ABSTRACT
In the early 1990s, with the introduction of the 1990 Contract, fundholding and other NHS changes, educational institutions, freelance consultants, drug companies, publishers and FHSAs began to engage in practice management development. Several GPs and practice managers initially became interested in management from observing others. One GP's father ran a restaurant, enabling the GP when quite young to develop 'a feel for business' and for recognizing the skills of others. Many previous work experiences were formative for both GPs and managers: running a company; running a family; running a haulage contracting firm in which a practice manager had learned to manage diverse people. Association of Managers in General Practice (AMGP) events offer the opportunity to come together with other practice managers who face the same challenges; to share observations, reflections and understanding; and to cross-fertilize ideas.
