Commentary magazine

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Commentary is the membership magazine of the RCP, delivering authoritative insight and opinion across a diverse range of subjects – including news, thought-provoking features of interest to clinicians and updates on the RCP's engagement with the wider physician community across the globe.

Start with the December welcome from Professor Mumtaz Patel and scroll down for the full contents of this recent edition.

In conversation

Find all our interviews, opinion pieces, discussions between physicians and more

Interview
07/12/25
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Interview: RCP's educational opportunities – Dr Alex Crowe

The RCP aims to deliver impactful education that equips doctors to lead, grow and thrive at every stage of their career. Commentary speaks to Dr Alex Crowe, a consultant nephrologist in Liverpool, NHSE Responsible Officer appraiser and RCP censor who has contributed to several RCP courses, and Philip Welsby, RCP joint head of education and delivery. They share the exciting RCP courses that they have worked on, and Alex discusses why effective medical education is so vital to physicians throughout their whole career.
Interview
07/12/25
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How to best care for patients in temporary care environments

‘Corridor care’ is becoming a year-round challenge; but how can you and your colleagues protect patients – and staff – when forced to offer care in temporary environments? Commentary speaks to Dr Zuzanna Sawicka, RCP clinical director for patient safety and clinical standards, about the challenges of temporary care environments and the RCP’s recent guidance to help safeguard patients and clinicians.
Interview
07/12/25
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Interview: supporting refugees' mental health

What does it mean to work with some of the most vulnerable patient groups in the UK? Dr Rebecca Farrington, a GP with a special interest in asylum seeker mental health, works with the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. She shares the unique challenges that she encounters in this role and how physicians can provide patient-centred care to refugees and asylum seekers.

Features

Article
07/01/26
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‘Systems are simply not built with complex needs in mind’: a spotlight on health inequalities and homelessness

Dr Pippa Medcalf, a consultant in acute medicine in Gloucester Hospital, explains why homeless patients face some of the greatest barriers to healthcare – while Amin Islam, deputy manager at a GP surgery in East London, illustrates these challenges. He shares his experience supporting patients with complex needs across primary and secondary care.  
Article
07/12/25
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Meet the virtual poster competition 2025 winners

The RCP virtual poster competition showcases the best in medical research, audit, education and innovation.
Article
07/12/25
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Celebrating milestones in RCP accreditation: 10 years of improving allergy services and 25 years of improving immunodeficiency services

Two of the RCP’s accreditation programmes – Improving Quality in Allergy Services (IQAS) and Quality in Primary Immunodeficiency Services (QPIDS) – marked their anniversaries at the RCP at Regent’s Park, London with a day of reflection, collaboration and celebration.
Article
07/12/25
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Shaping the future of healthcare: the RCP at party conferences in 2025

In late September and October, the RCP darted across the country to attend Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative party conferences. In Bournemouth, Liverpool and Manchester, senior officers and policy and campaigns staff delivered a wide-ranging programme of successful events and meetings – engaging ministers, shadow ministers and parliamentarians on key RCP priorities.
Article
07/12/25
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Room for improvement: hip fracture care in 2024

This new report discusses how hip fracture care in 2024 improved under the influence of the RCP’s National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD), and calls for similar work to improve the care of people with pubic ramus fracture and other fractures of the pelvis.
Article
07/12/25
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Commentary news round-up: December 2025

Since the last edition of Commentary in October, the RCP has been working to represent our members and support the work of physicians. Read our summary of the news from the last 2 months and the upcoming opportunities – and what to look forward to in 2026.
Article
07/12/25
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Spotlight on the RCP Medicine podcast: celebrating 100 episodes

Go behind the production curtain to hear from the physicians involved in this engaging podcast that brings listeners into the heart of contemporary medical discussions. Tune in, get ready to celebrate episode 100 in January 2026 and learn more about contemporary medical.
Article
07/12/25
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Born in Bradford: can a research study change a city?

Professor John Wright, doctor and epidemiologist leading Born in Bradford and the Bradford Institute for Health Research, shares the ongoing work of an 18-year health study that aims to create a healthier city for future generations after presenting it at the December 2025 Update in medicine – Cardiff.
Article
07/12/25
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Post-fall medical examination: a brand-new resource to support healthcare professionals

The RCP’s National Audit of Inpatient Falls (NAIF) has produced a brand new post-fall medical examination resource that – for the first time – provides detailed guidance for healthcare practitioners (HCPs) assessing inpatients following an inpatient fall. Dr Sarah Howie, consultant physician in general and senior health medicine, explains how this new resource will help improve care on the wards.

International

Hear about the work of RCP from across the globe.

International
07/12/25
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A rewarding exchange: my journey as an external examiner in Bangladesh

Dr Seif Salem Al-Abri shares his experience of travelling to Dhaka, Bangladesh, as an external examiner on behalf of the RCP; from what he experienced in Bangladesh, to what he learned about the global mission of medical education.
International
07/12/25
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ECSACOP: vision and strategy from the incoming president

As the East, Central and Southern Africa College of Physicians (ECSACOP) marks its 10-year anniversary in 2025, the college stands at a pivotal moment in its journey – a moment shaped by resilience, collaboration and an unwavering commitment to advancing physician training across East, Central and Southern Africa.
International
05/10/25
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Training in Iraq: interview with a resident doctor

The RCP Iraq Network was founded in November 2020 to improve education, health service provision and research for Iraqi physicians – from undergraduate students to newly graduated doctors, all the way to consultants.

You might be interested in

Get RCP gifts this winter

Our latest seasonal items and gifts are now available from the RCP online shop. From the 2026 RCP calendar and Christmas cards with illustrations from the RCP garden, to a stylish eco-notebook and an attractive ballpoint pen. 

We also sell our own unique RCP teddy bear, a perfect gift for children and the young at heart…

*Orders to arrive in the UK before Christmas must be placed by Wednesday 17 December. No overseas orders placed from now can be guaranteed to arrive this year.

 
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EPCA applications open 5 January 2026

We’re delighted to announce the return of the Excellence in Patient Care Awards in 2026. These awards celebrate the outstanding work of RCP members and fellows who are driving improvements in patient care across the UK and internationally. If you’ve led a project that has made a real difference to patients, this is your opportunity to celebrate your work. 

View 2025’s winners and finalists, and get inspired.

 
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RCP members wanted for Commentary advisory group

Could you help us shape the future direction and content of Commentary, the RCP’s membership magazine? We are seeking enthusiastic RCP members to join the Commentary advisory group, supporting the magazine’s strategic and editorial development

 
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Commentary is the membership magazine of the RCP which includes news from the RCP, thought-provoking features of interest to clinicians and updates on the engagement of the RCP with the wider community.

Visit this page to see the last year of articles.

To find out more about our articles or write for us, contact Commentary@rcp.ac.uk.