In the realm of modern medicine, few names resonate with as much reverence and impact as Bhaskar Dasgupta, rheumatology pioneer and global trailblazer in the diagnosis, treatment, and research of giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). From the halls of Southend University Hospital to the world stage, Professor Dasgupta has spent decades rewriting the narrative for patients living with these chronic inflammatory conditions.
With an unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, patient care, and translational research, Professor Dasgupta stands not only as a medical innovator but also as a humanitarian whose vision has saved thousands from blindness and disability. His journey from India’s prestigious AIIMS to becoming a transformative figure in the UK’s National Health Service is nothing short of inspirational.
Bhaskar Dasgupta: Founding Modern Rheumatology in Southend and Essex
Professor Bhaskar Dasgupta has been the Head of Rheumatology and Clinical Director of Research and Audit at Southend University Hospital for over two decades. He is credited with founding modern rheumatology services across Southend and Essex, transforming local healthcare into an internationally recognised centre of excellence. His leadership has turned the department into a beacon for evidence-based medicine, innovation, and compassionate patient care.
Holding honorary and visiting professorships at Essex University, Queen Mary University of London, and Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), Professor Dasgupta has empowered future generations of rheumatologists while simultaneously expanding the global reach of his work.
Global Authority on GCA and PMR
As a rheumatology pioneer, Professor Dasgupta has made defining contributions to our understanding and management of GCA and PMR. He is renowned for leading landmark studies and authoring over 400 peer-reviewed articles on large vessel vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and musculoskeletal ultrasound.
His early research laid the groundwork for identifying interleukin-6 elevation in GCA and PMR, a finding that helped shape the rationale for modern biologic therapies. As co-author of the GiACTA trial (tocilizumab in GCA) and the SAPHYR trial (sarilumab in PMR), his research has directly influenced treatment protocols now used worldwide.
His groundbreaking classification criteria—developed in collaboration with EULAR and ACR—along with national guidelines for PMR and GCA, have become standard tools for general practitioners and specialists alike, streamlining early diagnosis and effective intervention.
Bhaskar Dasgupta: The Fast Track GCA Pathway- A Vision That Saves Sight
One of Professor Dasgupta’s most impactful innovations is the Fast Track GCA Pathway, a system designed to diagnose and treat suspected giant cell arteritis within 24 hours. This initiative, now a national NHS standard, has dramatically reduced cases of irreversible sight loss in the UK.
The pathway’s success earned him the British Society for Rheumatology Outstanding Best Practice Award in 2016, and he was later lauded in the UK Parliament by Sir David Amess. In 2017, his pioneering work featured on the BBC2 flagship show Trust Me, I’m a Doctor, highlighting how healthcare innovation can save lives and reduce NHS costs.
Ultrasound Innovation and POCRUS
Professor Dasgupta’s name is also synonymous with Point-of-Care Rheumatology Ultrasound (POCRUS), a revolutionary integration of vascular and musculoskeletal ultrasound in clinical rheumatology. The APLAR course he developed has trained clinicians globally—in cities from Dubai and Krakow to Bengaluru and Edinburgh—bringing sophisticated, non-invasive diagnostics to the patient bedside.
From developing the Southend Halo Score for GCA to co-authoring the Southend Probability Score, his algorithms have elevated clinical decision-making, enhanced diagnostic precision, and streamlined patient pathways.
Global Leadership and Collaborative Spirit
As the Founder and Honorary President of PMRGCAuk, the first UK charity dedicated solely to PMR and GCA, Professor Dasgupta’s leadership goes beyond academia. He has cultivated a global network of collaborators and patients, co-chairing major conferences and symposia, including the 2024 GPSD Meeting and the EULVIC series in Innsbruck.
Together with Dr. Dan Robbins, he is currently spearheading a landmark Delphi survey—a rigorous consensus-building initiative aimed at formally recognising the GCA-PMR spectrum as a unified clinical entity. This innovative concept, recently published in Nature Reviews Rheumatology, may fundamentally reshape how clinicians diagnose and treat these diseases in the future.
A Career Crowned with Honours
In recognition of his lifelong dedication, Professor Dasgupta was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2025 New Year Honours List for services to people with GCA and PMR. This prestigious accolade reflects not only the profound scientific merit of his work but also the compassionate vision that fuels his mission.
From publishing in the New England Journal of Medicine to shaping NICE guidelines, his influence is as vast as it is deep. Whether he is leading global trials like GiACTA and SAPHYR or mentoring the next generation of clinicians, Bhaskar Dasgupta continues to define what it means to be a rheumatology pioneer.
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