Dr Wendy Holden

Dr Wendy Holden is a Consultant Rheumatologist at Candover Clinic with an extensive background in both conventional and complementary medicine. Before pursuing a career in medicine, she completed an Honours degree in Physiology and Biochemistry with Nutrition at Southampton University. Following this, she trained as an osteopath at the British School of Osteopathy, graduating with Honours, and worked as an osteopath and osteopathic tutor for several years. Dr Holden later studied medicine at St George’s Hospital Medical School in London, where she graduated in 1994 with Distinctions. She completed her specialist training in rheumatology in the Oxford region and has received additional training in neurorehabilitation and medical pain management, including earning an MSc in Pain Management with Distinction from the University of Wales. In 2007, she was appointed Consultant Rheumatologist at Basingstoke and North Hampshire NHS Foundation Trust and currently holds an Honorary Consultant Contract with the Trust. Dr Holden is currently studying for a PhD on the topic of sleep and pain in osteoarthritis at the Department of Psychology at Reading University. 

Dr Holden has been recognised for her work with a National Healthcare Champion award from the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society. Beyond her medical training, she has expanded her expertise in complementary therapies, including medical acupuncture, and has prescribed medical cannabis to over 4000 patients through Curaleaf Clinic, where she serves as a Consultant Rheumatologist and Specialist in Pain Management. Additionally, she is a qualified yoga teacher and coach, underscoring her holistic approach to patient care. Dr Holden is currently working on a PhD at Reading University in the Department of Psychology in the area of osteoarthritis pain and sleep.

Dr Holden is the Medical Advisor to Arthritis Action, a national charity focused on promoting self-management for individuals with arthritis. She holds a British Menopause Society certificate in the Principles and Practice of Menopause Care. She is also a frequent speaker in the media and on webinars, discussing various aspects of arthritis and pain management.

Her specialist areas in rheumatology include bone health, osteoporosis, fracture prevention and holistic bone health care. She also specialises in osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and hypermobility, especially pain management, with a particular focus on the mind-body connection and holistic medical care. She also has a keen interest in inflammatory arthritis and women's health, particularly around menopause and perimenopause. Dr Holden is dedicated to the prevention of joint damage and disability, and she emphasises the importance of self-management and lifestyle influences on pain and overall health.