28 July 2026
Getting started in rheumatology for the first time, or moving into the specialty from elsewhere? It's an exciting step, but knowing where to begin isn't always obvious. That's why we're spotlighting our 'How to get started in rheumatology' elearning series - free to access for all healthcare professionals, whether you're a BSR member or not.
"The resources are all freely accessible to all healthcare professionals rather than just BSR members. We want everyone in the medical profession to learn about rheumatology and pave the way for the next generation." Dr Pippa Watson, BSR Education Committee co-chair
What's in the series
The series covers the fundamentals of getting started in rheumatology: conducting musculoskeletal examinations, getting to know your rheumatology team, and identifying key conditions such as axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) and rheumatoid arthritis.
Each module mixes formats so you can learn in whatever way suits you, and fits around your schedule - short audio clips pulled from our podcasts, plus diagrams, webinars and videos embedded wherever a visual explanation helps most.
New: getting started for trainees
The newest addition to the series is 'How to get started in rheumatology for trainees' - built to help trainees develop the practical skills and confidence needed early in the specialty, from interpreting data to running a clinic. In this module, you'll learn:
- How to use drugs safely (podcasts)
- How to interpret rheumatological investigations (eLearning)
- How to conduct a follow-up appointment (clinic prompts and eLearning)
- How to consider a career in rheumatology (webinars and podcasts)
"Building trainees' knowledge and confidence early on doesn't just make them better prepared, it helps more of them consider rheumatology as a career. That's exactly what this module is designed to do." Dr Pippa Watson, BSR Education Committee co-chair
Other series
We also offer 'How to get started in rheumatology for nurses' and 'How to get started in rheumatology for first contact practitioners', each tailored to the skills and knowledge needed in that role.
Whichever module you complete, you'll receive a certificate for your CPD hours - a great way to record and showcase your learning outside formal education.
How to access
Log in to your elearning account, or create a free one if you don't have one yet, then search 'get started' in the Content Library to find the series.