the journal describes itself as having "an international and multi-specialty readership that includes primary care and public health professionals". it claims to act as "a forum for debate, education, and entertainment for clinicians interested in uk medicine and relevant international developments and research. the aim of the journal is to influence clinical practice and policy making across the whole range of medicine". each issue contains original research articles, editorials, reviews, and essays. the essay section brings together "think pieces" on current medical issues and medical history. the journal also includes book reviews. each issue also features a selection of commentaries from the james lind library, an online resource for patients and professionals that documents the evolution of fair tests of treatments in health care.