British Medical Journal

Academic journal

British Medical Journal  

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Discipline	Medicine
Peer-reviewed
Language	English
Edited by
Former name(s)
History	1840–present
Publisher	BMJ Group (United Kingdom)
Frequency	Weekly
Open access

The British Medical Journal (BMJ) is a weekly peer-reviewed medical journal published by the BMJ Group. The journal was established in 1840 as the Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal and has undergone various title changes before acquiring its current name in 1988. The BMJ is one of the world's oldest general medical journals, aiming to publish high-quality, original research that advances healthcare and impacts clinical practice and health policy.

History

The BMJ began publication on October 3, 1840, as the Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal. It was founded by a group of physicians led by Dr. Peter Hennis Green. In 1857, it was renamed the British Medical Journal and became more widely known under this title. Throughout its history, the BMJ has been at the forefront of medical advancements and public health issues, including the publication of seminal papers on medical ethics, evidence-based medicine, and public health.

Content and Features

The BMJ publishes a variety of content types including original research, review articles, editorials, and letters to the editor. It covers a broad range of topics across all specialties of medicine, emphasizing the impact of research on clinical practice and health policy. The journal is also known for its series of educational articles aimed at clinicians and healthcare professionals.

One of the notable features of the BMJ is its commitment to open access and transparency in the publication process. It advocates for the sharing of clinical trial data and has policies in place to ensure the integrity of the research it publishes.

Impact

The BMJ is highly regarded within the medical community. It has a significant impact on both clinical practice and healthcare policy worldwide. The journal's impact factor, a measure of the frequency with which its articles are cited, places it among the top medical journals globally.

Editorial Stance and Controversies

The BMJ has been known for its outspoken editorial stance on various health and policy issues. It frequently publishes articles that challenge established medical practices or policy decisions, sometimes leading to controversy within the medical community. However, this approach is generally seen as part of the journal's commitment to critical analysis and debate.

Access and Circulation

The BMJ is available both online and in print. While some content is freely accessible, full access to all articles requires a subscription. The journal's circulation includes thousands of subscribers worldwide, ranging from medical professionals and researchers to healthcare policymakers.

See Also

• Medical research
• Clinical trial
• Open access (publishing)
• Health policy