Nidhi Sofat (MRCP)
Name : Nidhi Sofat (MRCP)
Employer : The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Charing Cross Hospital Campus, Imperial College London
University : UCL
Subject : MBBS with intercalated BSc in immunology
Graduated : 1996
After completing house officer jobs in medicine and surgery, I started a senior house officer medical rotation at Charing Cross Hospital, Hammersmith Hospital and The Royal Brompton Hospital as I knew I wanted to pursue a career in a medical specialty. The rotation exposed me to the main specialties including cardiology, respiratory medicine, renal medicine, endocrinology, oncology and rheumatology. On passing my MRCP, I obtained an NTN in rheumatology as I was interested in the multisystem nature of this specialty. I was also interested in the immunological basis of the diseases involved and some of these concepts have translated into biological therapies, which rheumatologists can now use to treat a number of conditions. I am currently completing my SpR training and over the last three years I have also been working towards a PhD, investigating mechanisms of cartilage breakdown in osteoarthritis.
Key skills
Clinical skills are extremely important in rheumatology. These include being able to take a good history and examining patients from a multisystem viewpoint. Having an aptitude for procedures is also important – eg joint injections. Communication skills are vital. As rheumatologists, we work with other therapists to optimise patient care including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, podiatrists, orthopaedic and plastic surgeons. It is crucial to have a good working relationship with colleagues and to be able to work in a team. Since rheumatology involves the management of chronic diseases, it is not unusual to get to know patients and their families well and this may help to achieve optimal solutions for their long-term care.
Most unforgettable moment
I remember walking down a hospital corridor one day and bumping into Prince Charles, who happened to be visiting a patient. When I told the secretaries in my department they didn’t believe me and had to see for themselves. It stays in my mind as it is not the kind of thing you expect to happen!
Working life
I usually work 8.30 am to 6.00 pm. At the moment I’m completing my research and writing up my thesis. This involves doing experiments, reading and writing up work in the library, attending departmental meetings including journal clubs and presenting results to discuss within the group. When I return to my clinical job I will be doing four clinics per week. Some of these are specialist clinics in connective tissue diseases and rheumatoid arthritis. I also do injection clinics for specific joints or tendonitis. In addition to these clinics, I see inpatient ward referrals and am involved in looking after rheumatology inpatients. I attend rheumatology and radiology meetings where we discuss interesting or difficult cases and updates in management.