Dr. Baptiste is an award winning portfolio GP, medical educator, entrepreneur, writer, visionary and champion for diversity within the medical profession.
As a portfolio GP Dr. Baptiste spends the majority of her time in clinical practice with the remainder of her time divided between a number of other careers and interests.
As a medical school examiner at Queen Mary University London she formally examines students during their practical or Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs). Through her company, DreamSmartTutors, which launched during 2016, she supports prospective medical students on their medical journeys whilst simultaneously aiming to increase diversity within the medical profession. As a STEM ambassador Dr. Baptiste also aims to encourage school students to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.
For the above contributions Patrice was a finalist at the Black British Business and Precious Awards 2016. She was also the winner of the LIFT Effects Rising Star award and a finalist at the WeAreTheCity Awards and the UK’s largest National Diversity Awards during 2017.
In addition to the above Dr. Baptiste is also a keynote speaker, having delivered a number of talks at places such as Oxford University and The British Medical Journal (BMJ) Live Careers fair. As a freelance writer she has written for the British Medical Association (BMA), the BMJ, the Medical Protection Society (MPS) and the Support for Doctors Network to name but a few. She regularly contributes to GP online discussing important topics pertaining to General Practice.
Tell us a bit about yourself, background and your current role
I am an award winning portfolio GP, medical educator, entrepreneur, writer and much more! As a portfolio GP I spend the majority of my time in clinical practice seeing patients in a GP surgery. The remainder of my time is divided between a number of other careers and interests.
I have always wanted to become a doctor; despite being at a disadvantage in a number of ways for example socio-economic background, I was accepted to study Medicine at UCL. There was a point during my training once I qualified where I seriously questioned my decision to study medicine but discovering a portfolio career through general practice allowed me to return to medicine and have a chance at being the doctor I envisioned as a child.
Did you ever sit down and plan your career?
Yes, as previously mentioned I always wanted to be a doctor and I planned how I was going to achieve that goal meticulously.
Have you faced any challenges along the way?
I have faced many challenges from feeling I was never as good as some of my counterparts at medical school and during training to wondering if I should leave medicine and select another career. However, over time I have managed to overcome my challenges due to having a supportive network, building my confidence and believing in myself more.
What has been your biggest achievement to date?
My biggest achievements would have to be qualifying as a doctor because it was incredibly hard. I would also say completing my training to become a qualified GP who is able to maintain and develop a number of other careers.
What one thing do you believe has been a major factor in you achieving success?
This is a difficult question to answer because there have been many factors but I believe having a support network in the form of family and friends has helped immensely.
How do you feel about mentoring? Have you mentored anyone or are you someone’s mentee?
I have spent a proportion of my career mentoring others, even when I was a medical student. I believe that having a mentor, who can also be part of your support network is crucial to not only career success but a deeper personal satisfaction with life.
If you could change one thing to accelerate the pace of change for Gender Parity, what would it be?
Changing peoples’ attitudes and beliefs about others would be what I would change. Sometimes people can be stereotyped and limited by other people’s perceptions and lack of understanding. I think more people should work on truly understanding and supporting each other.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self what would it be?
You are just as good as the next person, perhaps even better. Have more confidence and self belief.
What is your next challenge and what are you hoping to achieve in the future?
My next challenge is continuing to develop as a GP and taking my business to the next level.
