Editor - It is sad that Ayesha Nunhuck felt it necessary to hijack her article towards her own biased political end.¹ What is even more distressing is that the editor of the studentBMJ decided to offer space in the journal to do this. Is it a coincidence that a recent editorial published in the BMJ suggests that medical editors need effective self regulation due to the real threat of editorial misconduct?² The editors of the studentBMJ did not think it was necessary to check the references used for their validity or indeed their suitability.

Although I would not expect this article to be torn from the archives of the studentBMJ, I would expect a clarification of the political bias that has been perpetrated along with an assurance from the editors of the studentBMJ that they will do their utmost to ensure that their journal is not to be violated by those whose only aim is the perpetuation of hate under the guise of medical advancement. Should the studentBMJ also be asking its contributors if they have any competing interests?

1. Nunhuck, A. Shit scared. studentBMJ 2003;11:206-7. (June.)
2. Smith R. Editorial misconduct. BMJ 2003;326:1224-5. (7 June.)

Editor - I was disappointed to read the following words in Ayesha Nunhuck's otherwise very interesting article: "Hatred of the Palestinians by the Israeli state manifested itself in desecration of a children's centre..."¹ I don't blame the author, who may be faithfully repeating the words of the journalist quoted. However, are the editors of the studentBMJ really satisfied that the Israeli government (the only democratically elected government in the Middle East) has an institutional "hatred" of the average Palestinian, or an official policy of smearing excrement on the walls of children's centres? If this ever happened surely it is the criminal action of an individual.

While I appreciate that this is a student journal, and students tend towards the left wing, the unnecessary politicisation of medical issues spoils an otherwise superb journal, and is surely best left to the tabloids. The Middle East conflict is a complex situation, and, if it is to be covered for any reason by your journal, deserves a fairer and more mature treatment.

Max Godfrey fourth year medical student, University College London
Email: megodfrey@doctors.org.uk

1. Nunhuck, A. Shit scared. studentBMJ 2003;11:206-7. (June.)

DOBSON AGENCY/REX

One of the pictures from Ayesha Nunhuck's article "Shit scared"

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Editor's response

The editorial team of the studentBMJ is not politically biased. Ayesha was using this example to illustrate a point,¹ and we do not consider her to have "hijacked the article to her own biased political end." The studentBMJ does ask authors for a declaration of competing interests, in line with BMJ policy. You can read about this policy at www.bmj.com/advice/editorial_policies.shtml

Anna Ellis student editor studentBMJ
Email: aellis@bmj.com

1. Nunhuck, A. Shit scared. studentBMJ 2003;11:206-7. (June.)