Clinical Fellow in Rheumatology | University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust; Bristol; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare organization in the UK is looking for an experienced clinician to join their dynamic Rheumatology team. The role, at ST3 level or above, involves managing both inpatient and outpatient care while actively participating in teaching, clinical governance, and research initiatives. This position offers significant professional development opportunities, with previous fellows successfully progressing to specialty training roles. The aim is to deliver high-quality, patient-focused care, supported by a strong research and development infrastructure.

Benefits

Strong professional development opportunities

Teaching involvement

Research opportunities

Qualifications

• Must have experience at ST3 level or above in Rheumatology.
• Medically qualified with a commitment to patient care.
• Strong teaching and governance participation is required.

Responsibilities

• Support rheumatology inpatient care and outpatient clinics.
• Participate in clinical governance and service development.
• Contribute to departmental teaching and postgraduate meetings.

Skills

Experience at ST3 level or above

Inpatient and outpatient care proficiency

Strong commitment to teaching

Participation in clinical governance

Education

Medical degree

Job description

Overview

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) is one of the largest acute Trusts in the UK, with 11 hospitals, over 13,000 staff and more than 100 clinical services. Our Rheumatology department is a recognised regional centre of excellence, delivering both secondary and tertiary care from a purpose-built facility that includes outpatient and day-case areas, DXA and ultrasound, therapy services and an onsite research unit.

The team is at the forefront of digital innovation, using paper-light pathways, remote and patient-initiated consultations, multidisciplinary clinics and one-stop ultrasound assessments within the inflammatory arthritis service. We run specialist clinics covering early inflammatory arthritis (EIA), CTD/Vasculitis, transitional care, osteoporosis and rare bone disease, and deliver regular joint clinics with paediatrics, dermatology, orthopaedics and respiratory medicine.

Research and Recognition

Nationally recognised for quality, the department provides rheumatology expertise to the South West ECMO service and has received multiple BSR Best Practice Awards. Fellows have access to a wide range of research opportunities through our partnerships with the University of the West of England and the University of Bristol, supported by the Trust’s strong R&D infrastructure. This post provides excellent opportunities to develop subspecialty interests, contribute to service design and teaching, and progress towards CESR where relevant.

Role

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic clinician (ST3 level or above) to join our dynamic Rheumatology team at UHBW. This post offers excellent flexibility and strong professional development opportunities, with previous fellows successfully progressing through CESR and into specialty training roles. The role includes inpatient and outpatient care, participation in the HOT week rota, day-case reviews and consultant-supported teaching clinics. Fellows run their own clinic lists and play an active role in delivering urgent care.

Educational responsibilities and Research

Educational responsibilities include contributing to departmental teaching, audit and QI activity, and taking part in weekly postgraduate meetings involving regional Rheumatology teams. There are extensive research opportunities through clinical trials, registry studies and academic projects, delivered in close collaboration with UWE and the University of Bristol, and supported by the Trust’s R&D Office.

Governance and Leadership

The post also includes active participation in clinical governance, encouraging innovation, service improvement and a strong focus on patient safety. While not a formal managerial role, fellows have the opportunity to lead service development work, support junior colleagues and shape pathways of care—providing valuable preparation for future senior and leadership positions.

About UHBW

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) is one of the largest acute Trusts in the country, with more than 13,000 staff and over 100 clinical services across 10 hospital sites. We serve a core population of over 500,000 people across the South West and are rated ‘Good’ overall by the CQC. Our teams are proud to deliver high-quality care to patients in Bristol, Weston and beyond.

Culture and Commitment

As a forward-thinking, multi-award-winning Trust and recognised digital exemplar, we are committed to continual improvement in patient care. Our research, innovation and global collaborations help shape future models of healthcare, with real impact both locally and internationally.

With hospitals across Bristol and Weston, staff enjoy the best of both worlds — vibrant city life with easy access to countryside, coastline and everything the South West has to offer.

Equity and Safeguarding

UHBW is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. We are an equal-opportunities employer, actively working towards a workforce that reflects the diversity of our local communities. We aim to design our services around the needs of patients and those who support them. Anonymous data from your application may be used to ensure we are meeting these commitments.

Role specifics

The post-holder will support rheumatology inpatient care, review day-case patients and deliver consultant-supervised outpatient clinics. Registrars run their own clinic lists and rotate weekly to cover ward reviews and urgent care as part of the Rheumatology HOT week rota (approximately 1 in 4–5 weeks). During HOT weeks, outpatient commitments are reduced to allow focus on urgent referrals and GP advice calls, which are usually managed by the resident team. The post-holder will also have the opportunity to join the teaching clinic with one of our consultants, providing protected time for development and supervised learning.

This advert closes on Thursday 18 Dec 2025