Professor Hans Nossent
(retired June 2024)

Professor Johannes (Hans) Nossent has been a pioneering force in Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine since his appointment as the inaugural Chair in Western Australia in June 2014. Originally from the Netherlands, Professor Nossent completed his medical and specialist training there before moving to Norway, where he served as a Consultant and Professor in Rheumatology at the University Hospital North Norway from 1997 to 2012. During his tenure in Norway, he embarked on a sabbatical in South Australia, where he investigated the genetic aspects of Sjøgren’s disease. This work paved the way for his more permanent relocation to Australia in 2012, where he took on the role of Staff Rheumatologist at the Royal Darwin Hospital. He was subsequently recruited to Perth by the Chairman of the Board of WA Arthritis Foundation to lead as Chair of Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine.

Over the past decade, Professor Nossent and his team have built a solid foundation of research excellence, significantly advancing the field of musculoskeletal diseases. Their work has notably contributed to improving the health outcomes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly in rural communities, by identifying better treatment options that have led to reduced hospital admissions. The team’s research efforts have also extended to other conditions, such as Ankylosing Spondylitis, Lupus, Gout, Juvenile Arthritis, and Vasculitis, where they have made remarkable strides in understanding and treatment.

In addition to his research, Professor Nossent has been a dedicated educator and mentor, contributing to the training of the next generation of medical professionals. He has played a key role in teaching the second-year Doctor of Medicine course at the University of Western Australia (UWA), where the “Rheumatology Week” he established has been highly regarded by students. This hands-on teaching approach includes ward rounds and clinics, providing invaluable experience in diagnosing and managing rheumatic diseases. Furthermore, he has been instrumental in supervising advanced trainees and basic physicians at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH), ensuring that the future of Rheumatology in Western Australia remains strong.

Professor Nossent’s commitment to service is equally notable. He has served as an Advisory Board member for Lupus WA and contributed to the development of a modular-based, digital arthritis learning platform aimed at improving Rheumatology education on a global scale. His departmental duties at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH) have included clinics, ward rounds, and ongoing supervision of trainees and medical students, all while actively contributing to the scientific community through his role as a reviewer for various scientific journals.

Despite the challenges posed by limited resources, Professor Nossent’s dedication to research, education, and patient care has had a profound impact on the field of Rheumatology. His recent sabbatical at Karolinska Hospital in Sweden provided valuable insights into the future of Rheumatology care, which he has brought back to benefit the Western Australian community. As he now steps down from his role, his legacy of excellence in Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine will undoubtedly continue to influence the field for years to come.