Critical Appraisal wins at the BMA Book Awards 2012

14th Sept 2012 | Workshop

The Doctor's Guide to Critical Appraisal has won first prize at the prestigious BMA Medical Book Awards 2012!

The result was announced at BMA House in Tavistock Square, London on 13 September 2012 in a lavish ceremony attended by the biggest names in medical publishing. Author Dr Narinder Gosall accepted the award from BMA President, Professor Baroness Hollins.

The BMA Medical Book Awards started in 1994 with the aim of encouraging and rewarding excellence in medical publishing. Books are judged on accuracy, appropriateness, quality of design and production, originality of content, approach and value for money. Prizes are awarded in 21 categories. Professor Averil Mansfield, Chairman of the BMA Board of Science, commented that it was “no mean feat to be shortlisted”, as they received several hundred individual entries for the awards. The Doctor's Guide to Critical Appraisal won in the Basis of Medicine category.

Dr Narinder Gosall said, "I am delighted that the book has been recognised by the British Medical Association. It was an honour to have been shortlisted by the BMA in such a competitive category but winning it was beyond my wildest dreams."

Dr Gurpal Gosall, co-author of the book, said, "We set out to write a book that would be the one-stop solution for everyone who reads clinical research papers. We already knew from our courses and workshops that we could teach critical appraisal knowledge and skills effectively. The challenge was to translate that experience into the form of a book. Over the years we've received a lot of positive feedback and encouragement about our unique and comprehensive approach. The BMA Medical Book Award is the icing on the cake!"

The programme included excerpts of the BMA reviews:

"I think this text is a great introduction to critical appraisal, a subject often not well-taught and where knowledge is sometimes assumed. It is an easy to read and short text. I particularly liked the chapter on presenting at a journal club which had some good practical advice. I would definitely recommend it. It is easy to dip in and out of to refresh on a specific topic."

"Critical appraisal is something I recognise to be important but is something I have not given priority to previously with so many other things to read about. Many texts on statistics and critical appraisal are very dry, but I was pleasantly surprised to find myself enjoying reading this book. It is very clearly written and explains the concepts very well. I found the section on interpreting results very useful and practical. This is an excellent review of principles of critical appraisal and more, easily accessible for busy professionals."

Dr Narinder Gosall accepts the award from Baroness Hollins

Dr Narinder Gosall relaxes with the PasTest team at the BMA Medical Book Awards 2012

Bma medical book awards 2012 winner