Fifty years of the Journal

The black box of medical journals

“…This has always been important, if not always fully agreed upon in the past. 3 It may never have been more needed given how topics are, in these times, debated with ferocity. Indeed, the word 'debated' implies a civility and willingness to have one's views changed that is often missing from online forums.…”

“…More than that the BJGP goes further, aware of the need, as the former editor Graham Buckley wrote in the 1980s, of the 'balance to be struck between the publication of original research, analysis of evidence of good practice, and commentary on the interface between medicine and the sociopolitical context of the day.' 3 None of this should be taken for granted. If the turbulence of recent political times has taught us anything it is that we can't assume permanence.…”

Memories: Standing on the shoulders of giants

“…RMS McConaghey fought to keep the College's journal, this journal, as a peerreviewed, scientific publication, against much opposition, and was rewarded by its inclusion in Index Medicus in 1961 as the first scientific journal of general practice in the world. 5 In 1962, Prince's Gate was purchased. In 1963, Richard Scott was appointed as the first professor of general practice in the world.…”