In an article on this subject in the July 2004 Newsletter, Jerry Playfer explained that, for the first time, the Society would be making direct recommendations to ACCEA for potential awards in the 2005 round.

Also for the first time, self-nomination was being actively encouraged, as well as the original and more traditional route of nomination by the Regional Father Figures. This change has been further re-emphasised by emails which were sent to the Father Figures and the regional secretaries.

All nominations were screened by a group comprising the President, President-Elect and representatives of the England and Wales Councils. Those selected for nomination were invited to update their CVQ and from this citations were prepared. The ranked list was submitted to the Royal College of Physicians (London) in November. The College has prepared its own list and the Society will independently submit its own list in January 2005.

Members are advised to visit the ACCEA website regularly (www.advisorybodies.doh.gov.uk/accea), and to follow the instructions exactly.

The system in Scotland and Northern Ireland is different, and members will receive advice from Dr Margaret Roberts and Prof Bob Stout respectively about their countries' systems.

Lights under bushels
In concluding, we understand the reluctance of our members to raise the bushels where they are hiding their lights, but the UKMC is keen to encourage the system of self-nomination. We would therefore urge readers to overcome their natural modesty and gear up to trumpet their achievements for the 2006 round.

Peter Crome
President-Elect