The Liberal Democrats have announced a proposal for cannabis law reform in the UK. It is not without precedent, coming at a time of global change in how governments respond to cannabis use, and is not a niche issue. Government figures show over 6% of the UK population used […]
Peter Scolding: “Europe has a problem . . . and neither riot police nor volunteerism are the answer”
In my first week in Calais, the appeal to prevent French authorities beginning evictions from the “Jungle” was denied. Very few had hoped for a reprieve, instead discussion was focused on the “whens” and “hows.” Tension was growing. French authorities have said that there are 1000 people in the southern part of the camp, however, […]
Sunil K Pandya: The Indian Medical Council’s new code of ethics favours industry
The Medical Council of India is entrusted with the task of maintaining high standards in medical education and practice. Its code for professional conduct was recently modified. One would expect an improvement, but the Council, has again decided to prioritise those with clout in the medical profession, in the form of doctors’ professional associations, and […]
Medicine and literature: The 2016 Wellcome Book Prize
The role of medicine in our lives, and in literature, is the key theme explored by the books shortlisted for this year’s Wellcome Book Prize, according to Joan Bakewell who chaired the awards judging panel. Introducing the shortlist, Bakewell said the role of medicine in our lives was a “dynamic and growing genre of literature […]
Jane Feinmann: Addressing malnutrition
Doctors have faced up to the challenge of treating obesity. Is it now time to address that other major weight disorder—malnutrition? Less common in the general population than obesity, malnutrition is an ever-present health risk for older people—with one in ten over 65s either already suffering or at risk of becoming under-nourished, according to a […]
Kallur Suresh: Is the dementia plan for England a challenge too far?
Last week saw the publication of the implementation plan for the Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia 2020. This new challenge aims to consolidate and build on the progress made since the first challenge issued by the Prime Minister in 2012. The challenge has the laudable aims of making England the best place to live well […]
Richard Lehman’s journal review—14 March 2016
NEJM 10 Mar 2016 Vol 374 Treating malaria in pregnancy 913 Here’s a tonic for those of us who lie abed with thoughts about the stupidity of the world and the pointlessness of medical research. The PREGACT trial was supported by the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership and it tells doctors in Africa exactly […]
Janis Burns: Why the GMC should advocate for juniors in the contract dispute
As a doctor I am regulated by the General Medical Council (GMC) and I have mixed feelings towards this body. Its function is to protect the public from bad doctors. This is simultaneously reassuring and terrifying. Not all doctors who find themselves in front of a fitness to practise tribunal are bad and the experience is, […]
Jeffrey Aronson: When I use a word . . . Value and fulfilment
Some think that the current dispute between the UK Government and the junior hospital doctors is about money. Some think it’s about patient care. Both are only partly right. What it’s really about is feeling valued and fulfilled. The doctors don’t. The Indo-European root UAL meant power or strength. The Latin derivative valere meant to […]
Andrew Guest: Pots from pills
I began making ceramics just over ten years ago, as a counterpart to my main career promoting and creating opportunities for artists and architects. I quickly discovered the allure of casting clay in plaster moulds; first, the precision with which liquid plaster sets to a clean white negative shape, and then the way in which […]