Paediatric Rheumatology

Introduction 

The Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust Paediatric Rheumatology Visiting Professional Programme (VPP) is designed to provide international visiting professionals with the opportunity to experience first-hand our unique paediatric rheumatology service, which specialises in treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis, dermatomyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma and vasculitis conditions, as well as chronic pain, musculoskeletal imbalances and sports injuries. The programme offers a unique chance to be fully integrated within a service which is at the forefront of clinical activity and training.

The programme has been designed by our clinical leads to provide a unique development experience which enables visiting professionals to broaden their clinical expertise and learn new skills that can be transferred back to their work place. We are excited to deliver exclusive access to observe and work alongside our paediatric rheumatology faculty and to provide an opportunity for international professionals to gain insight into our Trust and the role that our staff play within the NHS.

Programme aims

The programme is aimed at those who wish to extend their clinical expertise in paediatric rheumatology medicine within Evelina London Children’s Hospital.

The aims of the programme include:

• Experience of the NHS and working in one of the largest teaching hospitals and provider of children’s services in London
• Exposure of a diverse range of rheumatology conditions, including juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), juvenile systemic lupus erythematosis (lupus), juvenile dermatomyositis, scleroderma, vasculitis, chronic pain, and musculoskeletal imbalances and sports injuries
• Direct experience and exposure of clinics and ward rounds
• Interaction with multidisciplinary team members within the rheumatology service, including specialist physiotherapists and psychologists
• Opportunities to participate in internal clinical academic meetings and educational activities
• The opportunity to create networks and links for future learning and development

Individual weekly timetables will be created depending on each visiting professional’s requirements.

A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to visitors upon the end of their programme.

Format

The Paediatric Rheumatology programme is delivered within the hospital work place and it includes exposure to clinics, inpatient ward rounds, multidisciplinary team meetings, depending on the length of programme that visitors request.

Visiting professionals will be aligned with supervisors from within the clinical teams who will facilitate agreed learning and development needs. We would expect visiting professionals to be totally integrated in the day to day service within our paediatric rheumatology team.

Who can apply

This programme is intended for non-U.K. qualified registrars and consultants with an interest in paediatric rheumatology.

Visitors have the choice of applying for a hands on attachment or observership programme. Those wishing to apply for a hands-on attachment must have GMC registration and NMC registration. You can apply for GMC registration directly through the main GMC website, alternatively The Royal College of Physicians run a medical training initiative which facilitates GMC registration and provides sponsorship for a Tier 5 visa. You can find out more about their Medical Training Initiative by visiting their website.

Programme duration

We are able to offer visiting professional programmes for periods of up to 3 months. The programme’s duration can be tailored to the specific learning requirements of those visiting the Trust.

Paediatric Rheumatology service

The rheumatology service at Evelina London diagnoses and treats rheumatological inflammatory conditions and provides rehabilitation services for those with musculoskeletal pain. We are a specialist unit, covering south London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

Conditions we treat include:

• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
• Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosis (lupus)
• Juvenile dermatomyositis
• Scleroderma
• Vasculitis
• Chronic pain
• Musculoskeletal imbalances and sports injuries.

Supporting transition

We also provide specialist clinics for older children to make sure they get the advice and support they need when moving to adult services (transition).

Clinics

• ‘One-stop shop’ rheumatology clinic
• Adolescent twilight rheumatology clinic
• Young adult rheumatology clinic
• Complex inflammatory conditions
• Joint rheumatology and renal clinic
• Rapid access rheumatology clinic
• Outreach rheumatology clinics
• Chronic pain clinic

Outreach clinics

We also provide outreach network clinics to the following hospitals in south London:

• East Surrey
• Lewisham
• Dartford
• St George’s
• Frimley Park

Fees

A course fee per week will be applied; this fee excludes accommodation and travelling expenses. To find out the fee amount please email vpp@gstt.nhs.uk

Please note

Clinicians are able to offer bursaries or discounted placements on an individual basis. This is at the discretion of the Directorates of GSTT and does not affect the terms and conditions of the Visiting Professional Programme agreements.