Fiona Godlee

British medical editor and physician

Fiona Godlee

Fiona Godlee is a prominent British physician and editor, known for her role as the editor-in-chief of The BMJ (formerly the British Medical Journal). She has been influential in the field of medical publishing and has contributed significantly to discussions on evidence-based medicine, open access publishing, and public health.

Early life and education

Fiona Godlee was born into a family with a strong medical background. She pursued her medical education at University of Cambridge, where she completed her undergraduate studies. She then went on to study medicine at University College London, where she earned her medical degree. Her early education laid the foundation for her future career in medicine and medical journalism.

Career

Medical practice

After completing her medical training, Godlee worked as a physician in various capacities. Her clinical experience provided her with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and the importance of reliable medical information.

Medical journalism

Godlee's career in medical journalism began when she joined The BMJ in 1990. She initially worked as an assistant editor and quickly rose through the ranks due to her dedication and expertise. In 2005, she was appointed as the editor-in-chief of The BMJ, becoming the first woman to hold this position in the journal's history.

As editor-in-chief, Godlee has been a strong advocate for transparency in medical research and has pushed for the publication of all clinical trial results, regardless of outcome. She has also been a vocal supporter of open access to scientific research, arguing that publicly funded research should be freely available to the public.

Advocacy and public health

Throughout her career, Godlee has been involved in various public health initiatives. She has spoken out on issues such as climate change and its impact on health, the importance of vaccination, and the need for healthcare systems to address health inequalities. Her work has often highlighted the intersection between medicine, policy, and society.

Contributions to medical literature

Godlee has authored numerous articles and editorials on a wide range of topics, including evidence-based medicine, medical ethics, and the role of medical journals in shaping healthcare policy. Her writings have been influential in shaping discussions around these topics and have contributed to the ongoing evolution of medical publishing.

Personal life

Fiona Godlee is married and has children. She balances her professional commitments with her family life and is known for her ability to manage both with grace and dedication.

Related pages

• The BMJ
• Evidence-based medicine
• Open access
• Public health