I gained undergraduate medical training at Cambridge University and Guy's Hospital, London, and qualified in 1974. My rheumatological training was undertaken at Guy's Hospital with one year spent doing laboratory research under Professor G Panayi, supported by an Arthritis Research Campaign research fellowship.

I was appointed as consultant rheumatologist in Southampton in 1985, where I am currently lead consultant in rheumatology. I also provide a service to Hythe, Lymington and Romsey and visiting rheumatology service in Guernsey on a monthly basis. Although my main interests are in inflammatory rheumatic disease, my clinical practice embraces all aspects of rheumatology including spinal pain, soft tissue rheumatism, bone disease and medicolegal practice.

I also pursue an active interest in the application of computer technology to healthcare education and until 2011 worked for NHS Evidence, developing a source of high quality information to support healthcare decision-making. In the past I have authored and programmed a CD ROM on rheumatology published by Cambridge University Press and have created and maintained an educational website on rheumatology for the Arthritis Research UK (JointZone).