Dr Qasim Akram FRCP (London)

Dr Qasim Akram is a Consultant Rheumatologist and General Physician with a wealth of expertise in diagnosing and treating complex rheumatic conditions. His NHS practice is based at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust (Stepping Hill Hospital) and Macclesfield District General Hospital. His private practice is at the Spire Regency Hospital Macclesfield and The Wilmslow Hospital. Dr Akram is widely recognised for his expertise in Early Inflammatory Arthritis, PMR, Giant Cell Arteritis and Musculoskeletal Ultrasound, leading innovative and pioneering clinics that have improved patient care and outcomes. He also has expertise in the diagnosis and management of the full spectrum of rheumatic disease including inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis), crystal arthritis, osteoarthritis, connective tissue diseases, vasculitis and non inflammatory conditions. He is currently lead for the Stepping Hill EULAR Imaging Centre, a highly respected international recognition of excellence, and one of only a handful of rheumatology centres in the UK to have achieved this recognition. He also leads the GCA Fast Track Clinic and the Stockport Ultrasound Fellowship programme, mentoring the next generation of rheumatologists to perform ultrasound scans in their daily practice. Dr. Akram completed his medical degree at the University of Liverpool in 2007 with a first-class honours in Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Dr Akram then pursued specialist training in Rheumatology and General Internal Medicine in the North-West of England. During his specialist training, he did an advanced (rheumatology) musculoskeletal ultrasound fellowship at a Centre of Excellence in Madrid, earning international accreditation and a reputation as a national and international expert. He is also an accomplished educator, evident through mentoring postgraduate trainees and teaching undergraduates at the University of Manchester. He has set up the national 'Rheumatology Ultrasound Course Manchester workshop' which is now into its 4th year with a focus on teaching and training others in the field of ultrasound in rheumatic disease. He is regularly invited to speak at national and international conferences. As well as being an author of a book and contributing to major scientific journals he is also frequently asked to be a reviewer for groundbreaking research. Beyond his medical work, Dr Akram is a family man with a love for health and fitness, sports, travel and languages. He is known for his approachable, down to earth and patient-centred care, as he builds strong connections with his patients, ensuring they feel supported and understood throughout their healthcare journey.

Dr Akram sees a wide range of patients with rheumatological and general medical problems. He specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with complex multi-system autoimmune conditions including inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, polymyalgia rheumatica), crystal arthritides such as gout, systemic vasculitides including giant cell arteritis/large vessel vasculitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and other connective tissue diseases. He also manages patients with osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, soft tissue musculo-skeletal diseases and fibromyalgia/ chronic pain syndromes. He is experienced and knowledgeable about all the latest treatments for rheumatic diseases including biologic and non-biologic therapies i.e., DMARDs and keeps up to date through attending either the EULAR or the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) scientific congress annually. Dr Akram is highly skilled in the use of musculo-skeletal ultrasound in rheumatological disease. He uses this for the detection of the early signs, or clinically undetectable, inflammatory arthritis. Using this technique alongside his consultation, and as part of a ‘one stop shop’ clinic, he has successfully ensured an earlier diagnosis and subsequent treatment for inflammatory arthritis patients. In addition to this, he also uses ultrasound to detect soft tissue and tendon disorders, assess treatment responses to biologic therapies and to help accurately guide steroid injections (for inflamed joints/tendons, osteoarthritis, soft tissues e.g., carpal tunnel, frozen shoulder, tennis/golfer’s elbow, or tendinopathy of any cause). He also uses ultrasound as part of a GCA Fast Track Clinic enabling patients with potential sight threatening disease due to GCA being treated in a timely manner and reducing the risks of complications.