Professor Francesco Del Galdo

Prof Francesco Del Galdo is a leading Consultant Rheumatologist at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and an Associate Professor of Experimental Medicine at the University of Leeds. He specialises in the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of rheumatological and autoimmune diseases.

He provides expert care through clinic assessment, screening, advanced diagnosis, and personalised treatment and therapy plans, with a strong focus on improving patient outcomes through research-led care.

Areas of expertise

Prof Del Galdo specialises in:

• Connective tissue diseases (including scleroderma)
• Autoimmune and inflammatory disorders
• Arthritis and joint disease
• Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Fibromyalgia and chronic pain conditions
• Personalised medicine approaches in rheumatology

His work combines advanced clinical assessment, immunology, and targeted therapy to deliver effective, evidence-based care.

Conditions diagnosed and treated

Prof Del Galdo provides comprehensive clinical assessment, screening, and diagnosis for:

• Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis)
• Autoimmune connective tissue diseases
• Rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory arthritis
• Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Fibromyalgia
• Complex multisystem rheumatological disorders

He ensures accurate diagnosis using advanced investigations, imaging, and where appropriate biopsy techniques, supporting tailored treatment plans.

Treatments, procedures and clinical care

Prof Del Galdo offers a wide range of non-surgical and medical treatments, including:

• Targeted drug therapy and immune-modulating treatments
• Personalised treatment and therapy plans
• Long-term disease monitoring and rehabilitation support
• Multidisciplinary care coordination

While rheumatology is primarily non-surgical, he collaborates with specialists across:

• Orthopaedics (joint damage and reconstruction surgery)
• Cardiology and oncology (systemic autoimmune involvement)
• Other specialties for procedures such as biopsy, imaging, and interventional treatment when required

Specialist scleroderma and research leadership

Prof Del Galdo is an internationally recognised expert in scleroderma and autoimmune connective tissue diseases.

He founded and leads:

• The NIHR Scleroderma Research Program
• The Raynaud’s and Scleroderma Clinical Excellence Centre for Yorkshire and the Humber

His work focuses on:

• Early diagnosis and screening of autoimmune conditions
• Development of personalised medicine and targeted therapies
• Improving long-term outcomes for patients with complex diseases

Clinical approach

Prof Del Galdo provides:

• Clear explanations in plain English
• Thorough clinical assessment and diagnosis
• Personalised treatment plans based on the latest research
• A focus on long-term therapy, monitoring, and rehabilitation
• Multidisciplinary, patient-centred care

Training and qualifications 

• Medical degree with honours (Italy)
• National award for Best Young Researcher (2001)
• Specialist training in Immunology (2003)
• PhD and post-doctoral fellowship in Rheumatology (USA)

He developed advanced expertise in connective tissue diseases and autoimmune conditions, particularly scleroderma.

Research, publications and international recognition

Prof Del Galdo is a globally recognised leader in rheumatology and has:

• Authored 100+ scientific publications and book chapters
• Led major clinical research programmes and trials
• Presented at international conferences
• Contributed to advancements in autoimmune disease diagnosis and treatment

He runs a leading research programme at the Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, focusing on early detection, personalised treatment, and disease prevention.

Teaching and education

Prof Del Galdo is actively involved in medical education:

• Teaching doctors and specialists across the UK and Europe
• Training future clinicians in rheumatology and immunology
• Supporting innovation in clinical care through education and research

What patients can expect

Patients attending Prof Del Galdo’s clinic can expect:

• Comprehensive clinical assessment and screening
• Accurate diagnosis of complex autoimmune conditions
• Personalised treatment and therapy plans
• Access to advanced research-driven care
• Long-term support, monitoring, and rehabilitation guidance
• Compassionate and expert patient-centred care

Why choose Prof Francesco Del Galdo?

Patients choose Prof Del Galdo for:

• International expertise in scleroderma and autoimmune diseases
• Leadership of specialist research and clinical programmes
• Strong academic and research background
• Expertise in personalised medicine and advanced therapies
• Multidisciplinary approach to complex conditions
• Commitment to high-quality, evidence-based care