So you want to be a writer? An introduction to BMJ Student

What is BMJ Student ?

BMJ Student is a section of The BMJ , a general medical journal that publishes content aimed at a diverse audience—from doctors and researchers to patients and the public. Student content is published online (bmj.com/student) all year round, and medical students will also find out about the journal when an annual copy of the print issue is handed out at the freshers’ fair in September—articles written by students throughout the year are selected for inclusion in this glossy magazine.

Although BMJ Student is mostly geared towards medical students, it also aims to bridge the gap between student and new doctor. Two types of content are usually published—articles, which appear online (with a selection chosen to appear in the yearly print issue), and the podcast, Sharp Scratch. BMJ Student is proud of this podcast. You can listen in each fortnight for discussions on “all the things you need to know to be a good doctor but that you might not get taught in medical school.” Each episode, which features an expert guest as well as students and junior doctors from BMJ Student ’s panel, aims to replicate corridor conversations so that it feels like you are getting advice from friends in the year above. Themes covered include elements of “the hidden curriculum,” such as professional identity, role modelling, and medical stereotypes. You can learn more about the Sharp Scratch team here and listen to episodes from wherever you access podcasts, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Unlike The BMJ , which publishes many article types, such as original research and state of the art reviews, BMJ Student typically commissions Opinion, Feature , and Careers pieces, and series such as “Day in the life of a medical student . . .” …