29 June 2026
When Trish Cornell was approached about standing for Vice President for the British Society for Rheumatology (BSR), she saw an opportunity to bring her career full circle.
Having first retired from the NHS three years ago before returning part-time, Patricia could easily have chosen to slow down. Instead, she chose to dedicate the next chapter of her career to strengthening the future of rheumatology nursing and supporting allied health professionals (AHPs) across the specialty.
Now, as Vice President, she wants to focus on one of the biggest challenges facing the profession: retaining skilled rheumatology staff.
Across the UK, many nurses and AHPs face increasing workloads, mounting pressures and limited opportunities for career progression. Trish believes this is not only frustrating for professionals, but ultimately risks the future sustainability of rheumatology services.
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"We need that clinical expertise within rheumatology maintained so that we can give great care to our patients."
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For Trish, supporting career development is key to achieving that goal. She is particularly interested in exploring barriers that prevent nurses and AHPs from progressing through pay bands and advancing their careers without having to leave their clinical roles or relocate.
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“It's not going to be a quick win, but if I can get it on the pathway and get it in people's agendas at a national level, then I think we're starting to make moves for our staff in rheumatology.”
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Trish's approach will involve gathering evidence, raising awareness at a national level, and working collaboratively with organisations including BSR and the Royal College of Nursing. By building on existing frameworks and creating stronger pathways for progression, she hopes to help make rheumatology a specialty where talented professionals can build long and fulfilling careers.
Alongside these ambitions, Trish remains passionate about the sense of community that has shaped her own career. Through BSR, she has built lasting friendships, found mentors and worked alongside colleagues who have supported one another through decades of professional change.
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" I have a fantastic group of colleagues that I work with within nursing and we've helped each other and supported each other through our careers. And I've had some great mentors in the past as well who have been instrumental in where I am today. All of this has been really helpful in setting me up for this particular role as VP, but also what I enjoy most about working with BSR."
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As Trish begins her term as Vice President, she brings with her a wealth of experience gained across the NHS, the military, industry and clinical practice. More importantly, she brings a determination to ensure that the next generation of rheumatology health professionals have the support, opportunities and recognition they deserve.
If you're looking for opportunities to get involved with BSR at a leadership level, our elections are opening soon, and we're keen to take nominations for our President role. Learn more about BSR Elections here
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Learn more about Trish
Trish's path to rheumatology has been anything but conventional.
Trish began her nursing career in the NHS in the 1980s, specialising in trauma and orthopaedics. Driven by a long-held ambition, she later joined the Royal Navy as an officer, serving during the Gulf War before returning to civilian healthcare. It was only after leaving the Navy and working in a private hospital that an unexpected opportunity changed the course of her career.
A rheumatologist at Poole Hospital encouraged her to apply for a rheumatology role, despite her limited experience in the specialty. What stood out was not her rheumatology knowledge, but her leadership potential.
That leap of faith launched a career spanning more than two decades in rheumatology. Along the way, Trish completed her degree, became one of the earliest non-medical prescribers in 2004, and later balanced clinical practice with a nine-year role as a Consultant Nurse in the pharmaceutical industry.
She also witnessed first-hand the transformation of rheumatology care. Joining the specialty before biologic therapies became established, Trish grew alongside a rapidly evolving field, helping to shape new models of care and expanded practitioner roles.