Dr Margaret Johnston, originally from Aith, will take up the reins as a GP in Scalloway in the new year, following the completion of her training and recognition for her exceptional work as a GP trainee.
In August, Margaret was named GP Trainee of the Year (North of Scotland Faculty Grant and MacLeod Award). She received the award at the North Scotland Faculty Meet and Connect Conference 2025, held in Inverness.
The RCGP North Scotland Faculty Grant and MacLeod Award recognises an outstanding General Practice Specialty Trainee (GPST) in the North Scotland region who has made a significant contribution to general practice, in line with the goals of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP).
During her year as a GP Registrar GPST3 at Lerwick Health Centre, Dr Johnston worked to strengthen the interface between primary and secondary care in Shetland and to improve internal processes within the practice. Her efforts focused particularly on enhancing care for vulnerable patients and supporting junior medical and nursing colleagues locally. The award panel was impressed by her commitment to driving improvements for patient benefit and her pursuit of high-quality care.
Dr Margaret Johnston said: "I’m very grateful to be part of the rural training programme in Shetland. The breadth of experience I’ve gained here has been quite something. I’m thankful to all who have taken the time to train me over the past five years since I returned home. My motivation is working with and caring for the community I grew up in. I love Shetland and its people, and I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather practise medicine. I’m excited to start in Scalloway in the new year."
Pauline Wilson, Director of Medical Education, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Dr Johnston has been awarded the prestigious GP Trainee of the Year Award (North of Scotland Faculty Grant and MacLeod Award). This is a tremendous achievement and a testament to her commitment, clinical excellence, and the high standard of training delivered through NHS Shetland’s Rural Tract Training Programme. We are immensely proud of Dr Johnston’s success, which also reflects the dedication and support of her Educational Supervisor, Dr Emily Jamieson, at Lerwick Health Centre. This recognition not only celebrates Dr Johnston’s accomplishments but also highlights the strength and impact of rural GP training in Shetland.”
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