Biomedical Journal Club
Language: English
Lead by: Oleg Lunov, Ph.D.
Aims of the journal club
One of the many aims is to keep abreast of the scientific literature, which has expanded greatly over recent years. The journal club has, therefore, become an integral part of continuous biomedical and biophysical education. Four years ago the new research area of biophysics in frame of the department of Optical and biophysical systems of the Institute of Physics (IoP) was established. Thus, we would like to establish regular Biomedical Journal Club in the Institute of Physics, CAS.
A journal club is an important forum for teaching research methodology and statistics, and should aim to provide the following:
- an opportunity for training in scientific research decision making and for gaining critical appraisal skills;
- an evidence based approach to problem solving;
- a tool for informing guideline development;
- an exchange of insights regarding research problems;
- an opportunity for social interaction.
Why are Journal Clubs important?
- No one reads enough. Journal clubs are an excellent way to keep up and expand.
- Not every journal club is memorable, but we tend to remember many of them. It’s good practice even for experienced speakers.
About a Biomedical Journal Club
A journal club can be defined as a group of individuals who meet regularly to discuss articles in the current medical literature1. The first reported club was led by Sir James Paget in 1835 at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London and the first known regular club was reported by Sir William Osler at McGill University in 18751. The first article examining a journal club as an educational tool was by Mattingly in 19661, 2. Currently, the journal club is a common educational tool and its role in contemporary biomedical and biophysical education for postgraduates is considerable. Nowadays, Journal Clubs are educational meetings where individuals meet regularly to critically evaluate recent articles in the scientific literature. They have often been cited as a bridge between research and practice.
References
- M. Linzer, Postgrad Med J, 1987, 63, 475-478.
- D. R. Dirschl, P. Tornetta, 3rd and M. Bhandari, Clin Orthop Relat Res, 2003, 146-157.