Dr Simon Paul | Total Doctor

Personal approach statement

Simon grew up in the suburbs of London. In his spare time, Simon enjoys flying light aircraft having gained his pilots licence in the RAF, and also motorcycling. A particular highlight of his career in the RAF was flying with the Red Arrows. He also supports a well known London based premiership football team.

Medical qualifications

Simon graduated from University College London and completed his junior medical training around London. During this time, he also completed a Bachelors degree in Osteopathy. He obtained Membership of the Royal College of Physicians in 1998.

He rotated through a number of specialist units as part of his speciality training with the RAF including Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals, and the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore and St George’s Hospital. During this time, he contributed to the development of specialist guidance on the management of Ankylosing Spondylitis and published on the heritability of sporting ability which attracted national media interest. He served in the RAF both in the UK and overseas.

He holds postgraduate qualifications in Sports medicine and Aviation medicine.

Medical experience

Simon was appointed as a RAF Consultant at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Headley Court in 2006 and was Lead Consultant responsible for back pain, neurological rehabilitation, and complex medical rehabilitation during his tenure. He also provided a general rheumatology and rehabilitation service which included clinical work overseas. A large component of his practice involved returning patients to their best physical, mental and psychosocial state following illness and injury to allow a speedy return to work. Simon helped develop MOD wide policy on neck pain rehabilitation and chronic pain management.

He has held honorary Consultant Rheumatologist posts at Guy’s, St Thomas’ and Kingston Hospitals. Simon has been regularly involved in postgraduate teaching and the supervision of doctors in training. He teaches students at St George's Hospital and also does talks for GPs, physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors and other healthcare professionals. He has delivered presentations in the UK and overseas at specialists meetings. He helped organise and examine for the Faculty of Occupational Medicine Diploma in Disability Assessment clinical examinations.

When he left the RAF, Simon studied Law part time graduating with a Distinction and won the Dean’s prize. At law school, he developed an interest in alternative dispute resolution and helped judge national law school competitions. He has an interest in medicolegal issues.

Simon has published original work in peer reviewed journals and also chapters in textbooks, both medical and legal.