The ME Association is posting this job opportunity for information purposes only
Job Overview
This is an exciting opportunity to join the experienced specialist team in the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine (RLHIM) ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia
service as a Specialty Doctor. The ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia service provides diagnosis, medical management and rehabilitation, symptom management and
psychological support for this patient group.
We welcome applications from medically qualified healthcare professionals with a holistic approach and experience in managing complex, chronic conditions. The successful candidate will provide high quality holistic care and support in line with NICE guidelines and work within a multidisciplinary team to enhance patient outcomes.
This tertiary referral service provides multidisciplinary treatment pathways for adult patients with these complex, chronic medical conditions and is one of the largest such services in London and the South-East. The service incorporates physician care (one specialist physician, two specialty doctors), occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology (Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, ACT, Mindfulness, Autogenic Training), dietetics and acupuncture. We work closely with other specialties within RLHIM and UCLH.
The RLHIM is a national and international centre for evidence-based practice, education and research in integrated medicine. Its philosophy of holism,
individualisation and integration of treatment uses a multidisciplinary approach to assessment, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation using conventional skills
together with appropriate use of complementary therapies.
The successful candidate will be expected to possess substantial experience in the management of chronic illnesses, including an understanding of psychosocial aspects and comfort with multi-morbidity and polypharmacy. Apart from high-level clinical skills, the successful applicant will have vision and the willingness to work in a multidisciplinary team and assist in the development of clinical services.
Informal inquiries about the post are welcome: Please contact Kathy Sullivan, Administration Manager and PA to Associate Clinical Director, on 0203 448 8942.
Main Duties of the Role
Maintain the highest clinical standards in the diagnosis and management of ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia patients and those that meet the guideline for possible or probable ME/CFS. To appropriately request bloods and further tests as deemed clinical necessary. To share with colleagues the responsibility for the management of ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia patients.
The clinician will receive supervision from a named clinician, in line with the skills and experience of the person appointed. The scope of the role will be adjusted to the skills and experience of the clinician appointed. Attendance at MDT meetings and 12 weekly team clinical governance meetings is a valued and important part of the post. Teaching and training of junior staff and medical students where applicable. To actively participate in both departmental and Trust matters concerning Clinical Governance and Audit.
About University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.
We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites: · University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing) · National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery · Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital · Eastman Dental Hospital · Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine · University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre · The Hospital for Tropical Diseases · University College Hospitals at Westmoreland Street We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women’s health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.
At UCLH, we have a real ‘One Team’ ethos, and our values – safety, kindness, teamwork and improving, are central to the way we work. This is supported by our staff, who voted us as the #1 NHS Acute Trust to work for in the whole of England. We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040
Job Description
Key Responsibilities:
- Diagnose and manage ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia using a patient-centred approach, following the NICE guidelines for ME/CFS and NICE guidelines for Chronic Pain and EULAR guidelines for Fibromyalgia
- Engage with patients, families, and carers to provide education about ME/CFS management and self-care strategies
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals across various disciplines to ensure comprehensive care delivery
- Advocate for the needs of ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia patients, enhancing their access to necessary services and support Required Qualifications and Skills
- GMC-registered MD with experience in ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, or related fields
- Demonstrable understanding of and commitment to implementing relevant guidelines
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of effectively engaging with diverse patient groups, both in person and via remote platforms
- A proactive approach to multidisciplinary teamwork and patient advocacy
For the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.