Specialist Rheumatology Physician

Position Overview

We are seeking applications for the role of Specialist Physician in Rheumatology at our esteemed healthcare institution. This position is designed for a fixed duration, with the possibility of extension based on performance and departmental needs.

The ideal candidate will possess relevant experience in the field of Rheumatology and should ideally hold the MRCP qualification (or an equivalent credential) and be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). The successful applicant will engage in outpatient consultations, assess inpatient referrals, and manage day case patients, while also providing guidance to general practitioners and facilitating the education of junior medical staff, students, and nursing personnel. This role is pivotal in the provision of comprehensive rheumatology services.

Our department is supported by a diverse team of allied health professionals, including specialized physiotherapists and occupational therapists. We are equipped with a dedicated day-case infusion suite. While there is no direct responsibility for inpatient care, collaboration with medical colleagues on rheumatology-related issues is expected.

Key Responsibilities

- Collaborate with colleagues to deliver a thorough rheumatology service for the organization, ensuring the highest standards of patient care are maintained.

- Participate in the strategic planning of service delivery, fostering innovative practices.

- Contribute to the organization's corporate objectives and complete mandatory training as required.

- Actively engage in the implementation of the Clinical Governance framework.

- Uphold excellence in patient care.

- Provide cover for colleagues during absences and at short notice when necessary.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong communication and listening skills, effectively interacting with clinicians across various disciplines, as well as with management and other professionals both within and outside the organization.

The candidate should possess well-developed presentation skills, proficient report writing abilities, and be adept at utilizing presentation tools.

Attend departmental meetings, including educational sessions and radiology discussions.

Take ownership of personal and professional development, ensuring compliance with Continuing Medical Education (CME) standards and maintaining specialist accreditation.

The organization fully supports the CME requirements set forth by the relevant Royal College, recognizing it as a vital aspect of a physician's professional responsibilities, which will be reviewed during appraisal and revalidation processes. Time and financial resources will be allocated in accordance with the organization's Leave Policy.

About Our Organization

We are recognized as a leading NHS Foundation Trust in the UK, dedicated to the vision of enhancing health and well-being. We understand that our success relies on our exceptional staff.

Our commitment to our employees includes creating an optimal work environment, which encompasses:

- Investing in the health and well-being of our workforce, including offering flexible working arrangements where feasible.

- Providing a wide array of training and development opportunities to support personal and career growth.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all staff feel valued and respected. This commitment involves ensuring equitable opportunities, eliminating barriers to success, and empowering every individual to reach their full potential. Our inclusive culture is supported at all organizational levels, with active staff networks and leadership initiatives aimed at promoting fairness and diversity.

Job Responsibilities

- Oversee staff performance through coaching and mentoring to maximize their potential and address performance issues as necessary.

- Conduct annual appraisals aligned with established objectives.

- Ensure compliance with the organization's HR policies and employment legislation.

- Actively contribute to the education of patients, undergraduates, and postgraduates across various health disciplines.

- Participate in the formal appraisal of colleagues, including junior medical staff, following established protocols.

- Attend departmental meetings, including educational and radiology sessions.

- Take responsibility for ongoing personal and professional development, ensuring adherence to CME standards and retention of specialist accreditation.

- These responsibilities are not exhaustive and may be subject to review in response to evolving circumstances. Duties will be outlined in a job plan, which will undergo annual review with the Service Lead and Divisional Medical Director.

The successful candidate will be provided with the necessary IT resources and training to fulfill these objectives. Office space and administrative support will also be available.

Qualifications

Essential

• Registration on the GMC Specialist Register; eligibility for registration or within six months of obtaining the Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) at the time of interview.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development, including CME.
• MRCP or equivalent qualification.

Desirable

• Clinical training and experience equivalent to that required for UK CCT in rheumatology.
• Relevant experience in general rheumatology, acute rheumatology, and multi-system disease management.
• Ability to independently manage the clinical care of patients with a wide range of rheumatic diseases.
• Understanding of Clinical Governance and Audit requirements.

Experience

Essential

• Ability to articulate the need for balancing clinical caseloads.
• Proficient communication skills with a diverse range of healthcare professionals on complex and sensitive matters.
• Capacity to work autonomously, prioritize workload, and supervise junior staff.
• Competence in a variety of clinical skills relevant to the required scope of practice.
• Ability to perform under pressure while managing competing priorities.
• Experience in conducting clinical audits, analyzing data, and developing actionable improvement plans.
• Proven ability to prepare reports and documents for internal and external communication.
• Knowledge of current evidence-based practices and their application to service and policy development.

Additional Criteria

Essential

• Leadership and management skills within a clinical team.
• Ability to organize and manage outpatient/inpatient priorities in line with organizational requirements.
• Willingness to work within the performance framework and targets of the organization.
• Experience with audit processes and knowledge of complaints, ethical issues, and Clinical Governance.
• Understanding of training systems and active participation in trainee supervision.
• Experience in teaching medical students.
• Ability to teach clinical skills effectively.
• Understanding of clinical research processes.
• Ability to apply research findings to clinical challenges.
• Capacity to work collaboratively with colleagues from diverse professional backgrounds.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and relationship-building capabilities.
• Effective communication with patients, families, general practitioners, nurses, and other stakeholders.
• Understanding of patient and family needs.
• Persuasive and influential communication skills.
• Strong presentation skills for conveying complex clinical and managerial information.
• Ability to maintain composure and uphold high standards under pressure.
• Critical and inquisitive approach to work.
• Compassionate and empathetic attitude towards patients.
• Ability to engage effectively with individuals expressing opposing views.
• Proficient IT skills.
• Occupational Health Clearance.
• Flexibility to undertake routine work during peak times as required for service delivery.