Manchester Royal Infirmary

Professor Ben Parker

Consultant Rheumatologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Manchester

Qualifications:

MBChB (with Honours) University of Liverpool, MRCP (Edinburgh), PhD University of Manchester

Special Interests:

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic Vasculitis, Biological Therapies, Transition Services

Biography

Professor Ben Parker is a Consultant Rheumatologist at The Kellgren Centre for Rheumatology in Manchester, and his clinical role focuses on the management of systemic lupus, vasculitis and related connective tissue diseases. He leads the NHS England-commissioned Specialised Rheumatology Service at MRI and works closely with colleagues from across the North West to provide a tertiary service and improve the management of complex patients.

Professor Parker has led many improvement projects, is a co-author of regional biologics prescribing pathways in Greater Manchester, acted for British Society for Rheumatology at several NICE technology appraisals and NICE Clinical Guideline for rheumatoid arthritis, and established the North West regional GCA MDT.

Professor Parker an active clinical researcher, leading and supporting projects within the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre investigating treatment stratification and outcomes in SLE, use of biologics in SLE/CTDs, and co-morbidity in SLE. Professor Parker has a broad clinical trial portfolio and acts as Principal Investigator and UK Chief Investigator on many clinical trials in SLE and other CTDs.

Professor Parker is Co-Director of the NIHR Manchester Clinical Research Facility, a multi-site facility that supports early phase clinical research for the population of Greater Manchester across all diseases and specialities.

Research

I am an active researcher and affiliated to the Centre for Musculoskeletal Research in the University of Manchester and the NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit. I have published many original research articles and review articles and hold several active research grants.

My research focuses on treatment stratification and outcomes in SLE, use of biologics in SLE/CTDs, co-morbidity in SLE. I act as Principal Investigator in several early phase clinical trials in Lupus based at the Kellgren Centre for Rheumatology.

I am also involved in several service improvement and implementation projects, with a particular focus on biologics prescribing. I am co-author of two regional biologics prescribing pathways and in 2016 was awarded a British Society for Rheumatology Outstanding Best Practice Award for our innovative Virtual Biologics Clinic.