Specialist GP- Why recognition matters w Dr Samantha Murton

Episode overview

What does it mean to be a Specialist GP — and why does it matter?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Samantha Murton, Fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (FRNZCGP). Together, we unpack what Fellowship really represents, why the title Specialist GP is so important, and how it sets us apart from general registrants or other health professionals.

We talk about the training pathway, the value of the title, and how recognition translates into patient trust and safer care. Sam also explores the international perspective — why family physicians in the UK are paid on par with hospital specialists — and asks why New Zealand still lags behind.

This conversation is a call to action: for GPs to proudly use their specialist title, for patients to understand its importance, and for all of us to advocate for recognition and pay parity in primary care.

In this episode we cover

1. What FRNZCGP means and why it matters
2. Why the title “Specialist GP” makes a difference
3. The importance of distinguishing Specialist GPs from other health professionals
4. The training pathway and what it represents
5. How recognition impacts patient care and trust
6. International comparisons: the UK vs New Zealand
7. Why advocacy is crucial for the future of General Practice
8. What we can each do to support the cause

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Listen Here:

1. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/specialist-gp-why-recognition-matters-w-dr-samantha-murton/id1845748299?i=1000743708878
2. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1955idYIvAmXOyO9tuSMC2?si=QqgAmS_VSjGeGP_LedYnrQ