Job Description – Consultant Rheumatologist
Job Title
Consultant Rheumatologist
Department
Rheumatology
Reports To
Medical Director / Head of Medical Department
Job Summary
The Consultant Rheumatologist is responsible for providing consultant-level, evidence-based care for patients with rheumatic, autoimmune, inflammatory, and musculoskeletal disorders. The role includes diagnosing, treating, and managing both acute and chronic rheumatologic conditions while ensuring the highest standards of patient safety, clinical excellence, and ethical medical practice in accordance with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulations and hospital policies.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive patient assessments, including detailed medical history and physical examinations.
- Diagnose and manage a wide range of rheumatologic conditions, including:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Gout
- Vasculitis
- Osteoporosis
- Sjögren's Syndrome
- Connective Tissue Diseases
- Develop individualized treatment plans based on current evidence-based clinical guidelines.
- Prescribe and monitor disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologic therapies, corticosteroids, and other immunosuppressive medications.
- Perform rheumatologic procedures such as:
- Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis)
- Intra-articular and soft tissue injections
- Musculoskeletal assessments
- Request and interpret laboratory investigations, imaging studies, and other diagnostic tests.
- Monitor disease progression and modify treatment plans accordingly.
- Provide outpatient and inpatient rheumatology consultations as required.
- Manage rheumatology emergencies and complications when necessary.
Patient Care
- Educate patients and their families regarding diagnosis, treatment options, medication safety, and disease management.
- Promote preventive care, lifestyle modifications, and rehabilitation strategies.
- Ensure informed consent is obtained before procedures.
- Maintain patient confidentiality and uphold ethical standards.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Work closely with Internal Medicine, Orthopedics, Dermatology, Nephrology, Pulmonology, Ophthalmology, Physiotherapy, Pain Management, Radiology, and Laboratory departments.
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case discussions.
- Coordinate referrals and continuity of care.
Quality & Compliance
- Maintain complete, accurate, and timely electronic medical records.
- Ensure compliance with DHA regulations, hospital policies, infection control protocols, and international clinical standards.
- Participate in clinical audits, quality improvement initiatives, morbidity and mortality meetings, and patient safety programs.
- Report adverse events according to hospital policy.
Academic & Professional Development
- Participate in Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities.
- Stay updated with advancements in rheumatology and evidence-based practice.
- Participate in teaching, mentoring, and supervising junior physicians, residents, interns, and allied healthcare professionals.
- Support clinical research and publication activities where applicable.
Qualifications
- Medical Degree (MBBS or equivalent) from a recognized institution.
- Completion of an approved residency and fellowship training in Rheumatology.
- Board Certification or equivalent specialist qualification recognized by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
- Valid DHA Consultant License or eligibility for Consultant licensing in Dubai.
- Valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification; Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is preferred.
Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of post-board certification experience as a Consultant Rheumatologist.
- Experience in a tertiary care hospital or multidisciplinary healthcare facility is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in managing autoimmune diseases and biologic therapies.
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent diagnostic and clinical decision-making skills.
- Expertise in musculoskeletal examination and rheumatologic procedures.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Commitment to patient-centered care and clinical excellence.
- Strong organizational, leadership, and documentation skills.
- Proficiency in Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems.
- Fluency in English; Arabic language skills are an advantage.
Working Conditions
- Hospital and outpatient clinic setting.
- Participation in on-call duties as required.
- Compliance with hospital scheduling and emergency coverage requirements.
Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Quality of patient outcomes.
- Patient satisfaction scores.
- Compliance with clinical documentation standards.
- Adherence to clinical guidelines and patient safety protocols.
- Participation in quality improvement and CME activities.
- Timely completion of medical records.
- Effective multidisciplinary collaboration.
