normal mode – Gordon, Ian, Christine and Andrew
