Guernsey’s first permanent rheumatologist arrives on island

Dr Michael Clynes, Guernsey’s first permanent consultant rheumatologist, has started work at the Medical Specialist Group with the aim of improving continuity of care for patients living with chronic conditions such as arthritis, lupus and other autoimmune disorders. 

Before joining the MSG’s team of almost 60 consultants, Dr Clynes was a consultant rheumatologist at Salisbury District Hospital and one of four visiting consultants providing rheumatology care to Guernsey through a long-standing arrangement with Health & Social Care. 

He says, ‘This is an exciting and unique opportunity to help shape and develop Guernsey’s rheumatology service. Having already cared for patients here for almost four years, I know firsthand the strengths of Guernsey’s healthcare system and the positive working environment at the hospital and greatly enjoy the diverse patient caseload. 

‘I’m looking forward to building on the MSG’s dedication to clinical excellence and providing high-quality, consultant led care to our patients’. 

Dr Steve Evans, MSG Chair said: ‘We’re really pleased to have to have attracted such a great quality candidate to Guernsey as the MSG’s first rheumatologist. 

‘Michael has extensive clinical and academic experience in rheumatology and is passionate about high-quality patient focused care. Many local patients will already know him, and we are confident his appointment will be warmly received.’   

A consultant rheumatologist since 2021, Dr Clynes studied medicine at the University of Warwick, gaining a PhD from the University of Cambridge and a first-class BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology from the University of Leeds. He completed his specialist postgraduate rheumatology training in the south of England. 

A former clinical lecturer at the University of Southampton, he has published extensively on osteoporosis, bone health and rheumatology disorders, and taught medical students, junior doctors, and allied health professionals. 

Dr Clynes has moved to the island with his wife and two young children. A former tennis coach and player, who represented Cambridge University, he is also looking forward to exploring the island’s coastal paths with his family.