18 March 2021
British Society for Rheumatology (BSR)'s bursary programme is repeatedly ranked as a top member benefit and is seen as valuable and impactful for those who've received support, so this year we're offering more bursaries for trainees and allied health professional members to help fund courses and conferences throughout the year. New this year is a bursary for rheumatology professionals in low and middle income countries. You'll need to apply by 23:59 on 5 April.
Options are:
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Case studies
We spoke to past recipients Dr Pamela Dawson and Lara Chapman about how our bursaries help with continued professional development.
Which course or event did the bursary enable you to attend?
Pamela: I attended Transitional care for children and young people in 2019. It was definitely helpful to have the bursary, as Deanery study budgets only go so far.
Lara: I went to Annual Conference in 2019. It was a fantastic opportunity to enhance my professional development and skills in rheumatology. The knowledge I gained through exposure to the latest research from experts in the field definitely had a positive impact on my clinical practice. The bursary also helped me explore career development opportunities in rheumatology, establish new collaborations, and exchange best practice with peers in a multidisciplinary environment.
Why is this support useful for rheumatologists?
Pamela: The bursary scheme shows that BSR cares about its members, including trainees, nurses and allied health professionals, allowing them to access education without incurring personal cost.
Lara: The support is beneficial to anyone working with patients who have rheumatic diseases, and to early career researchers without established fellowship funding to attend training courses or conferences. It provides the opportunity to attend a course or conference that leads to increased skills and knowledge in rheumatology, which can be translated to improving patient care.
Tell us about applying for, and receiving, the bursary?
Lara: It was very straightforward and BSR's communication through each step of the process was excellent. I received direct reimbursement shortly after attending the conference.
Applications for our bursary programmes are now open. To find out more about the eligibility criteria, what each bursary includes and details of how to apply, take a look at our bursary page. The next round opens in September for courses and conference taking place July-December 2021.
Find out more