Download Rheumatology/General Medicine Specialist Training

Rheumatology/General Medicine Specialist Training
Overview
Rheumatology/GIM training is a 5 year highly competitive programme with ST3 level entry.
Historically the programme has trained both dually accredited rheumatologist/physicians as
well as single accredited rheumatologists. The current rotations however encourage all
trainees to accredit in Rheumatology and GIM in keeping with national targets. Progression
through the programme will be assessed by an annual ARCP.
Posts
1. The Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre; Oxford.
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, Paediatric Rheumatology and
Metabolic Bone disease. On call is for Rheumatology only.
2. The Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading
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.
3. Buckinghampshire Hospitals (based at Stoke Mandeville)
Two posts are based at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. One post typically a ‘pure rheumatology’
post and the other linked to general medicine with an on-call for GIM.
4. Wexham Park Hospital, Slough
Two posts are based at Wexham Park, 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.
5. Great Western Hospital, Swindon
This is a single ‘pure’ rheumatology post with no medicine on-call commitment.
Training;
The posts within the rotation provide strong clinical supervision and training. A monthly halfday curriculum based postgraduate education forum takes place at the Nuffield Orthopaedic
Centre in Oxford. This includes expert lectures as well as case presentations from clinicians
throughout the region. A twice yearly whole day educational meeting which rotates
throughout the region includes local and regional audit. Many of our trainees choose to
undertake an MSc in Musculoskeletal Science at Oxford during their training http://www.ndorms.ox.ac.uk/msc_musculoskeletal.php. Attendance at general medicine
training sessions in Oxford for the trainees is actively encouraged. All aspects of the
curriculum are covered within the training programme.
Research;
A key component of the Oxford Deanery training programme is the opportunity and
expectation that trainees will engage in research. Many trainees in Rheumatology on our
rotation undertake a period of research leading to a higher degree. The Nuffield Department
of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS) is an academic
department within the Medical Sciences Division of the University of Oxford. The research
work of the department takes place principally in the Botnar Research Centre and the
Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology. It is also supported by the
NIHR Oxford
Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit (BRU). The co-location with NHS services puts
the department in an excellent position with basic researchers working alongside clinicians.
Research is actively encouraged and opportunities exist in both basic science and clinical
research for our trainees, including NIHR funded academic clinical fellowships.
There are several academic supervisors available to support the trainee. Professor Arden
directs the Musculoskeletal Epidemiology Unit with Dr Javaid, Professor Cooper, Dr Judge
and Dr Prieto-Alhambra focusing on the epidemiology of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and
sports injury. Professor Bowness has a strong laboratory research programme investigating
the immunology of inflammatory arthritis, particularly the spondyloarthropathies. Professor
Luqmani is the theme leader for vasculitis research at the NDORMS, focusing on the
epidemiology, mechanisms, treatment and long term outcome of systemic vasculitis.
Professor Taylor is the Norman Collisson Chair of musculoskeletal sciences at Oxford and
directs the new clinical trials unit within NDORMS. He has experience of over 15 years in
biologic therapy testing with particular expertise in early proof of concept trials. Professor
Wordsworth has a long standing expertise in the genetics of rheumatic diseases. Professors
Wordsworth and Luqmani and Dr Javaid lead the national musculoskeletal theme for NIHR
Rare Diseases -Translational Research Collaboration with a focus on diseases of bone, joint
and blood vessels. The focus is on deep phenotyping of rare diseases, with a view to future
genotyping and potential discovery of new therapeutic pathways. Professors Taylor,
Luqmani and Bowness have been funded by Arthritis Research UK to set up an
experimental arthritis treatment centre, with a focus on using imaging techniques to
demonstrate effectiveness of novel agents in early phase clinical trials in inflammatory
arthritis. Dr Catherine Swales is running several clinical trials in rheumatoid arthritis.
The trainee would be encouraged to discuss potential research projects with any of the
above supervisors.
Further Information; Please contact Alan Steuer, Consultant Rheumatologist and General
Physician, Wexham Park Hospital and Training Programme Director for Rheumatology [email protected].