Dr Dayavathi Ashok

Consultant Rheumatologist

I completed my undergraduate and postgraduate study in general medicine in India and came to the UK in 2000. I did my senior house officer training post mainly around London and completed my MRCP in 2002.

Following my higher specialist training, I was awarded the certificate of specialist training (CCST) in GIM and Rheumatology from Oxford Deanery in 2008. I was appointed to County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust in November 2008.

I undertake five rheumatology clinics, one combined clinic with orthopedic hand surgeon every three months and supervise nurse led clinics. I report DEXA scans at UHND.

I have a special interest in early arthritis and am keen to develop this service across the Trust. I have had two posters at the international meeting on early arthritis. I have experience in musculoskeletal ultrasound, which complements my interest in early arthritis. 

I am heavily involved in medical education. I have been awarded an Associate of the Higher Education Academy by the Royal College of Physicians in 2011. I am involved in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students, GPs and nurses, in addition to my significant contribution for the MRCP examination board.

I have an active interest in research and am principal investigator in three major multicentre clinical trials in the NIHR portfolio, in addition to pharmaceutical sponsored clinical studies.

I hope to make our early arthritis service one of the best in our region.

• Department: Rheumatology
• Speciality: Rheumatology
• Based at Hospital site: University Hospital of North Durham
• Special interests: Early arthritis, osteoporosis and connective tissue diseases.
• Secretary: Pam Watson
• Training: MBBS; Mysore Medical College, India; CCST in Rheumatology and GIM; Oxford Deanery.
• Qualifications: MBBS, MRCP (London), FRCP (Edin and London), AHEA (RCP)
• Date added to the specialist register: May 2008
• Training role: Foundation Tutor, Member of Specialist Question Writing Group (SQG) for MRCP Examination Board, MRCP Paces Examiner.