Personal Profile
Training and Appointment
Dr Patel trained at Cambridge & London Universities from 1981 - 1987. Following his General Medical training, he undertook six years of Rheumatology specialisation on the South London Rheumatology Training Programme. He has more than 20 years' experience as a Consultant in Rheumatology & General Internal Medicine at Ashford & St Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (ASPH) and in private practice.
Dr Patel specialises in General Rheumatology and his breadth of experience allows him to enjoy an interest in a wide range of conditions: osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, inflammatory joint disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, joint and soft tissue injection therapy, fibromyalgia, hypermobility, tendonitis, crystal arthritis including gout and pseudogout, neck and back pain, ankylosing spondylitis, connective tissue disorders such as systemic lupus, scleroderma, myositis and Sjogrens syndrome and sports injuries. He relishes the challenge of diagnostic conundrums, especially those which overlap between Rheumatology and General Internal Medicine such as fatigue, arthralgia, myalgia and pain conditions.
Dr Patel is currently the Clinical Lead for Rheumatology services at ASPH where he has been instrumental in setting up the Early Arthritis Clinic. His contribution to high quality healthcare has been recognised through three Clinical Excellence Awards. He was elected as a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in 2007.
Current Practice
He practices a holistic approach with an emphasis on history and examination, combined with the most appropriate tests, to reach a diagnosis and design a bespoke care plan, tailored and personalised for the individual. As a traditional physician with a modern approach, he combines courtesy and compassion for the concerns and needs of the patient, with an evidence-based approach to treatment. He ensures that they are fully involved and well-informed.
Research and Teaching
Dr Patel has a passion for education, recognised by the prestigious Teaching Excellence Award from Imperial College and Imperial College Principal Clinical Teacher status. His Clinical Lead for Undergraduate Medicine post combines the roles of Director of Clinical Studies at Imperial College with Undergraduate Sub-Dean at St George's, University of London.
Dr Patel is an Honorary Senior Lecturer in the Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education and an Honorary Senior Lecturer in the School of Biological Sciences at Royal Holloway, University of London.
