Who we are

Ali Hutchings

I am the Bath APD and support the TPDs to link you, the trainees, into the Severn School of Primary Care. I trained in Bristol (now BNSSG) and am a GP Partner and trainer in Horfield, North Bristol. I previously worked as a fellow in Bath and more recently as a TPD in BNSSG. I am passionate about delivering high-quality GP training in Bath, to help you develop into rounded, independent clinicians who have the experience and skills required to embark on the career path you choose after training. I have three children and a post lockdown puppy who keep me entertained outside of work along with rugby season tickets and unskilled paddle boarding adventures!

Alice Gardner

I am a GP trainer and salaried GP at Trowbridge Health Centre in Wiltshire, and have an interest in Women’s Health as well as enjoying all the variety that General Practice has to offer. I believe in the power of GPs to make the world a better place, be that through a great person-centred consultation or by working with and speaking up for our communities. I have been a very happy resident of the amazing city of Bath ever since moving here to start my GP training in 2008, and now have two daughters to keep me busy! Away from work, I love tennis, outdoor swimming and spending time at our family allotment.

Ravi Patel

I work as a salaried GP at the Heart of Bath surgery in Bath where I am the clinical lead for Diabetes. I completed my GP training in Bath in 2021 having been an education scholar in my ST3 year. I worked as a clinical teaching fellow in Swindon before spending a couple of years working in Australia on the Sunshine Coast before returning to the UK. I enjoy travelling and multiple sports but most of my spare time is increasingly spent with my young son.

Michelle Penn

I am a salaried GP at West Walk Surgery in Yate (Bristol). I have always had a passion for medical education and am a medical student teaching lead within my practice for the University of Bristol. I did my GP training in Bath, during which I undertook an Education Scholarship in GPST3 and a Leadership GPST4 year. I am pleased to be returning to my home turf in role as Training Programme Director! 

I have two young children who keep me rather busy, and enjoy escaping the bedtime routine by playing tennis, running or going to the pub. I frequently find myself signed up for some sort of race/triathlon/event that I am not quite fit enough for but enjoy the challenge!

Brigid Tunney

After studying and working in Devon and Cornwall, and spending a couple of years in Australia, I returned to the UK to Bath to complete my GP training. I utilised the training opportunities we have locally with a public health scholarship and an ST4 Leadership year, which gave me the time to work further with the Bath TPD team amongst other projects. With this developed interest in working with the GP training scheme, I worked as a TPD in Bristol on finishing my training and subsequently joined the Bath team just prior to my current maternity leave. My clinical work is as a salaried GP at Westfield Surgery in Radstock.

When not working, I am kept busy with my 3 small children and when they allow me the time, I enjoy music, crafting, cooking and hiking.

Paula Cain

Paula is the GP Programme Manager for the Bath patch. She is available Monday to Thursday between 8am and 4.30pm. Paula can be contacted via email at paulacain@nhs.net

Maria Phantis

Maria is the GP Administrator and is available Monday to Thursday between 8.30am and 2.30pm. She can be contacted by email at maria.phantis@nhs.net