In this episode, we take a deep dive into the NIHR Associate Principal Investigator (API) Scheme, exploring what it really means to step into a research role. Dr Anastasia Madenidou hosts this conversation with James Bluett, Holly Speight, Jill Firth & Tania-Elena Gudu.

From a Research Delivery Network (RDN) perspective, we provide an overview of the scheme which is open to the entire MDT, highlight its purpose in developing the next generation of researchers, and signpost listeners to key API resources. We then hear directly from both sides of the experience: a mentor sharing insights on supporting and shaping emerging investigators, and an API mentee reflecting on the realities, challenges, and rewards of the programme.

Whether you’re considering applying, mentoring, or simply curious about how the NIHR API Scheme builds research capacity, this episode offers honest reflections, practical advice, and inspiration for your next career step.

Thanks for listening to Talking Rheumatology! Join the conversation on X using #TalkingRheum or tweet us @RheumatologyUK.

BSR is the UK's leading specialist medical society for rheumatology and MSK health professionals. To discover how we can support you in delivering the best care for your patients, visit our website.

BSR has published an updated life-course guideline for the prescription and monitoring of conventional synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs).

Find out more via our blog.

Join guideline working group Chair, Louise Mercer, and group members James Galloway, Katie Bechman, Akhila Kavirayani and Alan Davidson, in a roundtable discussion hosted by Prof Ernest Choy, Editor in Chief of Rheumatology to find out what is included in the publication and what has changed since the 2017 guideline was published.

Find the video version of this episode on the BSR YouTube channel.

Read the full guideline and download the handy infographic and audit tool here.

Thanks for listening to Talking Rheumatology! Join the conversation on X using #TalkingRheum or tweet us @RheumatologyUK.

BSR is the UK's leading specialist medical society for rheumatology and MSK health professionals. To discover how we can support you in delivering the best care for your patients, visit our website.

BSR has published a new set of management recommendations for ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), serving as an update to our AAV guideline last published in 2017.

Find out more via our blog.

Join guideline working group Chair, Lorraine Harper, and group members Rosemary Hollick, Harold Wilson-Morkeh, Georgina Ducker and expert by experience member, Zoi Anastasa, in a roundtable discussion hosted by Prof Ernest Choy, Editor in Chief of Rheumatology to find out what is included in the publication and what has changed since the 2017 guideline was published.

Sign up for the BSR educational webinars to accompany the recommendations here: https://www.rheumatology.org.uk/events-learning/webinars/updated-recommendations-for-managing-anca-associated-vasculitis

Read the full guideline and download the summary pdf here.

Thanks for listening to Talking Rheumatology! Join the conversation on X using #TalkingRheum or tweet us @RheumatologyUK.

BSR is the UK's leading specialist medical society for rheumatology and MSK health professionals. To discover how we can support you in delivering the best care for your patients, visit our website.