Dr Jessica McGrath

Dr Jessica McGrath welcomes all referrals across the breadth of Paediatric Rheumatology, with particular interest in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Juvenile Dermatomyositis, Vasculitis, Uveitis, and autoinflammatory conditions including periodic fever syndromes.

Jessica graduated from James Cook University medical school in 2009, and has worked exclusively in Paediatric medicine since 2012. She has worked at multiple sites throughout her training, including the Paediatric Rheumatology departments at both Queensland Children’s Hospital, and Monash Children’s Hospital, Victoria.

Jessica’s desire to pursue a career in Paediatric Rheumatology stems from personal experience witnessing the challenges and successes encountered in the specialty. She has worked as a Paediatric Rheumatology Staff Specialist at both Queensland Children’s Hospital and Gold Coast University Hospital where she has been involved in teaching fellows, registrars, residents and medical students.  She maintains a casual public appointment at Queensland Children’s Hospital, and is an Associate Lecturer at the University of Queensland.

Jessica keeps up to date on the latest developments in Paediatric Rheumatology, regularly attending and presenting at Rheumatology meetings, both in Australia and internationally.  Her broader involvement in the subspecialty includes contribution to the development of Paediatric Rheumatology guidelines, and in 2022 she provided an in-person submission to the Australian Parliamentary Inquiry into Childhood Rheumatic Diseases.

Jessica places a strong emphasis on individualised patient and family centred care.  She understands the importance of maintaining open dialogue between patients, families and other key stakeholders in the multidisciplinary care of her patients.  Jessica is pleased to commence private practice through Queensland Children’s Clinic, where she is able to work collaboratively with colleagues from General Paediatrics, nursing and allied health.