Doctor in the house…

My name is Anne-Marie Faulkner and I qualified as a doctor from the Royal London Hospital in 1997. I completed all of my post-graduation training in Essex and Kent and then joined General Practice Partnership 13 years ago in Newbury. It has been a busy few years and we have just merged two surgeries together to form Strawberry Hill Medical Centre which open in 2016 and we provide primary healthcare services to 22,000 patients.

Aside from managing my busy life as a full time GP, I have recently been reintroduced to exercise. After many years of stating I was allergic to exercise it transpires I was just lazy! I have fitness aims in my life but will never desire to row any distance like the team, 2km on the indoor rower is enough for me

Travel is important but in my mind so is luxury in this activity. I am lucky that I get to go away for 2 long haul holidays a year, to be pampered in paradise. It is my therapy and keeps me sane, or so I hope!

I know Billy from my younger days, although not the million years ago he suggested in recent communication!

I have been following his tales of epic adventures through social media and was delighted to be asked to provide general medical advice if needed during the next adventure. Although I do not expect my services to be called on very often, there may well be advice required on minor ailments such as bruising or sprains, as well as the potential for a more major problem such as a fracture. All of the crew have some basic first aid training and I would hope that most things, barring medical emergencies, could be managed without the need for medical evacuation.

Everyone at Strawberry Hill Medical Centre wishes the crew the best of luck with their challenge.