Dr John Petrie

Dr Petrie's post graduate training and 30 years of consultant practice at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Rotorua covers the progression of Rheumatology care from that of holistic palliation of Musculoskeletal pain and disability to the early diagnosis and effective treatment of previously crippling inflammatory diseases. He welcomes referrals across the spectrum of Musculoskeletal pain for diagnosis and management.

I am a New Zealand-trained Rheumatologist, completing my postgraduate studies in Rheumatology Clinics in Auckland, Rotorua and Palmerston North after graduating from University of Auckland School of Medicine. I subsequently spent 2 years in the Rheumatology Research Unit at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, UK. I returned to New Zealand to commence a 30 year career as Rheumatologist at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Rotorua, which was then the National Centre for Rheumatic Diseases. I now provide a private service at Spa City Rheumatology here in Rotorua.

Rheumatology is the non-surgical evaluation of musculoskeletal conditions including pain, arthritis and disorders of the immune system. The specialty has come a long way from the palliation of pain and disability with massage, mud baths and few effective drugs, to offering real hope of permanent remission with important new medicines, whilst still providing effective physical treatments and pain relief.

Areas of Specialisation:

Adult Rheumatology
Musculoskeletal Pain
Fibromyalgia & Soft Tissue Rheumatism

Qualifications/Memberships:
BSc University of Auckland 1973
MBChB University of Auckland 1976
FRACP 1983
1984 Dorothy Eden Fellow of the Arthritis Research Council, UK
PGCert (Sports Medicine) 2010
Medical Tutor, University of Auckland School of Medicine
Life Member, New Zealand Rheumatology Association

Positions Held
Locum Rheumatologist, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
Rheumatologist and Physician for the Young Disabled, Waikato Hospital
Rheumatologist, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Rotorua
Honorary Senior Lecturer, University of Auckland School of Medicine

Referral Information
I like to describe Rheumatology to medical student colleagues as a listening, thinking and talking specialty; your consultation will involve questions about a wide range of symptoms. It is a good idea to bring with you a list of the medicines and supplements you are taking, and to be aware of any family history of arthritis or chronic conditions such as skin or bowel disorders. You are welcome to bring a friend or family member.