The ruling by three of the most senior judges in England and Wales that Theresa May must seek the approval of Parliament before triggering Article 50, signifying the United Kingdom’s […]
Columnists
Richard Smith: The optimal peer review system?
Peer review is faith not evidence based, but most scientists believe in it as some people believe in the Loch Ness monster. Research into peer review has mostly failed to […]
Jeffrey Aronson: When I use a word . . . Choleric
The third of Galen’s four fluid humours of the body, χολή, [yellow] bile, was associated, when in supposed excess, with a choleric temperament, “disposed to anger or easily angered; hot-tempered, […]
Richard Smith: Holbein’s Dance of Death—the perfect Christmas present
Hans Holbein produced his Dance of Death in Basle in 1526, mainly because he needed the money. Pictures of the dance of death were fashionable, featuring on the walls of […]
Neena Modi: The RCPCH and funding from infant formula companies
Breastfeeding is good for babies and mothers. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has long been a champion, advocating vigorously for policies that support mothers and improve […]
Jeffrey Aronson: When I use a word . . . Empathy and compassion
In my last two blogs I discussed empathy and suggested that it may take different forms. Here I expand on those ideas and compare sympathy, empathy, and compassion. I take […]
Richard Smith: STPs—too much sustainability, too little transformation?
STPs (Sustainability and Transformation Plans) are the device that it is hoped will save the NHS in England by dramatically improving efficiency and allowing NHS bodies to balance their budgets. […]
Jeffrey Aronson: When I use a word . . . Empathy—fact and fiction
The English suffix -pathy comes from the Greek -παθεια. Vary the prefix, vary the feeling: ἀντιπάθεια – suffering instead, contrary affection, aversion (ἀντί = opposite, against); εὐπάθεια – ease, sensitivity […]
Richard Smith: What should a patient ask before entering a clinical trial?
“What,” a Finnish journalist asks me, “should a patient ask before entering a clinical trial?” That’s a good question, I think, as on my feet I try to answer the […]
Sharon Roman: I am the girl next door
I flatter myself that the wedding ring on my finger does not stop the opposite sex from finding me attractive and noticing me. On good days, I am able to appear […]