Guild of Health Writers

MARCH 2009

17 Mar 2009, 6.30pm
Guild AGM
Location: The Friends House, 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ
Summary: Full Memebers only.

FEBRUARY 2009

12 Feb 2009, 6pm
HEALTH SCREENING : when and for what?
Location: The King's Fund 11 Cavendish Square London, W1G 0AN
Summary: Medical screening is a controversial area. So the Guild has asked three doctors, each with their own point of view, to join us for an up-to-date look at the subject. One question, for example, is the extent to which there is a danger that people may turn to private companies for screening which some doctors might consider of dubious benefit. An example is the PSA dilemma. It is said that 80% of men by the tim... Full details...

DECEMBER 2008

9 Dec 2008, 7pm - 10pm
Guild Christmas Party
Location: The London Oratory/St Wilfred’s Hall, Brompton Road, SW7 2RP (Next to the V&A Museum)
Sponsor: Solgar Vitamin & Herb, Glasgow Health Solutions, The Nutricentre
Summary: THE GUILD OF HEALTH WRITERS CHRISTMAS PARTY Join us for drinks, canapés and live music. Full details...

JULY 2008

3 Jul 2008, 6.30pm
Boost your memory workshop
Location: The YWCA Central Club 44 Portland Place London W1B 1NE
Summary: How good is your memory? Do you struggle to absorb information quickly when researching an article? Once you’ve written your piece, is all that medical detail quickly forgotten? And when you’re networking, is it hard to remember names and faces? If so, this workshop is for you. With our expert speakers, you will find out how to:

• Improve your memory
• Learn simple and effective memory techniques ... Full details...

MAY 2008

22 May 2008, 7pm
Guild of Health Writers’ Debate: Does NICE really deserve its reputation for being nasty?
Location: LEWIS Media Centre Millbank Tower, Millbank London SW1P 4RS
Sponsor: LighterLife
Summary:

Does NICE really deserve its reputation for being nasty?

When NICE, which celebrates its 10th birthday this year, denied a new class of drugs to patients in the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease the decision resulted in High Court action by the Alzheimer's Society.

Earlier this year a Health Select Committee investigation claimed NICE assessments do not always take into account treatments' ... Full details...

MARCH 2008

17 Mar 2008, 6.30pm
Guild of Health Writers AGM
Location: The Friends House 173 Euston Road London NW1 2BJ
Summary: Full Members only. Full details...

DECEMBER 2007

11 Dec 2007, 7pm
GHW Xmas Party 2007
Location: The Foreign Press Association 11 Carlton House Terrace LONDON SW1Y 5AJ
Summary: Please join us for wine, canapés and live music. Your colleagues, contacts, friends or editors are all welcome!

OCTOBER 2007

11 Oct 2007, 7pm
Guild of Health Writers Awards 2007
Location: The Foreign Press Association, London
Sponsor: Lighterlife
Summary:

The Guild of Health Writers Award gala reception will take place on the evening of 11 October 2007 at The Foreign Press Association, London.

To find out more about the Awards and to get an Entry Form please click here.

They will be presented at a gala reception in at The Foreign Press Association, London on October 11th 2007. The total pri... Full details...

JULY 2007

2 Jul 2007, 6.30pm
Use Your Voice workshop
Location: The Novartis Foundation 41 Portland Place London W1B 1BN
Summary: In today's competitive marketplace, it's not just the written word which gives you the edge - your voice can also be a powerful tool. Whether you're pitching to an editor over the phone or giving a presentation to a potential new client, the ability to speak confidently and succinctly can give you the edge. During this workshop, our three experienced public speakers will show you how to overcome nerves when s... Full details...

APRIL 2007

16 Apr 2007, 6.30pm
Guild AGM 2007
Location: The Friends House, Room 2, 173 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BJ – opposite Euston Station.
Summary:

Guild AGM 2007 and mystery dinner - for members only.

After the business part of the meeting, all attendees are invited to go to nearby Indian Restaurant for supper. The money saved on catering for the AGM meeting will be used to subsidise the dinner at a Bring Your Own Wine/Beer restaurant. Venue to be announced after the AGM.

Nominations please

Two members of the Main Committ... Full details...

MARCH 2007

20 Mar 2007, 6.30pm
Don’t be blinded by science workshop
Location: The Novartis Foundation 41 Portland Place London W1B 1BN
Summary: Confused by statistics? Confounded by research results? Don't know your qualitative from your quantative or your correlation from your causation? Help is at hand. With so many studies pouring out of research institutes, companies and charities into your inbox every day, it's hard to know exactly what they all mean, and which ones are valid. So let our experts guide you through the basics on how research is ca... Full details...

6 Mar 2007, 7pm
The Great Debate
Location: The Royal Geological Society Burlington House, Piccadilly London W1J OBG
Sponsor: Equazen
Summary: Should a treatment have to be scientifically proven before it is made available on the NHS? That is the subject of this year's Guild of Health Writers debate, to be held in March. With more and more people turning to complementary medicine when they find pharmaceutical drugs do not work for them or they cannot tolerate their side effects, the issue could it be more topical and concerns all of us who write abou... Full details...

FEBRUARY 2007

17 Feb 2007, 10am
Charge what you're worth workshop
Location: The Novartis Foundation 41 Portland Place London W1B 1BN
Summary:

Do you know your value? And do you consistently ask to be paid appropriately? How confident are you that you can increase your rates each year, whatever the state of the freelance market, because editors know you’re good and no one else has your expertise?

If you’re still working your socks off for editors who pay peanuts… it’s time you charged what you are worth.

Selling yourself for less... Full details...

DECEMBER 2006

6 Dec 2006, 7pm
GHW Xmas Party
Location: The Foreign Press Association 11 Carlton House Terrace LONDON SW1Y 5AJ
Sponsor: Workhouse PR
Summary: Please join us for wine, canapés and live music. Your colleagues, contacts, friends or editors are all welcome! Full details...

NOVEMBER 2006

28 Nov 2006, 6.30pm
I WILL SURVIVE! - Top tips on staying motivated
Location: The Novartis Foundation, 41 Portland Place, London W1B 1BN
Summary: We all know the feeling: it’s been a while since you’ve had a commission. Your self esteem is at a low ebb. Or you’re unhappy in your job. How do you stay motivated? This workshop is aimed at any health journalist looking for tips on surviving as a freelance, or wanting to build the confidence to move to a new staff job – or a new career. Full details...

OCTOBER 2006

25 Oct 2006, 6.30pm
Wine, Coffee, Chocolate - Does A Little Of What You Fancy Do You Good?
Location: The Novartis Foundation, 41 Portland Place, London, W1B 1BN
Summary: One week wine or coffee is bad for us, the next they have health benefits. So why is there so much conflicting evidence, and can these foods and drink really be healthy? Full details...

JULY 2006

20 Jul 2006, 6.30pm
Have you got a book in you?
Location: The Novartis Foundation, 41 Portland Place, London, W1B 1BN
Summary: Have you got a book in you? Got a great idea for a book but don’t know how to get published? Have you already published books but want to break into new markets or increase your earnings?

JUNE 2006

28 Jun 2006, 6.30pm
Sex On The Brain Seminar
Location: The Novartis Foundation, 41 Portland Place, London, W1B 1BN
Summary: Sexual dysfunction is estimated to affect millions of us so what’s going wrong with our sex lives? If you want to find out - and drum up new story ideas on a well-covered topic - then this seminar is for you.

APRIL 2006

4 Apr 2006, 6.30pm
GUILD AGM - Full members only

MARCH 2006

27 Mar 2006, 6.15pm 7pm -
THE TRUTH ABOUT VACCINES
Location: The Commonwealth Club, 18 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5BJ
Summary: You’ve heard the hype, the horror stories and the myths about vaccination. Now discover the facts - for now, for the future. Full details...

8 Mar 2006, 7PM
GUILD OF HEALTH WRITERS WRITING AWARD
Location: The Commonwealth Club, 18 Northumberland Avenue, London, WC2N 5BJ
Summary: Health Writing Awards 2006 Join us at the inauguration of the Guild’s Writing Awards 7PM Champagne reception 7.45PM Awards presentation and speeches 8.30PM Buffet supper AWARD CATEGORIES Consumer Health Feature Trade/Specialist Feature Online Feature Best Overall Freelance Best Young Writer (aged under 25) JUDGES Dr Kamran ... Full details...

FEBRUARY 2006

7 Feb 2006, 6.30pm
FINDING CASE STUDIES
Location: The Novartis Foundation, 41 Portland Place, London, W1B 1BN
Summary: You’ve got a brilliant idea for a feature – but it is crying out for a case study. How do you find one to fit the bill? This workshop is aimed at anyone who’d like some tips on the best way to track down that all-important case study, what an editor wants from it – and survival tips if things don’t work out quite the way you’ve planned. Full details...

DECEMBER 2005

13 Dec 2005, 6.30pm
GUILD CHRISTMAS PARTY
Location: The Foreign Press Association, 11 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AJ

NOVEMBER 2005

29 Nov 2005, 6.30pm
BREAKING NEW MARKETS WORKSHOP
Location: The Novartis Foundation, 41 Portland Place, London, W1B 1BN
Summary: Sick of pitching? Tired of magazines closing or cutting down on freelance staff? Got a staff job but looking for a new challenge? There’s a lot more to health writing than just consumer magazines and newspapers … Full details...

APRIL 2005

21 Apr 2005, 6.30pm
Eldorado! - Making more money and staying on the right side of the law
Location: The Novartis Foundation, 41 Portland Place, London, W1B 1BN
Summary: As you file copy in a rush, have you ever felt a chill down your spine as you worry whether you may have fallen foul of the ever changing media law? Perhaps you’ve wondered if you’re making a pact with the Devil as you sign a contract? Full details...

MARCH 2005

14 Mar 2005, 6pm
OPEN FORUM & AGM - Full Members only
Location: The Kings Fund, 11-13 Cavendish Square, London, W1M 0AN
Summary: For the very time, you, the Guild’s members are invited to an open forum to put across your views about the Guild. If you think we’re focusing on the wrong issues or that we’re out of touch, tell us (nicely, please)! And if you’d like to get more involved, have ideas for future events, or would simply like to meet your fellow Guild members, this is your chance! Full details...

FEBRUARY 2005

16 Feb 2005, 6.30pm
Guild of Health Writers Debate
Location: The Royal Geological Society, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J OBG
Summary: If you are a journalist, PR professional, policy maker, healthcare professional, or researcher working in health and medicine, then the portrayal of health in the media affects you. Don’t miss the chance to join in what promises to be a lively and hotly contested debate on the state of health journalism, chaired by Dr Miriam Stoppard, President of the Guild of Health Writers. The distinguis... Full details...

JANUARY 2005

11 Jan 2005, 6pm
CONTACT SKILLS
Summary: You're not alone if you arrive at a meeting, step inside the room and panic at the sight of a crowded room. How do you mingle pleasantly with people but get what you want out of that session i.e. speak to all the people who can help you and avoid getting stuck with those who can't? Our two speakers networking guru Carole Stone and body language expert Judi James will show us the way. Full details...

NOVEMBER 2004

23 Nov 2004, 7pm
CELEBRATE THE GUILD'S 10th BIRTHDAY
Location: The Arts Club, Dover Street, W1
Summary: Don’t miss our fabulous anniversary party to mark the 10th birthday of the Guild of Health Writers. Full details...

OCTOBER 2004

26 Oct 2004, 6pm
GENETICS UNCOVERED
Location: The Commonwealth Club, 18 Northumberland Avenue, London, WC2N 5BJ
Summary: What is genetics? What are the latest advances? What should the media be getting really excited about? How could they change the world of health and medicine? What are the real ethical issues - gene therapy, sex selection? Speakers: * Prof John Burn from the Institute of Human Genetics, Newcastle, will discuss how advances in genetics will influence medicine, such as stem cell... Full details...

JUNE 2004

9 Jun 2004, 6pm
What Editors Really Want
Location: The University of Westminster, Marylebone Campus (Opposite Baker Street Station), Marylebone Block, Room M324, 35 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5LS
Summary: THE PITCHING GAME - PLAYING TO WIN Pitching ideas is our business. But whether you’re just starting out or you’ve got years of experience behind you, sometimes it's hard to work out just what editors want. We've asked four top health journalists and editors to come along and let you know exactly what they're looking for from freelancers. So join us to find out what you're doing right and what you're doing wrong. Full details...

MARCH 2004

11 Mar 2004, 6.30pm
Guild Of Health Writers AGM
Location: The October Gallery,, 24 Old Gloucester Street,, Bloomsbury, , London , WC1N 3AL
Summary: Full Members Only

FEBRUARY 2004

26 Feb 2004, 6pm
Campaigning Health Journalism
Location: The Medical Society of London, Lettsom House, 11 Chandos St, London, W1M 0EB
Full details...

10 Feb 2004, 5.30pm
How to LOOK GREAT and SOUND SENSIBLE on TV AND RADIO
Location: Boardroom, The University of Westminster,, 309 Regent Street, London
Summary: Back by popular request! Journalists who can talk about health issues are always in demand Maybe you are already an expert in your field or have a book to promote But will you make the most of your 30 seconds on air?

DECEMBER 2003

4 Dec 2003, 6.30pm
GUILD CHRISTMAS PARTY
Location: October Gallery, 24 Old Gloucester Street, London WC1

SEPTEMBER 2003

23 Sep 2003, 6pm
Research Workshop
Location: Science Media Centre, The Royal Institution of Great Britain, 21 Albemarle Street, London, W1S

JUNE 2003

5 Jun 2003, 7pm
Guild Summer Party
Location: The Foreign Press Association
Summary: An excellent networking opportunity

MAY 2003

8 May 2003, 6pm
Better Than Drugs?
Location: Tha King's Fund
Summary: Can vitamins really fight cancer? What’s the link between essential fatty acids and murder? And how can training the brain help you beat the rat race? Full details...

APRIL 2003

10 Apr 2003, 6pm
Travel Seminar
Location: The Royal Academy
Summary: If you have trouble drumming up fresh travel health ideas for those summer deadlines join us at the Royal Academy, take in the stunning Aztecs exhibition and learn about the health issues of travelling abroad: * What are the real risks for holidaymakers? * Are our jet set lives exposing us to unnecessary dangers? * Can probiotics really protect us against those foreign bugs? Full details...

MARCH 2003

11 Mar 2003, 6.30pm
Guild AGM 2003
Location: Science Media Centre, The Royal Institution of Great Britain, 21 Albemarle Street, London, W1S
Summary: FULL MEMBERS ONLY

FEBRUARY 2003

25 Feb 2003, 6.30pm
Successful Freelancing Workshop
Location: Science Media Centre, The Royal Institution of Great Britain, 21 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4BS
Summary: COULD YOU MARKET YOURSELF BETTER? Join an informal ‘round-table’ forum to share experiences and pick the brains of those who have made it work. Full details...

DECEMBER 2002

5 Dec 2002
Guild Christmas Party
Location: October Gallery, 24 Old Gloucester Street, London WC1

NOVEMBER 2002

22 Nov 2002
Feature Writing Workshop
Summary: Details to be confirmed

OCTOBER 2002

19 Oct 2002
21st Century Medicine Weekend
Summary: What does the future hold for our healthcare? At the Guild’s first ‘away weekend’ on October 19-20, an unmissable line-up of nine top speakers from all over the UK promises some answers. Full details...

MAY 2002

21 May 2002, 6pm
CASESTUDY WORKSHOP
Location: The Science Media Centre, The Royal Institution of Great Britain,, 21 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4BS
Summary: Can you find a 35-ish, attractive single-parent paraplegic with diabetes, alcohol dependency and at least three children, one of whom has a rare genetic disorder requiring constant care, who will speak frankly about her emotional problems and sexual frustrations. And by the way the whole family must be identified and photographed. Do you have a sinking feeling when an editor asks for a case study? Full details...

APRIL 2002

30 Apr 2002, 6.30pm
FOOD FRAUD SEMINAR
Location: Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London, WC1R 4RL
Summary: Are we being conned by food labels? Find out why some experts think food labels can be misleading and even deceptive. For example, did you know that if a food product contains less than 25% of an ingredient, it doesn't need to be listed on the label, or that 'fresh pasta' may have been manufactured months ago? This ground-breaking seminar promises plenty of surprises and new material, plus an insight into wh... Full details...

MARCH 2002

12 Mar 2002, 6pm
Guild Of Health Writers AGM - FULL MEMBERS ONLY
Location: The October Gallery, Lundonia House, 24 Old Gloucester Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1N 3AL

1 Mar 2002, 9am
FEATURE WRITING COURSE
Location: Bertrand Russell Room, Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London, WC1R 4RL
Summary: Journalism trainer and Guild member Barbara Rowlands is to run an Advanced Feature Writing seminar for members who want to brush up their writing skills. She is a senior lecturer in journalism at City University and has been a journalist for 25 years, specialising in health for the last 12 years. She has worked for most of the nationals, as well as many consumer and specialist magazines, and has written three books. Full details...

FEBRUARY 2002

14 Feb 2002, 6pm
WEATHER AND HEALTH SEMINAR
Location: The Royal Institute of Great Britain
Summary: A fascinating subject to kick off the year. Three experts explain how the weather affects mind and body now and as the climate changes in the future. Full details...

DECEMBER 2001

11 Dec 2001, 6.30pm
Guild Christmas Party 2001
Location: The October Gallery, Lundonia House, 24 Old Gloucester Street, London, WC1N 3AL

NOVEMBER 2001

7 Nov 2001, 6pm
5 Ways to double your money
Location: Board Room, University of Westminster, 309 Regent Street, London
Summary: Ever feel you’re working too hard for too little financial reward? How can you make your skills go further, more lucratively? Maybe you could: ask for more money sell on your stories re-work your ideas write brochures become an author market yourself better Join our informal ‘round-table’ forum to pick the experts’ brains and share ideas. Full details...

JUNE 2001

28 Jun 2001, 6pm
Do we really need to detox?
Location: The King’s Fund, 11-13 Cavendish Square, London, W1M 0AN
Summary: A round-up of latest research that might (or might not) support probiotics, colonic irrigation, fasting and other detoxification methods. Full details...

MAY 2001

22 May 2001, 6pm
Parkinson's & Alzheimer's disease
Location: The Royal Institute of Great Britain
Summary: Professor Susan Greenfield on new developments on Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Full details...

APRIL 2001

24 Apr 2001, 6pm
Twins 'R' Us
Location: The Freedom Forum, Stanhope House, Stanhope Place, London, W2 2HH
Summary: SPECIAL BRIEFING FOR GUILD MEMBERS Dr Elizabeth Bryan, multiple birth expert and chair of the Congress Committee, will flag up top twin stories in advance - exclusively for GHW members. Twins make headlines - and later this year there'll be plenty on offer with the 10th Congress of the International Society for Twin Studies at Imperial College on July 4 - 7. Don’t miss t...

6 Apr 2001, 12pm-6.30pm
The Dynamics of Interviewing
Location: The King’s Fund, 11-13 Cavendish Square, London, W1M 0AN
Summary: Workshop being run by Peter Gillman for Guild members. This course is intended to refresh and extend the interviewing techniques of professional journalists. It examines the dynamics of the interview, how to obtain the best information and quotes, and how to handle "difficult" interviewees - those who are reticent, won't answer your questions, or won't stop talking.

MARCH 2001

13 Mar 2001, 6pm
Annual General Meeting
Location: Freedom Forum
Summary: Guild of Health Writers AGM - Full Members only

FEBRUARY 2001

9 Feb 2001, 12pm-6.30pm
Advanced Feature Writing Course
Location: The King's Fund
Summary: Journalism trainer Peter Gillman is to run another Advanced Feature Writing Course for Guild members. A member of the Sunday Times Insight team at its height, Peter Gillman now combines investigative freelance journalism across the full range of national and Sunday newspapers with training writers and journalists.

JANUARY 2001

25 Jan 2001, 6pm
Life Coaching
Location: Freedom Forum
Summary: Are you fed up of freelancing, sick of being a staffer or generally disillusioned with life? If you need an extra push to help to you fulfil your New Year's ambitions, sign up for our life coaching workshop now. Whether your dream is to write that best seller, change career-direction or get more time off with your family / friends, this practical two-hour session will help you: * Build a vit... Full details...

DECEMBER 2000

12 Dec 2000, 10am
Downing Street Briefing
Location: 10 Downing Street, London, SW1
Summary: Breifing by Public Health Minister Yvette Cooper looking at key issues on the health agenda: - Children's health and nutrition - Women and cancer - Women and heart disease - Smoking cessation - Men's health - Access to the NHS Full details...

6 Dec 2000, 6.30pm
Guild Christmas Party 2000
Location: The Deep End, University of Westminster, 309 Regent Street, London, W1R 8AL, (Nearest tube: Oxford Circus, towards BBC Radio Building)
Summary: Bring a colleague, contact, friend or editor to the Guild of Health Writers’ Christmas party for a seasonal celebration Full details...

NOVEMBER 2000

16 Nov 2000, 6pm
How good is that research?
Location: Freedom Forum
Summary: But what's a good study and what isn't? How can you tell whether the evidence is sound? What do risk factors really mean? What are the key points about RCTs and observational studies? Can you judge the quality of a research study from the journal it's published in and what's systematic review? The questions are endless but they're at the heart of much of what we do. A well attended workshop giving rise to lively ... Full details...

OCTOBER 2000

25 Oct 2000, 6pm
Energy Medicine- Hype or Hope?
Location: The Medcial Society of London
Summary: The US Government call it Frontier Medicine and is so intrigued by it that its National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is spending $1.8 million investigating it. Healing, homoeopathy, prayer, Therapeutic Touch, bio electromagnetic therapy and reiki will all be subject to rigorous trials to establish whether they’re just placebo or whether there really is science behind the theory of ‘energy’ th... Full details...

SEPTEMBER 2000

26 Sep 2000, 6pm
Advanced Internet Workshop
Location: The Wellcome Library
Summary: This was the second workshop hosted by the Wellcome Trust, run by Robert Kiley, this workshop aimed to help health journalists manage the numerous problems of information overload and successfully identify relevant, high quality medical information on the Internet. The evening was organised by Barbara Rowlands. Full details...

7 Sep 2000, 6pm
Tax & Finance Workshop
Location: The London Medical Society
Summary: Chartered accountant Jenny Cox makes the dreaded tax return seem like child's play. Plus she revealed the top 10 tax mistakes freelancers make. An interactive workshop, which the members found very useful and informative. Andrew Reed, financial adviser, explained how to make your money go further and protect yourself in case of hard times.

JULY 2000

4 Jul 2000, 6pm
HOW TO LOOK GREAT AND SOUND SENSIBLE ON TV AND RADIO
Location: University of Westminster - Marylebone Road
Summary: By popular demand, we repeated last year’s successful broadcast workshop. Journalists who can talk about health issues are always in demand. This was a chance to learn the tricks of the trade and to be filmed doing a piece to camera with instant feedback. This was later replayed. Tips on what to wear on camera and what not to do and advice on how to deal with tricky questions.VIVIENNE PARRY, TV and radio journali... Full details...

JUNE 2000

1 Jun 2000, 6pm
WHAT EDITORS WANT
Location: The Freedom Forum
Summary: This was a chance to meet the commissioning editors of some of our top consumer magazines – Zest, Top Santé Health and Beauty, and Bella, plus get some feedback from one or two of the nationals on what they want on their health pages.This workshop gave inside knowledge on what these editors are looking for from freelance writers. Lots of nitty-gritty was covered – the sort of features ideas/copy they like/don’t l... Full details...

MAY 2000

11 May 2000, 6pm
Depression Seminar - Good Mood, Bad Mood
Location: The Commonwealth Club, London, WC2
Summary: This seminar, sponsored by Pharmacia & Upjohn was held at a new venue for the Guild, The Commonwealth Club, London, WC2. The latest cutting edge treatments for depression were debated by 4 speakers - David Baldwin is Senior Lecturer in Psychiatry at the University of Southampton and President of Depression Alliance; Chris Manning, a GP until last year, he set up Prime, a charity and primary care mental health ini... Full details...

APRIL 2000

14 Apr 2000, 12pm
Advanced Feature Writing Semianr
Location: The King's Fund
Summary: This course was arranged by Barbara Rowlands. Six members attended the half-day intensive course, held at the Freedom Forum with journalism trainer, Peter Gilman, former member of the Sunday Times Insight team. The course was extremely useful and future courses on the subjects of Investigative Journalism, Interviewing and Advanced news-writing are to be arranged. Full details...

FEBRUARY 2000

23 Feb 2000, 6pm
Get Netted
Location: The Freedom Forum
Summary: Organised by Katherine Burke, this workshop looked at how websites are mapped out, the secrets of making copy interactive, plus adapting members’ style to suit the web user. Speaker included Anita Bevan, editor-in-chief of Icircle and Catherine Toole, md of Sticky Content Limited. The event extremely well attended and future workshops on this topic are being planned. Full details...

DECEMBER 1999

14 Dec 1999
Guild Christmas Party, in conjuction with Action Research
Location: The Royal Society of Medicine
Summary: Held at The Royal Society of Medicine, Action Research again hosted the Christmas Party which provided a great opportunity to meet up with other Guild members and meet some of the experts from Action Research.

OCTOBER 1999

12 Oct 1999
News on the Net
Location: Wellcome Library
Summary: Hosted by the Wellcome Trust, this workshop aimed to help health journalists manage the numerous problems of information overload and successfully identify relevant, high quality medical information on the Internet. The evening was organised by Jean Williams, and was over subscribed. It is hoped that Robert Kiley at the Wellcome Trust will be able to host another session.

SEPTEMBER 1999

16 Sep 1999, 3pm
THE PRESENTATION OF THE GUILD OF HEALTH WRITERS’ AWARD FOR GOOD PRACTICE IN INTEGRATED HEALTHCARE
Location: Reform Club, London
Summary: Over 200 guests attended this gala reception held at Reform Club. HRH The Prince of Wales, as President of The Foundation for Integrated Medicine, (in association with which the Guild organised the Award) presented the Award. The winner, who received a prize of £5000, was the Complementary Therapies Team within Cancer Services at the Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust. The Award was an enormous success. O... Full details...

JUNE 1999

10 Jun 1999, 6pm
Women's Sexual Dysfunction
Location: The King's Fund
Summary: Guild members, Friends of the Guild, members of the MJA and other health professionals met at the King's Fund to hear leading sexologists debate the issues on. Speakers included Professor Alan Riley, professor in sexual medicine at Lancashire Post Graduate School of Medicine & Health; Dr Rik van Lunsen, medical doctor and sexologist at Amsterdam University; and Julia Cole, psychosexual therapist and press consult... Full details...

MAY 1999

6 May 1999
Face the Facts Forum
Summary: 17 members attended this event, organised by Anne Woodham. It provided an ideal opportunity for members to share ideas and working practices; to discuss what to look for in clinical trials; and to consider how to deal with non-payment of invoices.

APRIL 1999

29 Apr 1999
How To Look Great and Sound Sensible on TV and Radio
Summary: This workshop, lead by Guild member Vivienne Parry, was extremely useful for members, giving them a chance to be filmed doing a camera piece and to analyse the video replay; tips on what to wear on camera and what not to do; advice on how to deal with tricky questions and suggestions on how to pitch an idea for TV and radio. 25 members attended the workshop, held at the Freedom Forum and organised by Anne Woodham. Full details...

MARCH 1999

18 Mar 1999
Tour of the Science Museum's Reserve Collection
Summary: Housed in a office block lies 97% of the museum's collection - a small number of Guild members took this opportunity to view the 100 rooms stuffed with 20,000 surgical instruments, 150 medical saints, potions, lotions, medicine chests, magnificently decorated ceramic pharmacy jars and bizarre surgical instruments from all over the world. Full details...

FEBRUARY 1999

23 Feb 1999
RCGP's Essential Briefing on New Health Developments
Location: Royal College of General Practitioners
Full details...

12 Feb 1999
Advanced Feature Writing Workshop given by Peter Gillman
Location: Freedom Forum
Full details...

10 Feb 1999
Functional Foods Seminar
Summary: 55 people attended this very successful seminar, sponsored by Benecol. Guests included members of the Guilds of Health and Food Writers; Friends of the Guild and other health organisations, such as the British Dietetic Association, Association of Broadcasting Doctors, Imperial College School of Medicine and the British Heart Foundation. Speakers included Dr William Mullen, Chief Executive of the Rowett Research S... Full details...

OCTOBER 1998

7 Oct 1998
THE LAUNCH OF THE GUILD OF HEALTH WRITERS’ AWARD FOR GOOD PRACTICE IN INTEGRATED HEALTHCARE
Summary: Over 120 guests attended the launch, held at the Reform Club, Pall Mall. Our thanks to Peter Black Healthcare Limited who kindly sponsored the evening and Prof Lesley Rees, Professor of Endocrinology at St. Bartholomews Hospital, London; Anne Woodham, Honorary Chair of the Guild; and Anthony Bush, Peter Black Healthcare Limited, who were our speakers. This Award, (worth £5000), organised in association with The F... Full details...

SEPTEMBER 1998

15 Sep 1998
MAPPING THE MIND
Summary: Held at the Institute of Neurology, this seminar was attended by 38 members of the Guild, the MJA and the ABSW, as well as Friends of the Guild. The event, sponsored by Pharmacia & Upjohn, was chaired by Guild member, Rita Carter and speakers included Prof Richard Frackowiak, Prof Chris Frith, Dr Peter Halligan and Dr Tonmoy Sharma. The evening was organised by Hilary Bower.

JUNE 1998

4 Jun 1998
STOPPING THE CLOCK? A CONFERENCE ABOUT POSITIVE AGEING
Summary: Over 110 people attended this conference organised by Sarah Stacey and Valerie Holmes. Speakers included Professor Tom Kirkwood, Professor Jeffrey B. Blumberg, Professor Howard Jacobs, Professor Nicholas Lowe, Dr David Weeks and Dr Alan Watkins. The conference, sponsored by Solgar Vitamins, was divided into three sessions and chaired by Professor Sir John Grimley Evans, Baroness Pitkeathley and Anne Woodham. Gues... Full details...

MARCH 1998

26 Mar 1998, 6pm
IDEAS - GETTING THEM - AND SELLING THEM
Location: The Freedom Forum
Full details...

FEBRUARY 1998

28 Feb 1998
ACNE SEMINAR
Summary: The House of Commons was the venue for this interesting seminar, chaired by Anne Woodham. Speakers included Dr Chris Steele, Dr Terence Keely and Microbiologist Dr Anne Eady. 42 people attended the event, sponsored by the Acne Support Group. Organised by Jan Fairfax.

5 Feb 1998
MEN’S SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS SEMINAR
Summary: The FPA Rosemary Goodchild Prize was awarded at the seminar to Brigid McConville (national category) and Catherine Kalamis (regional category). The Awards were presented by Anne Weyman, FPA Chief Executive. The seminar was attended by over 70 people, including many from the MJA and Friends of the Guild of Health Writers. Speakers included Dr Alan Riley, Bill Dunsmuir, Julia Cole and Ann Craig. Organised by Peter ... Full details...

JANUARY 1998

19 Jan 1998
MORE EFFICIENT’ WORKSHOP
Summary: Organised by Peter Baker and Barbara Rowlands, this very successful workshop was held at the Freedom Forum. 21 members and guests attended the event which was chaired by Barbara. Full details...

OCTOBER 1997

13 Oct 1997
LIFE BEFORE BIRTH
Location: The King's Fund
Summary: The King’s Fund was the venue for this very successful seminar which covered some of the diverse areas and implications of prenatal sentience and the foetus’ physiological and psychological development. The event was chaired by Dr Vivette Glover, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital. Speakers included Professor David Barker, MRC Environmental Epidemiology Unit, Southam... Full details...

9 Oct 1997
RESEARCH WORKSHOP
Location: The Freedom Forum
Summary: Over 40 members attended this workshop, held at the Freedom Forum which was organised by Anne Woodham and Barbara Rowlands. Barbara also chaired the discussion which started with thoughts from the panel: Bruce Madge, Head of the British Library’s Healthcare Information Service; Dr Maryon Tysoe, editor of the British Psychological Society’s The Psychologist; Robert Kiley, Information Services Development Manager a... Full details...

APRIL 1997

29 Apr 1997
WRITING HEALTH BOOKS WORKSHOP
Location: The Freedom Forum
Summary: An informal session for authors, for both the experienced and the novice. Chaired by Guild member, Mary-Claire Mason, the panel included authors and Guild members Nikki Bradford and Dr Penny Stanway; literary agents Charlotte Howard and Chelsey Fox from Fox & Howard; and Thorson’s commissioning editor, Wanda Whiteley. Full details...

MARCH 1997

19 Mar 1997
FROM FAT TO FACT: WHAT YOU REALLY SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DIETS & DIETING
Summary: 42 people attended the seminar which was made possible by the generous sponsorship of the Get Fresh Campaign. The event, held at the Medical Society,was chaired by Guild member, Amanda Ursell. The expert panel included Dr Andrew Prentice, Head of the Energy Metabolism Group at the Dunn Clinical Nutrition Centre, Cambridge and President-Elect of the European Association for the Study of Obesity; Lyndel Costain, sp... Full details...

OCTOBER 1996

26 Oct 1996
RIGHTS AND REMUNERATION
Summary: The King’s Fund was the venue for this event which tackled the confusing issues of rights and remuneration for freelance writers. Experts included Michael Silverleaf, a leading QC; Jacqueline Rowland-Rouse, Solicitor with Linklaters & Paines; Jake Ecclestone from the NUJ; John Rogers from Sport & General Press. Jane Dorner, from the ALCS, chaired the seminar.

JUNE 1996

24 Jun 1996
STRESS AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Summary: Dr Alan Watkins, Psychologist at Southampton General Hospital and founder of the new Brain Immune Network Group, chaired this seminar which covered the complex topic of the immune system. Other speakers included Prof James F Mowbray, Professor of Immunopathology, St Mary’s Hospital Medical School; Dr Simon Wessley, Consultant Psychiatrist, Kings College Hospital; Dr Nicholas Hall, Psychologist, Neuroscientist and... Full details...

MAY 1996

20 May 1996
COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE IN THE NHS - CAN IT WORK?
Summary: Chaired by Dr David Peters, Director of the Complementary Therapies Project at the Marylebone Health Centre, the workshop discussed the use of, and demand of, complementary medicine in our health service. Other speakers included Dr Ian Smith, Nuffield Institute for Health; Janet Richardson, Manager of Health Services Research & Evaluation Unit, Lewisham Hospital; Caroline Stevensen, Macmillan Nurse Specialist and... Full details...

Influencing Skills for Journalists
Location: The Novartis Foundation 41 Portland Place London W1B 1BN
Summary: Want to get more ideas commissioned? Get your point across in meetings? Be heard by your boss or difficult colleagues? If so this workshop is for you. In “Influencing Skills for Journalists”, Ros Toynbee will show you how to dramatically improve the impact of your message in any situation. In two and a half hours you’ll learn: • The different ways people communicate • How to identify the other... Full details...

EVENT CANCELLED - Don’t forget your flight socks
Summary: With bargain basement holiday websites and masses of cheap flights to exotic places, travelling has never been more popular and available. But what if a health problem floors you before you even take off? Or scuppers you en route, or while you’re there? If you’re looking to pitch a travel feature with some fresh angles, our three experts will identify some travel related health problems – both physical and ... Full details...