Dr Neil Heron, GP, Sport and Exercise Medicine Consultant

Dr Neil Heron, GP

Sport and Exercise Medicine Consultant 

Dr Neil Heron is a Consultant in Sport, Exercise and Musculoskeletal Medicine and GP, with extensive experience in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions across primary care, secondary care and high-performance sporting environments. He manages musculoskeletal issues affecting the general population within community clinics as well as to elite sport men and women. He combines his clinical work with University research and teaching duties as a Clinical Lecturer. 

His main research focus is physical activity promotion in the general population and secondary cardiovascular prevention as well as reviewing the best form of injection therapies for osteoarthritis symptomatic management.​ 

His clinical and academic work focuses on improving the diagnosis, management and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions, with a particular interest in delivering evidence-based, patient-centred care. He also has significant experience in education and research, including teaching musculoskeletal medicine to medical students, clinicians and healthcare professionals. 

Areas of professional expertise

MSK conditions in primary care; management of elite athletes; teaching; research; clinical governance.  

Work/role with Arthritis UK and why our training is so important:  

Arthritis UK training is particularly important because it provides clinicians with high-quality, evidence-based resources to improve the recognition and management of arthritis and related musculoskeletal conditions. 

Given the substantial impact these conditions have on individuals, physical function, quality of life and healthcare systems, ensuring that healthcare professionals have the knowledge and confidence to provide consistent, effective and patient-centred care is essential. The training also supports a shared approach across healthcare settings, helping clinicians empower patients through appropriate education, self-management and access to the right interventions at the right time.