Commentary magazine

Health, illness and society: interview with an author

Dr Alexis Paton is director of the Centre for Health and Society at Aston University, where she is a senior lecturer in social epidemiology and the sociology of health. She is also the chair of the RCP's Committee on Ethical Issues in Medicine and the lead for the social and psychological aspects of health curriculum for Aston Medical School. Her new book, Understanding health, illness and society: A patient-centred approach to healthcare, shows how social structures and social norms shape both individual and collective health.

Interview

Jono Brüün: the RCP’s new CEO

Commentary clinical editor Dr Ollie Minton speaks to the new CEO after they both started their RCP roles in January 2026. Jono explains why he is excited to work at the RCP, how he became interested in working for medical royal colleges and what he hopes to achieve in this new role.

Features

Breakfast at the House of Lords: the power of prevention

In December, the RCP hosted its annual Peers’ breakfast at the House of Lords. The Peers’ breakfast gives the RCP the opportunity to bring together senior officers, special advisers and members of the House of Lords to discuss our members’ priorities.

February welcome from Professor Ollie Minton

I am really pleased to take up the role of clinical editor and work with the wider team on Commentary and kick off 2026 with the February issue.

February welcome: Professor Mumtaz Patel

Welcome to the first 2026 edition of Commentary, the RCP's membership magazine. I hope you have all had a wonderful start to the year.

Breaking the cycle: closing the gap in fracture care

Adults who sustain a bone break after minimal trauma often have life-changing loss of independence, persistent lower quality of life and increased mortality. Half of all adults aged 50 or over who break a bone after minimal trauma are at high risk of another fracture in the next few years.

Munk’s Roll in the 21st century: what is the nature and purpose of medical obituaries?

Dr Mark Weatherall FRCP shares the history and legacy of Munk's Roll – now Inspiring Physicians – the series of RCP obituaries or biographies of fellows, starting from 1518 to the present day.

07/01/26

‘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.  

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.

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.

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.

International

Hear about the work of RCP from across the globe.

International

An international exchange: the BIA-ECSACOP fellowship

Two young doctors share their experiences of taking part in the East, Central and Southern Africa College of Physicians and British Infection Association exchange. They share what they learned while working in Sheffield, UK and Zomba, Malawi – travelling, training and taking part in conferences in these two very different region

International

Rebuilding identity and establishing a career in the NHS: the power of proactive support and mentorship for international medical graduates displaced by conflict

Dr Mohammed Rashwan, a Palestinian doctor from Gaza currently working in London, and Dr Aicha Bouraoui, consultant rheumatologist, share what it means to be a displaced doctor – and how mentorship is vital for navigating the NHS.

International