There was a feeling that politicians and health service planners had failed to understand the nature of general practice and its purpose in relation to health. The articles in this month’s Life and Times address the nature and purpose of general practice
Notwithstanding the corny connection to a fictional character, and the 'old school' approach to confidentiality, this is a charming and authentic memoir. An anecdote is by definition an unpublished story - and Martin Stagg has converted his anecdotes into 'ecdotes.'
Whilst medicine exists as social science on a socio-political level, it also has deep roots in interpersonal relationships. Medicine as social science is public and political, but it is personal too. In general practice this is widely understood and must not be
What is intensely likeable for me as a GP in his 40s is that The Health Fix also written by a GP in his 40s, with an engaging approach that blends clinical experience, medical evidence and personal history.
This issue’s life and times articles describe the failure of society and policymakers to value general practice. To value is to understand and appreciate both the beauty and appropriate uses of a thing. It also has a sense of quantitate weighing -
As 2024 dawns, on behalf of BJGP Life, I would like to thank all of our contributors, both regular and occasional. You have challenged, informed and supported us. To those thinking, 'Could I write a Life article?' please come in and have
"The extra mile is a problematic concept. If everyone goes the extra mile, do we lose sight of which miles are extra? If we are to embark on our quest then the readings in this month’s Life and Times help us to
Seasons Greetings! Party games and other Christmas crackers from BJGP Life
In CS Lewis’s magical classic The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, the heroes found a frozen land of frightened animals, where it is, ‘always winter, but never Christmas.' Could this become a metaphor for the 21st century consultation? Andrew Papanikitas unwraps
This issue focusses on the heart and cardiovascular medicine. Life and Times for its part stresses the metaphysical and metaphorical heart with an eclectic smorgasbord of useful, challenging, and entertaining articles. This includes learning from tragedy, a tongue in cheek glossary, and
The BJGP/BJGPLife team will be among the crowds at this year's RCGP annual primary care meeting in Glasgow. However, we've already done some travelling and picked up some tips to share. Catch up with us in Scotland!
The Life & Times section this month highlights ways in which we risk missing important aspects of life. Many of the articles also suggest how we can extend and add necessary flexibility to our gaze.
This month’s Life and Times articles highlight general practice at the heart of the NHS ecosystem, a powerful force for social good. It is clear that we shouldn’t waste too much time partying, and that not all of the work to be done lies within health care.
The 'deluxe' breakfast came with half a mushroom, and this was unexpectedly upsetting. The menu had boasted ‘a portobello mushroom’ and the absent half felt fraudulent, stolen even.
Variety is a selling point for the profession itself (challenging and interesting) and for the resources needed to do it well (GPs are ‘best’ placed to do many great things but need time and money invested). Andrew Papanikitas introduces this month's Life
In the summer before COVID-19 it the UK, I read three works of fiction (one after another) that changed my perspective on the world and our place in it: The Wall, The World according to Anna, and The Ministry for Future
'When reading the spread of articles in this issue it struck me that we need diversity to be better clinicians, colleagues, and citizens.' Andrew Papanikitas reflects this month's Life and Times articles, discussing gender, diversity, narrative and queer bioethics.
It is a brief and easily searchable quick reference. and it covers key ethical tools to think through a case and it covers key aspects of the law as well as a variety of practice specific situations, but has an interesting flaw...
Primary care systems can clearly be described as networks of people and things, ideas, processes, relationships and technologies. It is patently clear that we have a duty open the black boxes of our primary care systems, lest ignorance of how they work
We all need to enjoy learning about society from time to time (emphasis on enjoy). However, many of the concepts discussed in this book have a direct bearing on policy and practice in relation to primary care.
Andrew Papanikitas introduces the articles in this Month's Life and Times, and reflects on the meaning of 'Crisis' as it applies to global general practice
Andrew Papanikitas reviews this collection of practical reflections for practice by John Launer. Warning: contains concepts!
If there’s latent theme hiding in this month’s life and times, it has something to do with qualities and deployment of good leadership.
Introducing the BJGP Life and Times section for the March edition, Andrew Papanikitas wondered whether policymakers and the public see GPs as 'Things' or as 'Rational economic man.' Perhaps both views are wrong?
We can use concepts and language to share ideas/help us see things we might overlook. We can use the narratives of others to extend our own experiences of the world. The dangers from being intellectually and morally passive compel us to embrace
These are five small 'stocking-filler' books that you might see in a bookshop or a charity shop. They are all short and readable, and small enough to fit into most Christmas stockings. They all importantly have some inspiration and wisdom with which
Cassandra-like, the author warned us, and we did not listen. This is not a book about a political party or ideology however, it is about politicians and political life in the UK. Hardman’s book is divided into three sections: Why we get
For Arthur Kaufman, a visit to the dentist inspired a literary journey in creative writing. Could you be inspired to do better?
Early medical abortion, equality of access, and the telemedical imperative is an exploration of both early medical abortion and telemedicine through the lenses of clinical evidence, social developments and legal policy. Andrew Papanikitas gives us his review.