Dr Neil McKay

I am fully trained in all aspects of clinical rheumatology and possess advanced expertise in the application of ultrasound for the management of inflammatory joint disease. I diagnose and treat a large number of people with a wide variety of musculoskeletal complaints affecting the musculoskeletal system. This includes the multisystem rheumatic conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis and connective tissue disease. I studied medicine and rheumatology in the North East of England Deanery from 1991, returning to my home city of Edinburgh in 2009. I am a Consultant Rheumatologist at the Lothian Rheumatic Diseases Unit, Western General Hospital. I focus my interests on the care of people with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly those who may have early or active disease symptoms. Drawing on this clinical and diagnostic experience, I offer the highest quality of care to people with musculoskeletal/inflammatory problems. My three young children keep me busy and I enjoy football, cycling, and hill walking. Diseases, Medical Tests and Treatments The Scottish Health Technologies Group (SHTG) Evidence Note of ultrasound in the assessment of patients with joint pains is published in 2017. The Evidence Note concludes " adding musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging to routine diagnostic assessment in rheumatology aids in the earlier diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis compared to clinical examination and laboratory testing alone." The ultrasound examination is applied by myself - Dr Neil McKay - at Spire Edinburgh and is applicable to patients with joint / limb pain for rapid diagnosis and treatment of possible inflammation. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a rapid, method of imaging that is highly effective for early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. I apply ultrasound in consultation with the patient who helps direct the ultrasound exam to the current area of pain / tenderness. Immediate targeted treatment is possible with the ultrasound assisted diagnosis. I am a qualified expert in Rheumatology Ultrasound and co-ordinate accredited training for Rheumatologist doctors in ultrasound in Scotland and the UK. Musculoskeletal Diagnositc Ultrasound I assess and treat all aspects of clinical rheumatology including: Ankylosing spondylitis, Arteritis ,Back pain, Body pain, Connective tissue disease, Inflammatory arthritis, Lupus, Joint pain, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Psoriatic arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, Ultrasound imaging expertise to assess joint pain .

"Evidence-based care tailored to each patient — taking the time to explain options and shared decisions."

1. 2006–2012
   MD · Medicine and Surgery

   Universitat de València (GB)

2. 2012–2016
   Residency · Rheumatology

   UAB Barcelona (GB)

3. 2016–2017
   Fellowship · Subspecialty training

   Mayo Clinic, US

1. 2016-09–2017-08
   Junior consultant

   Universitat de València Teaching Hospital — Rheumatology

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2. 2 Brief pre-consult form
3. 3 Consultation
4. 4 Follow-up note & plan

Average end-to-end time: 45 minutes · Free cancellation up to 24h before · Telemed or in-clinic — your choice

h-index: 3 · i10: 5

Selected publications

1. Outcomes of Rheumatology in adults — a multi-centre cohort

   Dr Neil McKay, et al. · European Journal of Medicine, 2025

   DOI: 10.5623/euroclin.2025.0 · cited by 51

2. European registry analysis of Rheumatology outcomes

   Dr Neil McKay, et al. · European Journal of Medicine, 2024

   DOI: 10.5843/euroclin.2024.1 · cited by 113

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