HLA-DR4 and career prospects in rheumatology: is there a link?
BMJ 1995; 311 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.311.7021.1665 (Published 23 December 1995) Cite this as: BMJ 1995;311:1665
- A Gough, clinical research fellowa,
- J Faint, scientific techniciana,
- M Salmon, senior research fellowa,
- P Bacon, professor of rheumatologya,
- P Emery, senior lecturer in rheumatologya
- Correspondence to: Professor P Emery, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9NZ
Abstract
Objective: To determine whether HLA type is associated with career progress in rheumatology.
Design: Comparison of HLA type after HLA analysis of samples of venous blood.
Setting: Department of Rheumatology Research, University of Birmingham.
Subjects: All (37) staff in the department.
Results: All the senior academics and most staff with a PhD expressed HLA-DR4. The prevalence of expression in each of these groups was significantly greater than that found in the controls. None of the junior doctors or secretaries expressed DR4.
Conclusion: The junior doctors in the department have poor career prospects as HLA-DR4 seems to be associated with academic achievement.
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