Rheumatology

Rheumatology/GIM training is a 4 year highly competitive programme with ST4 level entry. Progression through the programme will be assessed by an annual ARCP.

Research Opportunities

The Oxford University Clinical Academic Graduate School (OUCAGS) advertises academic training posts including those in rheumatology.  There are also excellent links with clinical academics at the University of Oxford who can support out of programme academic opportunities in both lab-based and clinical research projects across all rheumatology sub-specialties

Posts

There is a single post in rheumatology and general medicine based at Cheltenham General Hospital. Some on -call commitments are at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. There are three rheumatology clinics per week as well as 2 weekly departmental MDT meetings and  radiology and respiratory MDTs. The trainees have an opportunity to attend specialist vasculitis clinics.

There are 2 clinical posts based at the NOC (plus a Clinical Lecturer post). This post provides excellent training in general rheumatology as well as access to training in multiple sub-specialties including; Spondyloarthropathies, Vasculitis, Connective tissue disease, Paediatric and transition Rheumatology, Sports and Exercise Medicine and Metabolic Bone disease. On call is for Rheumatology only.

There are 3 post based at the RBH. All posts provide training in general rheumatology and general medicine. The department has a strong tradition for clinical training and opportunities for involvement in clinical research. All posts are ‘on call’ for GIM.

In addition to general rheumatology clinics, access to training in additional sub-speciality clinics, such as MSK ultrasound, combined respiratory ILD, vasculitis and combined dermatology clinics is available and strongly encouraged. Inpatient care is shared between the Rheumatology/Endocrine team on an integrated Rheumatology/Endocrine/General Medicine ward.

There are two posts based at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, one post is in rheumatology with cross cover commitment for the medical ward whilst the second post has on-call GIM commitments. There are specialist clinics in osteoporosis, hand clinic with plastic surgeons and an opportunity to learn MSK ultrasound. There are 2 weekly departmental teaching sessions, monthly audit meetings, weekly radiology MDT meetings and monthly ILD/Rheumatology discussions.

Two posts are based at Wexham Park Hospital. The posts are 50:50 general medicine and rheumatology. General medicine involves GIM on call and care of patients on a general medical ward with GIM/Rheumatology consultants. Registrars are allocated 3-4 rheumatology clinics  a week with consultant supervision, see inpatient rheumatology referrals, run an injection clinic and are involved in departmental meetings., one ‘pure’ rheumatology (with no on-call commitment) and the other a Rheumatology/GIM post with on call for general medicine. In patient care is provided on an integrated Rheumatology/General Medicine ward.

This is a single ‘pure’ rheumatology post with no medicine on-call commitment.  There is the option of spending time in general medicine if needed.  There are specialised clinics in osteoporosis, vasculitis, Sjogrens, ILD, paediatrics and adolescent, spondyloarthritis, nailfold capillaroscopy, ultrasound and lip biopsy.  There are regular teaching clinics, with a consultant sitting in on the trainee’s clinic.  There is the option of attending peripheral clinics in Marlborough.  We hold a weekly X-ray meeting and MDT.

Teaching

There are monthly hour long teaching sessions, which are currently being held virtually.  These aim to cover the rheumatology curriculum and aid preparation for the SCE.  The sessions are run both by consultants or are trainee led under supervision and are thus useful for documenting evidence of teaching and reflection.  The timetable is updated with the trainees to adapt to any evolving needs. All trainees are encouraged to present cases at the monthly Regional Rheumatology meetings which take place on the first Thursday of the month.

Further Information

Please contact Dr Gordon MacDonald gordon.macdonald@royalberkshire.nhs.uk Programme Director for Rheumatology.