Dr Claire Barrett is a Consultant Rheumatologist and Senior Lecturer at The University of Queensland. She is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for people living with arthritis, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Dr Barrett graduated from University College London in 1987 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and First Class Honours in Human Genetics. After several years working in London, she moved to South East Queensland in 1991. Following completion of her specialist rheumatology training in 1996, she established the public rheumatology service at Redcliffe Hospital, where she continues to practise. She is also a Director of Redcliffe and Northside Rheumatology and provides outreach rheumatology clinics in Longreach, helping improve access to specialist care for regional Queensland communities.
A passionate educator, Dr Barrett is actively involved in teaching medical students, specialist trainees and general practitioners. She has held numerous leadership roles within the Australian Rheumatology Association (ARA), including serving as National President from 2022 to 2024. She has also chaired several national committees in therapeutics, policy and advocacy, regional rheumatology, clinical resources, risk management and the Annual Scientific Meeting Programme Committee. She remains actively involved in advancing rheumatology education, clinical standards and workforce development across Australia.
Dr Barrett has contributed to the development of national clinical guidelines, including the RACGP Guideline for the Management of Early Rheumatoid Arthritis, and has served on the ARA Clinical Care Standards for RA Working Group. She is passionate about improving equitable access to high-quality rheumatology care within Queensland Health and has previously chaired the Metro North Hospital and Health Service Rheumatology Sub-stream.
Her clinical and research interests include rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy and reproductive health in rheumatic disease, telehealth, and improving access to specialist care for people living in regional and rural Australia.
Outside medicine, Dr Barrett enjoys running, hiking and skiing. She lives on the Redcliffe Peninsula with her husband and treasures spending time with their five children and seven grandchildren.