GP Fellowship to develop ME/CFS champions for Norfolk
31st July 2019
The Quadram Institute and the charity Invest in ME Research are partnering with Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) to provide a GP Fellowship aimed at improving outcomes for patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) in Norfolk and Waveney.
ME/CFS is a debilitating, chronic condition that has serious, long-term effects on health. It’s characterised by extreme post-exercise muscle fatigue, often accompanied by muscle and joint pain, headaches and cognitive impairment. In severe cases sufferers may be housebound or bedbound for long periods. The causes remain unknown, and treatment options are limited.
The GP Fellowship will allow a GP to develop skills and personal and professional development in the specialist area of ME/CFS.
The GP will spend one day a week in the Quadram Institute, learning from and actively participating in the programme of biomedical research led by Professor Simon Carding into the causes of ME/CFS. Supported by Invest in ME Research, this is investigating a basis for ME/CFS in the immune system, focussing on its interaction with gut microbes. The GP will also spend a day concentrating on learning and education to increase their skillset in ME/CFS. The remainder of their working week will be spent in traditional practice in a local GP surgery.
The aim of the GP Fellowship is to learn from and contribute to ongoing biomedical research and improve patient outcomes. The GP Fellowship provides an opportunity to support clinical trials and the development of new treatments or therapies for ME/CFS. It’s hoped that after the initial one-year Fellowship, the GP would go on to be a champion of ME/CFS research and treatment in Norfolk and Waveney, and ultimately improve the quality of life for all individuals with ME/CFS.
Applications are open to GPs within their first 5 years of general practice either with existing roles in practices and also new GPs looking to relocate to Norfolk & Waveney. For more information see https://quadram.ac.uk/vacancies/gp-fellowship-me-cfs/
Related People
Related Targets

ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Related Research Groups

Simon Carding