Rheumatology
The Rotation
The NHS and University Rheumatology Service for Leeds is based at Chapel Allerton Hospital. At this hospital we have our main outpatients, 26 bedded ward, day case unit and NHS and University offices. However we also have up to 6 beds on ward 43 at LGI and outpatients at St James’s, Seacroft and Wharfedale Hospitals.
The Rheumatology rotation consists of 11 posts, six of which are in Leeds. Four of the six SpRs rotate through Leeds General Infirmary and Chapel Allerton Hospitals; the other two SpRs rotate through St. James’ University Hospital and Chapel Allerton Hospital.
The other hospital’s included in the rotation are Harrogate, Bradford, Dewsbury, York and Wakefield. SpR’s spend about one year in each post. In addition, there are two Walport Clinical Lecturers based at CAH/LGI (50% clinical, 50% protected research).
The basic plan for the rheumatology rotation is that each registrar spends one year in Leeds and three one year attachments to the hospitals.
‘Single specialty’ training in Rheumatology consists of a four year programme of which one year can be research. In reality many of the SpR’s undertake MD or PhD research periods. This means that one to three years could be spent in research. But the SAC will expect evidence of 36 months full clinical training, irrespective of how much time is spent in research.
The main postgraduate activities take place on a Wednesday afternoon. These are largely held in Leeds (usually at Chapel Allerton Hospital) but six times a year we rotate out to one of the surrounding hospitals for “a regional ward round”. These visits are usually excellent value where a interesting cases or research are presented. The content of the postgraduate afternoon follows the Rheumatology training curriculum so that over a two year period most areas of the curriculum are covered.
Research and Academic TrainingPathway
Our unit strongly encourages research and we try hard to support our SpR’s whether it be: in writing a grant, a case report or an MD or PhD. For further information please link to the University web site.
Rheumatology And General Medicine
Currently the Rheumatology and G(I)M rotation involves SpRs spending three years in Hull, one year in Leeds and one year in Grimsby. Generally it would be desirable if the high intensity G(I)M is undertaken at Hull in the first year. One post at Hull is pure rheumatology. The job in Grimsby is low intensity G(I)M. Postgraduate meetings take place between Hull and Grimsby quarterly,
Undertaking a period of research is encouraged. However, be aware that to complete dual accreditation training, 36 months Rheumatology and 24 months G(I)M is required. Therefore any research is in addition to these training periods.
Further details can be found in the ‘Induction Pack’ in the right hand column.
