Description

On behalf of the Editorial Board I would like to welcome you to the first edition of this new Rheumatology Journal. These are exciting times in Rheumatology, a speciality changing more rapidly now than ever before. The huge investment by Rheumatologists, basic scientists and pharmaceutical companies in the study of basic scientific and clinical mechanisms underlying rheumatic diseases are starting to have a major impact on our practice today – and will have an even greater effect tomorrow. In the past, we have been very good at “borrowing” drugs used to treat other conditions and applying them to the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Now, it is bewildering to observe the many drugs, at various stages of development, that are designed to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis as the primary indication.

In addition to changes in practice driven by scientific advances, the introduction of clinical governance within the National Health Service has emphasised the requirement for us not only to keep up to date with advances in our speciality, but also be perceived to do this. Continuing professional development (CPD) and continuing medical education (CME), rather than optional extras, have now become necessities of professional life.

The time is thus right for the introduction of CPD Rheumatology. The object of this Journal is to provide an opportunity for Rheumatologists and those with an interest in Rheumatology, to keep up to date in this rapidly changing field. In addition, we intend to provide a greater capacity for interaction than is possible in more traditional journals.

I am delighted that the Royal College of Physicians have granted us CME approval for the Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), permitting a formal evaluation of what has been learnt. Those brave enough to complete the MCQs at the end of the Journal and send them off for marking, can gain external CME credits. We challenge you to do so!