Deborah Symmons

Deborah Symmons is an Emeritus Professor at the Division of Musculoskeletal & Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester. She holds dual roles as Research Lead for Prevention of Co-Morbidity (NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit) and Programme Lead for the Norfolk Arthritis Register (Arthritis Research UK Centre for Epidemiology).

Her education includes a Medical Degree (MB ChB) from the University of Birmingham (1977), a Medical Doctorate (MD) in Epidemiology (1987), and advanced certifications including FRCP (1994) and FFPH (2006). She trained in rheumatology across prestigious institutions including the Hammersmith Hospital and Erasmus University.

Research focuses on epidemiology of inflammatory rheumatic conditions, particularly rheumatoid arthritis risk factors and drug safety. Notable projects include the Norfolk Arthritis Register and BSR Biologics Register. Collaborations include work with Professors George Kitas, Jill Belch, and Alex MacGregor.

Key contributions include advancing understanding of comorbidity prevention in rheumatic diseases and drug safety profiles of biologic therapies. Awards include EULAR Honorary Membership and distinctions from the British Society for Rheumatology.