Geraldine Swift is a specialist registrar in general adult psychiatry in Salford (Meadowbrook Unit, Bolton, Salford and Trafford Mental Health Trust, Stott Lane, Salford M6 8HD, UK. E-mail: ger.swift{at}ntlworld.com). She has clinical and research interests in psychological medicine and medical education.
Almost all psychiatric training programmes include a journal club. These clubs are experiencing a revival as a result of the introduction of a critical review paper into Part II of the MRCPsych examinations. Successful clubs are generally those with a single designated leader and mandatory attendance; provision of food is also helpful. A number of possible formats are discussed, designed to make the club an entertaining and stimulating experience.