ABSTRACT
In 1964, Alfred Bentley Davies, chairman of the General Medical Services Committee (GMSC) between 1958 and 1964, resigned leaving a population of general practitioners tired, disillusioned and in need of new leadership. General practitioners were on the brink of retirement, which compounded the recruitment crisis at a time when patient numbers were increasing, particularly amongst the young and old. Furthermore, premises and equipment were inadequate and greater numbers of ancillary staff were required. The 1966 General Practice Contract was a landmark juncture that changed general practice in the United Kingdom. He led from the front as a key negotiator between general practitioners and government; from his position at the head of the GSMC talks were heralded to usher in a brand new contract. Cameron resigned from his position in 1974, and was duly granted a gold medal citation from the British Medical Association in recognition of his valuable influence and achievement.
