Consultant Rheumatologist & Physician
Specialist Care with International Standards for Arthritis, Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases
UK-trained consultant expertise with precision diagnosis, modern disease-modifying therapies and improved long-term outcomes
Consultant Rheumatologist & Physician
Dr Azhar Abdullah is a UK board certified Consultant Rheumatologist and Physician with dual accreditation in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine. His practice is founded on international clinical standards, evidence-based decision-making and a commitment to early, accurate diagnosis.
He is trained in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Dr Abdullah has worked as a Consultant in leading NHS hospitals in Scotland, United Kingdom, and established a growing private practice at Ross Hall Hospital and Lanarkshire Private Clinic in Glasgow, Scotland.
Comprehensive care for a wide range of rheumatological conditions
Expert diagnosis and long-term management with modern disease-modifying therapies.
Comprehensive assessment and treatment of all forms of inflammatory joint disease.
Specialised treatment for inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis.
Expert management of gout and crystal arthropathies causing sudden severe joint pain.
Specialised treatment for inflammatory back pain and axial spondyloarthritis.
Advanced therapeutic joint and soft tissue injections with musculoskeletal ultrasound guidance.
Comprehensive care for lupus (SLE), Sjögren’s syndrome, and related disorders.
Also treating: Osteoarthritis, Vasculitis, Fibromyalgia, Muscle Disorders & Myositis, Musculoskeletal Ultrasound, and General & Acute Medical Care
View All Areas of ExpertiseA glimpse into our practice, clinical environment and media coverage
April 24, 2026
Dr Azhar Abdullah and team successfully identified Takayasu arteritis in a 33-year-old woman whose symptoms initially appeared to be a severe infection — a case requiring careful clinical observation and specialist expertise.
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April 24, 2026
Khaleej Times covers the remarkable case at NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah where Dr Azhar Abdullah’s team diagnosed Takayasu arteritis — a rare large-vessel vasculitis — through meticulous clinical assessment and multidisciplinary teamwork.
Read Full ArticlePatient education resources on rheumatology conditions and treatments
The Gulf Now · April 24, 2026
Dr Azhar Abdullah and team at NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah successfully identified Takayasu arteritis in a 33-year-old woman whose symptoms initially presented as a severe infection.
Read Full Article
Khaleej Times · April 24, 2026
Khaleej Times reports on the remarkable case at NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah where careful clinical observation and multidisciplinary teamwork led to a timely diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis.
Read Full Article
Learn to recognise the early warning signs of inflammatory arthritis and why timely specialist care makes a lasting difference.
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Vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly common and can cause significant muscle pain, fatigue, and long-term bone health problems.
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Gout is one of the most common forms of inflammatory arthritis — and with the right treatment, it is entirely preventable.
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A plain-language guide to the disease-modifying drugs and biological therapies used to treat inflammatory arthritis.
Read ArticleEducational content on this website is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor or a specialist for guidance specific to your condition.
Appointments are available through affiliated hospital clinics
Laird House, Hamilton Stadium, Cadzow Avenue, Hamilton, ML3 0FT
Our online appointment booking system is currently under development. Please check back soon for updates.
For enquiries in the meantime, please contact your GP for a referral or reach out via the details provided during your consultation.
Find answers to common questions about rheumatology care
A rheumatologist is a medical doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal diseases and systemic autoimmune conditions. These conditions can affect joints, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and sometimes other organs.
You should consider seeing a rheumatologist if you experience persistent joint pain, swelling, stiffness (especially in the morning), unexplained fatigue, or if your primary care doctor suspects an autoimmune or inflammatory condition. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for better outcomes.
Please bring your referral letter, photo ID, list of current medications, previous medical records (including test results and imaging), list of symptoms with dates, and any questions you’d like to discuss.
Initial consultations typically last 45–60 minutes. Follow-up appointments usually take 20–30 minutes. We allocate sufficient time to address all your concerns and develop an effective treatment plan.
Treatment options vary depending on your specific condition but may include medications (DMARDs, biologics, NSAIDs), physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, joint injections, and in some cases, referral for surgical consultation.
While there is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, modern treatments can effectively control symptoms, prevent joint damage, and allow most patients to lead active, fulfilling lives. Many patients achieve remission with early treatment.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative “wear and tear” condition. Inflammatory arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing swelling, prolonged morning stiffness, and potentially permanent damage. Inflammatory arthritis requires early treatment with disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs).
Yes, smoking is strongly associated with an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, more severe disease progression, reduced response to certain DMARD treatments, and higher cardiovascular risk. Stopping smoking is one of the most important lifestyle changes a patient can make.