Interview With… A Retired GP
In our latest interview with a local wellness hero, we talk to Dr Simon Kay whose name persistently pops up in our encounters with patients. They invariably talk about him in glowing terms, whether it’s his personable bedside manner, or the fact that he’s the only GP they’ve ever seen who manipulated their spine! We caught up with “Doc” over a coffee to hear some reflections on a life in medicine.
(5 minute read)
"That's me on the right!"
Morning Simon! Thanks for agreeing to chat with us. Can you state your full name for the record please?
Simon Kay
And your occupation?
Retired/ Locum GP / Sports & Exercise Doctor
How did you get into medicine?
My Dad talked about being a GP; it seemed like a good job… I wasn’t particularly brilliant at any one science so I chose a job that was as much art as it was science!
I went straight from school to Medical School in London and the rest is history. I’ve loved my career, I think mostly because I like people; helping them makes me feel good as well as them.
Who was your biggest influence in medicine?
First and foremost would have to be Dad. He was a GP then moved into psychiatry. As I said it was him talking about his work that first enthused me, and thereafter he gave me the confidence when I needed it.
John Creamer was my SHO in Chester when I was newly qualified. He taught me a huge amount of medicine relevant to General Practice. He taught by experience and made the work relevant to me as a future GP. He also emphasised the importance of support for my colleagues. Most of all he nurtured and encouraged my curiosity and pushed me to self-educate in areas that held my interest.
David Ryland was my first GP mentor. He taught me the art of General Practice and how to deal with patients. Through him I learnt the importance (and the art) of communication. He also gave me excellent guidelines on my favourite subject - Asthma. The things he taught me are still valid 52 years later!
Clive Percival - a Podiatric Surgeon - taught me everything I know about foot health.
Two Sports Therapists: Mike Young who taught me plenty about physical medicine and Tammy Emmins who still teaches me about biomechanics - even now!
What is your philosophy on health?
You have control over your health, apart from one thing: the date you die.
That’s the only part of fate I believe in!
What do you think medicine gets wrong today?
As a health service, there is a need to maintain a certain amount of distance from from patients which we don’t seem to be achieving. We can’t do everything for them; I think we need a contract with patients that they will play their part. They need to educate themselves, use experienced family members for help & advice etc.
In primary care we should encourage the use the range of para medical services and take the pressure off the NHS. Patients need to know what is available to them - Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Sports Therapists, Counsellors, or even practice staff like Practice Nurses, Receptionists & Managers. We should be advising and encouraging patients to self help via these health workers.
What do you think medicine will look like in twenty years?
Either the NHS will be gone or on some sort of rationing system… Unless we all pay more in taxes.
What was the hardest lesson you learned during your career?
A few spring to mind. Don’t falsely reassure people. Treat them as genuine until proven otherwise. Accept and admit mistakes. You could maybe sum it up as “be transparent”, I think.
What have you changed your mind about in medicine?
I used to think the NHS could do do everything. It can’t
Besides work, what are the passions in your life?
Family, home, garden and sport & exercise
What are your plans for retirement?
I’m already there! However I do believe that if you stop altogether you’ll die. I’m still doing bits of locum work and have continued in my position with Exmouth RFC.
It’s probably more use for me to provide some retirement advice. Firstly it’s expensive! So do try to provide your own pension. Don’t stop completely and let all your years of experience go to waste. Do something: part-time work, volunteer, whatever.
“Time is precious, waste it carefully”
What do you do to relax?
Gardening or exercising. If I’m not moving I can watch history stuff on TV, or documentaries.
If pushed to give people the 3 easiest things they could do to improve their health, what would they be?
Exercise: it’s the best drug for health and longevity (the next best is more exercise)
Stop smoking & cut down drinking,
Don’t eat ultra processed food it’s junk!
Is there anything else you’d like to state for the record?
I believe you make your own luck? It’s your life: use it! Don’t let others restrict you.