Joints, inflammation
and treatment choices.
Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis and reactive arthritis.
COBURG · MELBOURNE
Good questions.
Careful thinking.
A plan that makes sense.
I’m Chris McMaster, a rheumatologist with a particular interest in how we use evidence, medicines and technology to improve care.
My independent practice at Coburg Specialist Centre is taking shape. Here you can learn about my background and prepare for an appointment.
Plan your first appointmentABOUT CHRIS
A clinician who likes
getting to the bottom of things.
I’m a consultant rheumatologist at Austin Health and work in private practice. Alongside clinical medicine, I lead data science work within Austin’s Medicines Optimisation Service.
My work brings together rheumatology, medication safety and clinical data science: understanding the problem, weighing the evidence and finding a practical way forward.
Outside work, I’m a dad and a Fremantle Dockers supporter. Patience is useful in both roles.
CLINICAL INTERESTS
The problems I work on.
My clinical work covers a range of rheumatic conditions, with interests including:
Joints, inflammation
Making sense of
pain and stiffness.
Polymyalgia rheumatica and gout are among my clinical interests. My research has also explored machine learning in diagnostic imaging for polymyalgia rheumatica.
Looking beyond
a single joint.
Conditions including Sjögren’s syndrome and scleroderma, where the clinical picture can involve several parts of the body.
I also have an interest in hypermobility and connective tissue disorders, including hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS).
The right treatment.
The whole picture.
My work in medicines optimisation focuses on medication safety and using clinical data to understand problems in real-world care.
RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
Useful technology starts
with a clinical question.
I work at the intersection of medicine and artificial intelligence, building and studying tools that help us make better use of clinical information.
My interests include machine learning, clinical text, medication safety and the everyday work of delivering care. The question that matters to me is what a tool helps us do for patients, and what evidence supports it.
Read my review of AI and deep learning in rheumatologyMcMaster et al. · Arthritis & Rheumatology · 2022
FOR PATIENTS
Before your appointment.
A little preparation helps make the most of your consultation.
Your referral
Bring your referral and the contact details of your GP and other treating clinicians.
Your health information
Bring your current medication list and any relevant investigation reports or previous specialist letters you have.
Your questions
Note the symptoms, concerns and questions you would like to discuss.
Send your GP referral
If you have a referral from your GP or treating doctor, you can upload a clear copy and any relevant investigation reports through Halaxy.
Upload your GP referral ↗Complete the Halaxy form on our referral page. Enter your own details and upload your existing referral. Please avoid duplicate uploads if your doctor has already sent it. Submission requires clinical review and does not book an appointment or confirm acceptance. For an emergency, call 000; urgent concerns need an appropriate urgent assessment.
Useful information
How can I book an appointment?
You can upload an existing GP referral using the Halaxy form above. Referrals require clinical review and submission does not book an appointment or confirm acceptance. Booking details will be added once confirmed. Existing patients should continue contacting their current practice.
What will my appointment cost?
The Coburg fee schedule will be published once confirmed. Fees and any applicable rebate information will be provided before your appointment.
Where will consultations take place?
The planned location is Coburg Specialist Centre. The full address, directions and access information will be added before bookings open.
FOR REFERRERS
A useful referral starts
with the clinical question.
Referring clinicians can send a referral for the Coburg practice through Halaxy.
Please tell me what you would like help with. Upload a signed referral letter with the relevant history, current medications and available investigation reports, and confirm the patient agrees to their information being shared.
Send a referral via Halaxy ↗Complete the Halaxy form on our clinician referral page. Patient details and documents are submitted to Halaxy.
Submitting a referral does not book an appointment or confirm acceptance. Referrals require clinical review. This form is not monitored for emergencies. For an emergency, call 000; urgent concerns need an appropriate urgent assessment.
CONTACT & LOCATION
Coburg Specialist Centre
Practice phone, email and booking details coming soon.
For current care, contact the practice where you are already being seen.
For an emergency, call 000.