Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity for a Senior Clinical Fellowship in Rheumatology at the Royal Cornwall Hospital. This is a 24-month fellowship programme designed to develop the skills to a level to deliver independent practice as a Rheumatology Consultant.

The primary objective of the fellowship is to provide advanced clinical training in the management of osteoporosis, inflammatory arthritis, connective tissue disease and vasculitis. Additional experience in research and audit can be offered.

Main duties of the job
The specific learning objectives of the fellowship are.
Knowledge: To develop full competency in the clinical assessment and management of rheumatoid conditions.
Practical: To learn basic ultrasound ultrasound guided joint injections.
Research: Dedicated research time will be offered to complete at least one publication and presentation of work at international meetings will be supported.

Rheumatology fellowship training is provided by the rheumatology department and led by Dr David Hutchinson. The fellow will work in the department and supervise the registrars and junior doctors as the rheumatologist on call. The on-call commitment is 1:6. At least 2 half-days per week will be allocated to CPD, audit and research.

The outpatient services in Rheumatology are delivered in a dedicated Rheumatology Unit. Full support is available for Rheumatology procedures in the outpatient setting. The department has a dedicated ultrasound machine.

Whilst the post does not attract a national training number (NTN), the postholder will have formal progress meetings with Dr David Hutchinson to ensure appropriate support and opportunities are being provided.

About us
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is at the heart of acute and specialist care for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We care for a population of around 470,000 people, a number that rises significantly during peak visitor seasons. We employ around 6,700 staff, united by a shared commitment to deliver safe, high-quality care. We provide services across three main hospital sites, with around 780 inpatient beds:

• Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro
• St Michael's Hospital in Hayle
• West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance

As a teaching hospital, we are proud to work in partnership with the University of Exeter Medical School, the University of Plymouth School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Peninsula Dental School, supporting the next generation of health professionals while continually strengthening our own services

Date posted
14 July 2026
Pay scheme
Hospital medical and dental staff
Grade
Doctor - other
Salary
£76,582 a year
pa pro rata
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
24 months
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time, Job share
Reference number
156-MS-8116911
Job locations
Truro Health Park, Truro, TR13LJ, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
PLEASE NOTE: To view the full Job Description and Person Specification, please click the supporting document on the right hand side

To be an employee of the NHS you need to successfully complete the following:

• Identity Checks
• Professional registration and qualification checks
• Employment history and reference checks
• Work health assessments
• Criminal record check standards
• Right to work checks

For further information please visit: https://www.nhsemployers.org/topics-networks/employment-standards-and-regulation

We reserve the right to close this advert early, or when the allocated number of applications has been reached. Please submit your application at the earliest opportunity.

Agency interest will not be considered until this advert has closed

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Full GMC registration with a Licence to Practice
• MRCP Rheumatology
• NHS Experience

Desirable

• Attended appropriate training courses in rheumatology.
• Higher medical degree (MD/PhD)
• Formal teaching qualification
• Educational supervisor qualification
• Leadership and/or clinical management qualification

Experience
Essential

• Wide experience in general Rheumatology
• Teaching (Medical students, peers, MDT).
• Experienced in Clinical Audit and Clinical Governance and the benefits of how this improves the quality of care provided to patients and ensuring this is embedded in clinical practice.

Desirable

• Minimum of 6 months experience in the field of rheumatology in the NHS
• CCT

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details
Employer name: Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust
Address: Truro Health Park, Truro, TR13LJ, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.royalcornwall.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact:
Consultant Rheumatologist & Specialty Lead
David Hutchinson
david.hutchinson5@nhs.net
01872250000