Dr Toby Wallace

Dr Toby Wallace

Introduction to Toby:

I am a GP Partner in North Yorkshire and have 15 years’ experience working as a GPwER in Musculoskeletal Medicine working in various MSK interface services. I also worked in rheumatology both as a junior doctor and as a clinical assistant. I am a longstanding member of the Primary Care Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine society and have recently worked on their behalf supporting the new FSEM/PCRMM joint badged MSK diploma, both in question writing and standard setting for the exam.

Alongside my NHS work I have experience both working and volunteering in amateur and semi-professional rugby as a team medic.  Outside work I enjoy mountain and gravel biking alongside spending time supporting my daughters rowing and playing rugby.

Why Toby wants to be a NASS champion:

My first real experience of Axial SpA (including Ankylosing Spondylitis) was whilst working on a regional rheumatology in-patient unit as an SHO in rheumatology almost 20 years ago. My interest in this condition was developed at this time as treatment options were limited and patients suffered significant morbidity. Over the years I have seen the impact of delay and misdiagnosis on many patients in both primary and secondary care and feel by being part of this programme I can really improve the lives of both patients and their families in our local community. I am also keen to share ideas and network with like-minded clinicians about improving the outcomes for patients with Axial SpA.

 

What Toby hopes to achieve from the programme:

“I aim to engage, educate and empower our local primary care teams and their patient populations in earlier identification of Axial SpA and appropriate and timely onward referral to secondary care services. I would also like to improve engagement with secondary care providers and streamlining of the referral pathways for Axial SpA patients.”

Symptoms starting slowly

Pain in the lower back

Improves with movement

Night time waking

Early onset (under 40)