Description:
This book charts the journey of British General Practitioners (GPs) toward professional self-realisation through the development of a political consciousness manifested in a series of bruising encounters with the government.
Review Quotes:
"This is a scholarly book which contains original material and is well referenced... it will appeal to people with an interest in general practice political history."
Chris Derrett, BSHM February 2025
"As Chris Locke demonstrates in his detailed, insightful, and timely analysis in GPs, Politics and the Medical Professional Protest in Britain, 1880-1948, the concerns about insufficient pay, workload, not being valued, and fears that their independence will be taken from them have characterised GPs and their relationship with government since the term 'general practice' was first used in 1818... This book provides a fascinating account of the trials and tribulations of GPs as they emerged as a professional group, developed representative bodies, had repeated periods of conflicts with government, and throughout it all felt underpaid, overworked, and undervalued. Locke has done us a great service in highlighting the role of LMCs, stressing the importance of independent contractor arrangements and clearly explaining the concerns GPs have repeatedly tried to resolve. It's a book that should be essential reading for all those attending LMC conferences today."
Richard Vautrey, BJGP Life (15 March 2025)
This book provides an invaluable synthesis of the composition and formation of a 'collective political consciousness' among GPs from the late nineteenth century to the start of the NHS in 1948 - a consciousness that, as Locke ably demonstrates, shaped past policy outcomes and continues to inform healthcare in Britain today...(it) is an impressive book with a clear command of its subjects.
Andrew Seaton, Social History of Medicine
...a staggering feat of scholarship... Locke's book requires- and deserves- your patience. It is exceptional.
Stephen T. Casper, History: Reviews of New Books.