Andrew Charles Scott Keat, founder member and inaugural Chairman of BRITSpA (2013-18) died Wednesday, 12 January 2022, after a protracted and dignified battle with motor neurone disease. Andrew had a long and distinguished medical career, starting with an undergraduate scholarship at the University of London. As a rheumatologist, the study and treatment of the Spondyloarthritis group of diseases, in particular reactive arthritis and axial Spondyloarthritis, was his passion.
Always kind and personable, Andrew was a true patient advocate. He was a long-term trustee and medical advisor to the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS), member of ASAS and former president of the Medical Society of London. Andrew received many accolades and recognition during his career which spanned four decades, including the BSR Michael Mason Medal in 1987, and Heberden Round Oration in 2008. He was an
internationally-renowned lecturer who published extensively even into retirement, and wrote several book chapters.
Andrew was particularly proud to have been a co-founder of BRITSpA, which represented the culmination of many years advocating for UK clinicians and HCPs interested in Spondyloarthritis to have a common forum. But above all, Andrew considered his loving and long-lasting marriage to Caroline, and their three children and grandchildren as his greatest achievement. He lived life to the full and his many hobbies included rowing, gardening, bricklaying, photography and amateur cricket and tennis. In his youth he enjoyed flying model aeroplanes and had a lifelong penchant for cars, often taking his beloved poodle Dorcas in one of his vintage cars.
Andrew was loved and respected by his colleagues and patients alike and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
