It was not easy identifying them; I had to rely a lot on nomination from peers. The information in biographical dictionaries of “leading” scientists was scant and searches on the internet revealed very little. But now, I am mid way through my six month fellowship and it seems I am overwhelmed with the numbers, this […]
Domhnall MacAuley: Achievements of academic primary care in the last decade
What do you think were the achievements of academic primary care/ general practice in the last decade? We discussed this recently by email in a BMJ advisory group of primary care academics; the dialogue was fascinating. […]
Stephen Ginn on energy use in hospitals
According to a recent article in the Guardian newspaper I’ve worked in the two most polluting buildings in the UK. Over the course of one year the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel was responsible for the emission of 46,218 tonnes of CO2, (rated G). Cambridge’s Addenbrooke’s hospital – in whose A&E department I worked – […]
Joe Collier on big pharma vs the mobile phone: let battle commence
I strongly believe we are heading for one almighty battle. Millions and millions of pounds have been spent by the drugs industry in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Much more money is being reaped as drugs (often of marginal benefit) are used in its management worldwide. With this scenario all was looking secure for the […]
Richard Smith: What’s bothering doctors?
The fantasy that doctors are primarily concerned with patients and not much at all with money goes deep and is highly reassuring. Everybody was upset by two health ministers – Enoch Powell and Ken Clarke – observing that almost all of their conversations with doctors’ leaders were about money. […]
Julian Sheather: The girl who said no to a heart
When she was five, Hannah Jones was diagnosed with Leukaemia. Although successfully treated, the drugs weakened her heart and by the time she was twelve it was clear that without a transplant she would die. She declined the offer. Faced with a major operation of uncertain outcome, the prospect of a lifetime on medication, and […]
Peter Lapsley on media bandwagons
When asked whether they shape public opinion or reflect it, journalists working for national news media tend to affect wide-eyed innocence, insisting that they simply report the facts and that it is for their readers, listeners and viewers to reach their own conclusions. The dimmest of them may believe such nonsense; when the brighter amongst […]
Liz Wager: Getting irrational about denture cleaner
I’ve recently caught myself acting irrationally about denture cleaning tablets. Let me explain. I’ve decided to have my teeth straightened. This involves wearing a brace (but as it’s a high-tech one, only for a few weeks). Said brace requires a daily dunking in what the BBC would no doubt call ‘a proprietary denture cleaning solution’ […]
Richard Smith: A bad case of health
I’ve been puzzling for years over how to define health without making much progress, but I thought I might take a step forward by listening to a discussion on the radio about whether philosophy can help you live the good life. […]
MSF doctor Caroline Forwood on kala azar in India
The music is loud tonight, layers of competing sounds, horns and wind instruments, a screeching female voice on a tannoy system then a man with a better trained voice, car horns and shouting. The 11pm train from Patna must be able to sense the competition and is blasting a longer than usual announcement of its […]