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We are seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic Consultant Rheumatologist to join an expanding rheumatology service delivering high-quality care across the South West.
This is a full-time substantive post comprising 10 Programmed Activities (PAs), with flexibility to develop a job plan around the successful candidate's interests, expertise and the needs of the service.
The successful candidate will join a collaborative and supportive multidisciplinary team, with opportunities to contribute to the development of specialist rheumatology services, clinical leadership, education, research and quality improvement.
The department provides comprehensive outpatient, day-patient and inpatient rheumatology care, with a particular focus on inflammatory diseases and connective tissue disorders. Services operate across multiple sites and community settings as part of an integrated countywide model.

Main Duties of the Job

The successful candidate will:

• Provide specialist diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care for patients with acute and chronic rheumatological conditions.
• Deliver outpatient rheumatology clinics.
• Provide inpatient rheumatology care and respond to ward referrals.
• Work closely with specialist nursing teams and other clinical colleagues.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance rheumatology services.
• Contribute to developing countywide rheumatology pathways.
• Provide cover for colleagues during absences.
• Respond appropriately to clinical emergencies.
• Contribute to service development and clinical leadership.
• Lead and support quality improvement initiatives.
• Participate in clinical audit and governance.
• Contribute to research and clinical trials.
• Support the teaching and supervision of junior doctors and medical students.
• Participate in multidisciplinary and radiology meetings.
• Develop specialist interests that complement the existing rheumatology service.

The attached job pack specifically highlights outpatient and inpatient care, multidisciplinary collaboration, leadership and service development, education and training, clinical governance, research and on-call support as key areas of responsibility.

Rheumatology Services

The rheumatology department provides a comprehensive service covering:

• Outpatient rheumatology care
• Day-patient services
• Inpatient rheumatology care
• Management of inflammatory diseases
• Connective tissue disorders
• Specialist rheumatology services
• Integrated multidisciplinary care

The service operates across hospital and community settings, supporting seamless care across the wider region.

Leadership & Service Development

The successful candidate will have opportunities to:

• Lead service improvements within rheumatology.
• Contribute to strategic service planning.
• Support the continued development of countywide rheumatology pathways.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and improved patient care.
• Work collaboratively with clinical, nursing and management colleagues.
• Develop specialist services aligned with clinical expertise and service requirements.

A willingness to drive improvements and contribute to the service's continued evolution is essential.

Education & Training

The consultant will contribute to the education and development of junior medical staff and medical students.
Opportunities include:

• Supervision and training of junior doctors.
• Undergraduate medical education.
• Participation in teaching programmes.
• Multidisciplinary learning.
• Radiology and clinical meetings.
• Development of personal and professional expertise.

Research, Audit & Clinical Governance

The post provides opportunities to participate in:

• Clinical research.
• Clinical trials.
• Clinical audit.
• Quality improvement.
• Service evaluation.
• Clinical governance.
• Development of rheumatology services.

Experience in leading clinical research or medical education programmes is desirable.

Flexible Working

The role offers flexibility in developing the consultant's job plan, allowing the successful candidate to develop their clinical interests and expertise alongside service requirements.
The job pack highlights:

• Customisable job plans based on interests and expertise.
• Flexible working patterns.
• Opportunities across the wider service.
• Career development support.
• Research and training opportunities.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Full GMC registration with a licence to practise.
• MRCP qualification.
• CCT in Rheumatology, or within six months of completion.

Experience

Essential

• Strong clinical background in Rheumatology.
• NHS clinical experience.
• Experience managing patients with rheumatological conditions across relevant clinical settings.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Skills & Personal Attributes

Essential

• Strong leadership skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Effective teamwork.
• Commitment to service development and improvement.
• Ability to contribute positively to a collaborative clinical environment.

Desirable

• Higher qualification such as MD or PhD.
• Further specialist training in Rheumatology.
• Experience leading clinical research or medical education programmes.
• Previous involvement in developing or improving rheumatology services.
• Formal management training or healthcare leadership experience.

Apply now