Rheumatology

General description of the work Consultant Rheumatologists undertake

The Consultant Rheumatologist deals with diseases of the bones and joints. These include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis
  • Soft tissue problems such as whiplash and repetitive strain injury (RSI)
  • Connective tissue disease
  • Ankylosing Spondolysis, Psoaritic Arthritis, Reflex sympathetic dystrophy, fibromyalgia

Most common clinical areas / procedures leading to a claim of clinical negligence

  • Monitoring and side–effects of medication used for rheumatic disease
  • the diagnosis and management of fibromyalgia

Sub–Specialities / Alternative and Additional job titles

The Consultant Rheumatologist may also be known as a Consultant in Rheumatology and Rehabilitation.

Usual Qualifications

The Consultant Rheumatologist will have MRCP or FRCP (Membership or Fellowship of one of the Royal Colleges of Physicians) after his/her name.

Academic Appointments

The Consultant Rheumatologist may be a Lecturer or Professor in Medicine or Rheumatology at a Medical School. He/She may be an Examiner for one of the Royal Colleges of Physicians.