Consultants

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

After obtaining my MRCP I undertook specialist training in rheumatology in Manchester. During my specialty training I secured an Arthritis Research UK Clinical Research Fellowship to study cardiovascular outcomes in SLE and was awarded my PhD by University of Manchester in 2012.

My clinical interests focus on the management of complex connective tissue diseases, and I support the Kellgren Centre provide an NHS England commissioned regional lupus and vasculitis service.  I also provide a general rheumatology service (including early arthritis clinics) and oversee the biologics service within the Department.  Alongside colleagues from RMCH I provide transition clinics for young adults with rheumatic disease as they transfer to adult services.

I am a member of British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) and an Associate Director at NIHR/Wellcome Trust Manchester Clinical Research Facility.  I have acted as a clinical expert for British Society for Rheumatology at several NICE technology appraisals (TA375, TA415) and am currently a committee member for the update of the NICE Clinical Guideline (GC79) for rheumatoid arthritis.

I am Lead for the Academic Foundation Programme at CMFT and AFP lead at the Manchester ICAT.

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.

Contact Details

PA Karen Winterburn

Tel  0161 276 7936

Email Karen.winterburn@cmft.nhs.uk

Kellgren Centre for Rheumatology – 0161 276 4357