Dr Martyn Lobley

Martyn Lobley has been an NHS GP since 1985 and started writing seriously after a sabbatical as a medical journalist in 1989. In 1996 he was given his first regular column, “The Null Hypothesis” and since 1998 has been one of two writers of the award-winning “Tony Copperfield” column, initially in Doctor and more recently in Pulse. Martin also continue to write features for the lay and medical press under his own by-line, usually for The Times.

In the 1990s he performed in stand-up comedy clubs on the London circuit and worked as a script associate for BBC Radio 4’s 28 minutes to save the NHS.

Since 2003 the Dr Copperfield persona has aired his views in The Times’ ‘Body & Soul’ supplement every Saturday.

He has appeared on Radios One, Two, Four, including an interview on Front Row, Five Live, LBC, GLR and on almost all the mainstream broadcast TV networks ( BBC, ITN, Channel Five & Sky ). My unfulfilled media ambition is to be interviewed for the Today programme’s ten past eight slot.

“The Null Hypothesis” was short-listed for the Periodical Publishers Association’s “Columnist of the Year” award in 1997 and 1998. “The Tony Copperfield column” was short-listed for the PPA “Columnist of the Year” award In 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002 & 2003. MJA “Medical Journalist of the Year” 2005

 Related Sessions

Sunday 2 November 2008, 4.00pm Lecture Theatre 1
Hypochondriac Nation


 Publications
Tony Copperfield's Primary Care Scream

Few people realise it, but underneath the caring demeanor of the nation's GPs there lurks a darker side - a side which gets fed up with the frustrations of the NHS and loses its sense of vocation. GPs won't admit to these thoughts, though - and they don't have to, because Dr Tony Copperfield does it for them, even at the risk of his own career. His fearless writing, well known to readers of Doctor Magazine, gives vent to the anger and frustration which bubbles just beneath the surface of so many family doctors.



 Festival Buzz

"A rare opportunity to debate first hand with those involved in the great issues of our time."
Chris Rapley, director, Science Museum