Submitted by James Cantwell on Fri, 25/09/2026 - 09:57
Congratulations to Dr Juliet Usher-Smith, who has received the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) John Fry Award 2026.
The John Fry Award is presented to a Member or Fellow of the College who has promoted the discipline of general practice through research and scholarship. It is intended to encourage practising GPs within 20 years of qualification who are undertaking research while not holding a formal academic position.
Dr Usher-Smith is Associate Professor in General Practice, Head of the Primary Care Unit at the University of Cambridge, and a local GP. She joined the Primary Care Unit as an Academic Clinical Fellow after graduating from the University of Cambridge with a PhD in skeletal muscle physiology. Before being appointed Associate Professor, she held several prestigious fellowships, including positions as an NIHR Clinical Lecturer, Cancer Research UK Prevention Fellow, and NIHR Advanced Fellow.
Juliet was nominated for the award by her colleague, Professor Simon Griffin, Professor of General Practice at the Primary Care Unit.
Reflecting on the award and Juliet's contribution to primary care research, Professor Griffin said:
"Dr Usher-Smith has an unwavering commitment to excellence in clinical practice, teaching and research. To quote one of her patients: 'Wonderful doctor, has my complete trust, cannot fault her.'
Juliet's collaborative leadership is enabling and respectful of colleagues, and benefits from her topic, methodological and pedagogical expertise. Juliet is well on her way to becoming one of the leading academic general practitioners of her generation, this award is in recognition of that. I am delighted that the future of our discipline is in such very capable hands."