The BMJ, formerly The British Medical Journal, is a peer-reviewed medical journal and one of the oldest medical journals in the world. The journal covers all aspects of medicine and publishes original research, reviews, editorials, and more. The BMJ is a leading voice in evidence-based medicine and strives to promote best practice in healthcare.
BMJ was founded in 1840 by a group of physicians including Sir Percy Bysshe Shelley (the husband of Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein) and Sir John Herschel. The first issue was published on 7 July 1840. The journal was originally titled The Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal but changed its name to The British Medical Journal in 1854. In 1998, the journal moved from print to an online only format.
BMJ is owned by the British Medical Association (BMA), a professional body for doctors in the UK. BMA members receive a discount on the subscription price for BMJ.
The current editor-in-chief is Fiona Godlee who took over from Trish Groves in January 2015. Trish Groves had been editor since 2005 and she oversaw some major changes during her tenure including the move to online only publication. Fiona Godlee has been with BMJ since 1988 when she joined as a trainee journalist; she became deputy editor in 1992 before taking up her current role as editor-in-chief . Under her editorship, BMJ has continued its commitment to high quality journalism and promoting best practice in healthcare worldwide.
In 2016, under Fiona Godlee’s editorship, BMJ received 5 awards at the European Society of Cardiology Congress: Best Digital Initiative; Best App; Best Use of Social Media; Best Newcomer;and finally Overall Winner – Best Digital Initiative! This was recognition not just for our digital products but also for our work championing open science practices such as data sharing and registration of clinical trials .