William Pickles Lecture 2013: For they are born for another time.

I want to dedicate this lecture to the memory of Helen Lester. Helen was wonderful in shaping her words. She will live on in our hearts for what she achieved, just as William Pickles has left a lasting legacy. From his country practice in Wensleydale and his interest in epidemiology he brought the values of primary care to an academic world where secondary care dominated. Half a century later, the secondary ethos still tends to rule in the university arena. I am the only GP on a Council of 34 medical school deans. I will argue that a readjusted balance, away from the dominant secondary care context of medical education, is needed to produce doctors fit for future health care. The honour of presenting this lecture led me to reflect on a mantra I have frequently used: