As Dr. Barry Small prepares to embark on a new chapter of life in retirement, we reflect on the immeasurable impact he has made on this GP surgery and the lives of countless patients.
At the tender age of 30, Barry started his career as a Partner at Parkfield Medical Centre. He showed commitment to the health and well-being of his patients and was a considerate and loyal member of the team. He has been fully immersed in the running of the Surgery with his Partners and has bought wisdom, humility, and a genuine passion for medicine to the Practice.
But it wasn’t just the medical expertise that defined Barry’s tenure here. It was the way he listened intently to every patient’s story, treating not just the illness but the person behind it. When patients saw him for treatment, they also came for the reassuring smile, the kind words, and the sense of trust that he exuded.
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, Dr. Small faced challenges head-on, adapting to new technologies, treatments, and protocols without ever losing sight of the human element of medicine. He was also very instrumental in setting up the strong links for training and mentoring aspiring young doctors who wanted to transition to General Practice and led the training programme as Director for the Welwyn and Lister Hospital training scheme for over a decade.
As we bid farewell to Barry, we do so with a mix of emotions. There is sadness in saying goodbye to a cherished colleague, mentor, and friend. Yet, there is also joy in knowing that he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire us for years to come. On behalf of all the staff, patients, and the community you have served so diligently, we thank you.