Ariane is a Professor of Rheumatology with a specialism in systemic sclerosis, and joins the group as Honorary Clinical Chair.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am a rheumatologist with an interest in Raynaud’s phenomenon and systemic sclerosis (often termed ‘scleroderma’). I graduated from the University of Aberdeen, trained in general medicine at the Western Infirmary in Glasgow, and in rheumatology in Salford/the University of Manchester. I then continued at the University of Manchester, moving to part-time from 2022 (as Professor of Rheumatology) when I returned to Scotland.
As an honorary consultant rheumatologist at Salford Royal Hospital, I led a tertiary service for patients with systemic sclerosis, and the cohort of patients attending Salford underpinned my disease-based research programme. I have a particular interest in clinical trials, and in non-invasive methods of imaging the finger circulation, especially in the technique of nailfold capillaroscopy, which allows direct visualisation of the microcirculation.
I also have a strong interest in teaching, and established (and ran for approximately 15 years) the University of Manchester MSc Programme in Clinical Rheumatology.
What will you be investigating while you are in Aberdeen?
I hope to contribute to the Scottish Systemic Sclerosis Network. My current research projects have a focus on nailfold capillaroscopy, and I hope it may be possible for patients from Grampian to participate in capillaroscopy and potentially in other imaging studies. I would also like to continue my interest in clinical trials.
Why did you choose Aberdeen?
My husband and I decided to return to the north of Scotland, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to be part of the Epidemiology Group at the University of Aberdeen, and to maintain my clinical interests by doing some outpatient clinics in NHS Grampian. I am very pleased to come back to the University of Aberdeen!
Are you involved in any other research?
I am a member of the UK Scleroderma Study Group, a co-chair the EULAR Study Group on Microcirculation in Rheumatic Diseases, and a member of the Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium, and try where possible to contribute to initiatives of all these groups.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I help to look after three horses. I also enjoy walking, and am a keen skier.