A Career in Rheumatology in the West Midlands
What is Rheumatology? Rheumatology is a specialty dealing with a group of conditions collectively called "rheumatic or musculoskeletal (MSK) diseases. The term covers over 200 conditions affecting joints, bones, soft tissues and muscles and we recognize that these conditions can affect any part or organ of the body. Arthritis is the biggest cause of physical disability in the UK. More than half of the six million physically disabled adults in Britain are disabled by a MSK disease and 15% of all people consulting their GP have a disease of the locomotor system.
What is Rheumatology? Some conditions seen in rheumatology are very common, for example osteoarthritis, back pain and rheumatoid arthritis, while others are rarer and more complex for example systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis or vasculitis and auto-inflammatory conditions. The multi-system nature of many of the conditions provides the opportunity to keep in touch with all medical and surgical specialties while at the same time working in a very specialised field. There are also opportunities to follow up on patients with long-term conditions and see real changes in their quality of life.
A Career in Rheumatology Rheumatology is a continuously developing discipline and many examples of research are being rapidly applied in day-to-day clinical practice. Being so up-to-date makes this an enjoyable and exciting specialty. Rheumatology is multi-disciplinary involving close collaboration with most other specialties and with a variety of health professionals, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, chiropodists, surgical fitters, clinical psychologists, specialist nurses and others. The UK has one of the lowest rates of rheumatologists per 100,000 population in Europe and there is scope for significant expansion of the specialty. There are ample private practice opportunities.
Is Rheumatology the job for me? Do you: Enjoy working within multi-disciplinary teams? Want to be part of a rapidly evolving specialty in the era of biologic and small molecule therapies? Enjoy using your clinical skill to reach diagnoses and weigh up challenging clinical scenarios? Have excellent communication skills, including liaising with other specialties? If so, Rheumatology could be for you!
West Midlands Training Programme At present, all trainees undergo dual accreditation training in Rheumatology and GIM which lasts for 5 years. Trainees do a year of GIM initially and undertake 3 years in 'dual posts in total and 2 years in 'pure' rheumatology posts. Trainees are rotated through Regional hospitals to gain experience of common rheumatological disorders and University hospitals for experience of managing more complex rheumatological disorders. Many trainees take time out of programme to undertake a higher research degree (e.g. M.D. /PhD) or teaching fellowships.
West Midlands Training Programme Dual (GIM and Rheum) posts: Warwick University Hospital Coventry Russell s Hall Hospital, Dudley Cannock Hospital Hereford Hospital Shrewsbury Hospital
West Midlands Training Programme Pure Rheumatology Posts: New Cross Hospital (Wolverhampton) University Hospital Birmingham University Hospital Coventry City Hospital Birmingham Russell s Hall Hospital, Dudley Solihull Hospital, Heart of England Worcester Hospital Haywood Hospital, Stoke (2 posts)
West Midlands Training Programme Rotations are grouped into North, South East & South West. The West Midlands has diverse geography and demographics and is a fantastic area to train. There is ample exposure to the full spectrum of rheumatological diseases. Our trainees have access to active research units pioneering new therapies and understanding of the pathological basis of disease and leaders in the clinical management of complex diseases.
On-Call Experience During 'dual' posts trainees contribute to the acute medical take / on-call rota Training Days Trainees have dedicated monthly rheumatology off-site training days throughout the region with teaching and practical sessions. GIM training days are also held throughout the year
Additional Opportunities Available There are ample opportunities to undertake a period of dedicated research leading to a higher degree but also support available for smaller projects conducted alongside clinical training. Opportunities are available around the region to train in musculoskeletal ultrasound and develop research projects. Teaching medical students from Birmingham, Warwick or Keele Universities is a regular commitment for all trainees. There are opportunities to take time out of programme for teaching fellow positions or research in medical education.
Additional Opportunities Available Trainees get opportunities to get involved in management by attending departmental meetings, away days and contributing to service development and business plans. Trainees also have a valuable opportunity to get involved in Regional Peer Review, where West Midlands is a pioneer. NHS Management Courses at Warwick & Keele are also very popular. Trainees lead our Regional audit annually and have been instrumental in changing variation in practice and improving quality of care.
Personal Qualities Ability to work in a clinical team and to understand the multi-disciplinary nature of the specialty Have a flexible approach to service development A will to understand the psycho-social impact of chronic incurable disabling conditions for the individual patient Ability to keep up with recent developments in biomedical research Some manual dexterity and technical skills
Personal Qualities Click link to view personal specification
Where to go for more information NHS health careers JRCPTB specialty page and curriculum ST3 Recruitment RCP (London), Specialty spotlight The British Society for Rheumatology Health Education England, West Midlands Local rheumatology trainees in your area