With his successful career as a GP in a socially deprived part of London, Dominic Roberts could perhaps be forgiven for feeling he has paid his dues to society.
But far from sitting back, Dominic (OE 1989–1994) is now hoping to serve in a challenging new arena: he is applying to become a doctor with the Royal Naval Reserve.
“This is an interest that has come in later life: I wasn’t in the CCF at School or anything like that,” he says. “I want to strive to do something different and help to try and make the world a better place, having seen the atrocities taking place currently. I also have a love of being at sea.”
While at QE, Dominic was a Form Captain and Prefect and achieved grade 8 in flute and grade 3 in piano. After a gap year which included four months on safari in Africa, Dominic studied Medicine at Leeds University from 1995 to 2000. Whilst there, he nurtured a passion for sailing, competing in the sport for the university. Today he holds the International Certificate of Competence, qualifying him to skipper a yacht.
Dominic spent the summer of 1996 as a volunteer carer and teacher at a Romanian orphanage.
He began his medical career with spells as a houseman in hospitals in Scarborough and Bradford, before returning to London for a hospital medical training post. He then switched to GP training in Hackney and has worked in his current practice for more than ten years.
“I enjoy the teamwork in caring for a socially deprived and cosmopolitan area with all its challenges,” he says. “I have an interest in teaching and I am an educational supervisor, GP trainer and Programme Director for GP trainees in Hackney.” Dominic is also Clinical Director for Islington Clinical Commissioning Group and is a columnist for Innovait, the Royal College of General Practitioners’ journal for trainees.
Over the years, he has gained a number of further medical qualifications, including diplomas in child health, obstetrics and gynaecology, primary care ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) and, most recently, a postgraduate certificate in medical education from the University of Westminster.
In his spare time, as well as sailing, he enjoys walking, camping, travelling and cycling. He rides to work from his home in London’s Docklands and also takes part in charity bike rides.
Dominic is hopeful that he will succeed in his application to the Royal Naval Reserve, but also realistic: “It’s actually quite tough to get in. I passed the psychometric test – the only one who did out of three applying to be officers.
“I am now ‘attesting’ at HMS President on the Thames.” This means he has started training, but a decision on whether he can continue will depend on him passing the medical and fitness test. “Then there is the Admiralty Interview Board, which involves two days of assessment.
“Fingers crossed, but it does seem tough! If I’m not successful I’ll still be glad I tried, as it’s been interesting.”