09 May 2023
In the second of our five-part blog series, we speak to Dr Rizwan Rajak, who has been a rheumatology consultant for 10 years but has always had an interest in education. Rizwan also holds many educational roles which helps our specialty and general medicine trainees.
From being a programme director for the rheumatology diploma and master’s course at the University of South Wales, to being a college tutor at the Royal College of Physicians. Dr Rajak is involved in a range of national education projects and also sits on our education committee.
Why is the CTD course an important part of the BSR education programme?
Connective tissue disorders generally are a very complex group of conditions which the broader MDT team are now starting to manage.
There aren't many training courses that are delivered by leading experts on the day-to-day approach to assessing and managing these patients. We’re allowing and helping our delegates to develop more confidence as well as giving them background knowledge on what to look for in their history when they see these patients for the first time in clinics.
How will it improve their clinical practice and career?
The main objective is to enhance the knowledge of the broad range of connective tissue disorders across the whole of the MDT and give them more confidence in their day-to-day practice. Many clinicians aren’t confident in assessing these patients, this course will ensure they get the baseline foundation to enhance their knowledge and skills. It may potentially even springboard into more specialist interest areas, as they might end up looking into more avenues in research and education, specifically in these conditions.
What is the highlight of the day?
One highlight is the multi-system approach of assessing and managing scleroderma and myositis useful to the whole MDT team. We have a session on Raynaud's, which will highlight the range of potential treatment options.
Furthermore, delegates will be able to interact with other internationally recognised expert speakers on these complex disorders. The key highlight is the focus on a practical and pragmatic approach to assessing and managing these complex multisystem conditions.