Last week I attended a conference for surgeons. In the hall, a poster described the case of a neurology patient who had, literally, inhaled a chicken sandwich. The surgeon, with […]
Guest writers
Shakir Mustafa: A return to Nepal after the earthquake
In the immediate aftermath of last year’s earthquake in Nepal I took part in an emergency mission. A few weeks later we returned for an aid and education mission. And […]
Michelle White on Mercy Ships—providing free and safe surgery to some of the poorest parts of the world
Millions of people face financial ruin to afford surgery. Five billion to be precise, that’s how many people in the world currently have to weigh up the dilemma of financial […]
Elizabeth Atherton and Josephine Head: How environmentally sustainable are the UK’s new dietary guidelines?
Last week saw the launch of the Eatwell Guide—the UK’s official food guide to healthy diets. Astonishingly, despite major changes in eating habits and advances in nutrition science, this is the […]
Andy Cowper: How to march your troops back down again
As another bout of industrial action concludes in the junior doctors’ dispute, the BMA junior doctors’ committee leadership has won outright. Their leaders were carried in triumph down Whitehall, celebrating […]
Lindsey Hines and Elle Wadsworth: Would the UK benefit from a regulated cannabis market?
The Liberal Democrats have announced a proposal for cannabis law reform in the UK. It is not without precedent, coming at a time of […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Adam White: Why tackling in school rugby should be banned
Seventy academics, doctors, and public health professionals recently called for a ban on tackling in school rugby. They have called upon “Childrens’ Commissioners to protect children from the risks of harmful […]