Ever wondered what it is like to be present at an event that changes history? The Academy of Medical Sciences organised a meeting entitled “Research in General practice; bringing innovation into patient care” on Dec 12, a meeting that will, I suspect, be looked upon in future as a defining moment in UK primary care […]
Category: Editors at large
Tessa Richards: Do you have a global partner?
How far does your interest in global health stretch? Far enough to have forged a link between your hospital or practice and a similar one in a low income country? If the answer is no but the idea appeals log on to www.thet.org, the website of the Tropical Health and Education Trust, or THET as […]
Trish Groves on European clinical trials
The calls to cut the red tape that ties up clinical trials in Europe grow louder and louder (see Editor’s choice, It’s time to change how Europe regulates research). Now Europe’s legislators are listening hard, and the red tape is beginning to fray. The medical research regulators (aka “national competent authorities”) in the EU’s 27 […]
Domhnall McAuley: Plane crash scare at NAPCRG
The plane didn’t crash. I was pretty sure I had turned it off, but there was no mistaking the message signal and vibration in my jacket pocket as we circled Miami, close to landing. It wasn’t just one message but five in quick succession. I had to do something. I switched it off, conscious of […]
Fiona Godlee on research in the developing world – for whom and by whom?
Most of the delegates have managed to make it to Mali, despite a threatened strike by Air France’s pilots. In the end, by various routes, there are over 1000 of us from 75 countries. Our aim is to focus on efforts to strengthen the ability of developing countries to do research for health, but airlines […]
Tessa Richards: Everyone’s smiling in Washington
In Washington’s elegant Union station Barack Obama’s face shines out from the newspaper stacks and the shops in the concourse are bristling with OB merchandise. I pass on the fridge magnets but I’m tempted by the T-shirts, many of which carry the words “change” and “hope” alongside his smiling portrait. Optimism is in the air […]
Domhnall MacAuley: Was Jesus a jogger?
It was his idea. But, neither of us was wimp enough to pull out. Dragging ourselves out of bed at 6.15am was a struggle, never mind the aching limbs from days of walking narrow winding sloping streets, and stomach cramps from unaccustomed food. […]
Domhnall MacAuley on personal, primary and continuing care … airline style
When the captain said we were 29th in the queue for take off there was a collective sigh. Friday evening, Newark airport, and everyone keen to get back to Europe. It would be 90 minutes between push off from the gate and take off. But, he apologised, explained the situation and, told us he would […]
Harvey Marcovitch on Jim
Last weekend we gathered in a clearing in a wood. Under a makeshift canvas awning, those who like to be active unwrapped the cakes, buttered the scones and boiled up huge urns of water for tea. Photographs, letters and notes were haphazardly pinned to the trees. A haze of smoke from the just-kindled campfire drifted […]
David Payne on Second Life
There’s a great scene in US sitcom Cheers when postal worker Cliff Clavin confidently predicts that email is a passing fad and the art of letter-writing will one day return. Cliff is threatened by technology, fears for his livelihood, and, besides, has no need of email. His world is small. All his social interaction happens […]