Rheumatology

Programme description

GMC Reference: EOS/497

Rheumatology training in the East Region is a dual Rheumatology and General Internal Medicine programme.

The majority of training will take place at Ninewells Hospital where there are four NHS Consultant Rheumatologists and an extensive multi-disciplinary team. 

Trainees will obtain general Rheumatology experience throughout the region (including peripheral clinics in Arbroath, Brechin and Perth) and there are also specialist clinics such as Lupus, Vasculitis and Systemic Sclerosis at Ninewells hospital. 

The focus in the early years of the rotation will be to obtain a clear understanding of inflammatory arthritis and other common conditions, with more emphasis on complex and specialised conditions in the later years.

Dual accrediting trainees will spend a total of 18 months in General Medicine, which may be in Ninewells Hospital or Perth Royal Infirmary.

Trainees are involved in looking after Rheumatology inpatients and day patients in the Clinical Investigation Unit and provide an 'office hours' Rheumatology on call service, supported by the on call Consultant. 

When attached to Rheumatology, trainees will have on call commitment to general medicine.

There is a weekly Unit Postgraduate meeting and trainees are expected to attend (x4 per year) Scottish National Rheumatology training days and the trainee sessions at the Scottish Society of Rheumatology meetings.

Trainees have the option to travel to Edinburgh in their later years for paediatric experience if desired.

Research, audit, teaching and management opportunities

The East of Scotland Deanery in based in Tayside, which is a beautiful area to live and work in. It has varied geography and offers diverse interests for individuals and families, from a thriving city life in Dundee to outdoor activities in Angus, Perthshire and North Fife. It has good road and rail networks to the other areas of Scotland. The quality of life in Tayside is excellent with easy access to beautiful countryside for sport and leisure as well as world-renowned facilities for golf.

Training within the Deanery is trainee focused with attention to individual trainee needs and aspirations. Ninewells is a University teaching hospital with opportunities to become involved in research.

Where the training is delivered?

• Ninewells Hospital, Dundee
• Perth Royal Infirmary
• Western General Hospital, Edinburgh

• Perth Royal Infirmary: G(I)M and Rheumatology
• Ninewells Hospital Dundee: G(I)M, Rheumatology
• Edinburgh Western General: (optional rotation) – paediatrics outpatients

Contacts and useful links

Information
Programme type (Deanery or National):	Deanery
Administration office:	East
Lead Dean / Director:	Professor Adam Hill
Responsible Associate Postgraduate Dean or Assistant Director (GP):	Dr Tom Fardon
Specialty or Sub-specialty:	Specialty
Date of GMC recent approval:	Aug 2010
Associated Royal College - Faculty:	Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board
Curriculum and associated assessment system:	http://www.gmc-uk.org/education/rheumatology.asp
Programme administrator:	Name: Victoria Hannah Address: NHS Education for Scotland, 2 Central Quay, 89 Hydepark Street, Glasgow. G3 8BW Email: victoria.hannah2@nhs.scot
Programme director(s):	Name: Dr Smita Bhat Address: Dept of Rheumatology, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee. DD1 9SY Email: smita.bhat@nhs.scot
Quality of training:	Quality Management

How to apply

This page was last updated on: 21.02.2025 at 14.03