Dr Andrew Cairns

Dr. Andrew Cairns is a Consultant Rheumatologist with more than two decades of consultant-level experience in the diagnosis and management of arthritis, autoimmune and connective tissue disease, musculoskeletal pain and soft tissue disorders. He has been based at Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast, since 2004 and also provides NHS rheumatology clinics at Belfast City Hospital. He is an Honorary Clinical Lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast and is listed on the GMC Specialist Register for Rheumatology.

His clinical practice spans rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, systemic lupus erythematosus, connective tissue disease, shoulder problems and other joint or soft tissue conditions. He also performs joint and soft tissue injections and has particular expertise in musculoskeletal ultrasound, holding EFSUMB certification and contributing as an ultrasound tutor.

Dr. Cairns trained in Rheumatology in Northern Ireland and Edinburgh after graduating in Medicine from Queen’s University Belfast in 1995. He later completed an MD research degree at Queen’s University Belfast, focusing on systemic lupus erythematosus, and an MSc in Sport and Exercise Medicine at the University of Ulster. This additional training supports his interest in musculoskeletal problems related to physical activity, exercise and sports.

Alongside his clinical work, Dr. Cairns has contributed extensively to teaching, research and professional leadership. He is a Fellow of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of London, Edinburgh and Ireland, a member of the British Society for Rheumatology, and is the current President of the Irish Society for Rheumatology .Dr. Cairns has published peer-reviewed research across a broad range of rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, biologic therapies, exercise and musculoskeletal ultrasound. His published work has also covered ultrasound training, joint injection techniques and inflammatory arthritis.

He combines specialist rheumatology expertise with musculoskeletal ultrasound and sport and exercise medicine to provide a detailed assessment of joint, muscle and inflammatory conditions. His approach focuses on establishing an accurate diagnosis, explaining treatment options clearly and helping patients maintain mobility, function and long-term quality of life.