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Cicely Saunders Institute Of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation building exterior ;

5 minutes with Clare Ellis-Smith

07 January 2025

Clare Ellis-Smith is a senior lecturer in palliative care at the Cicely Saunders Institute in the Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care. She talks to us below about her journey into King's and training for marathons!

A smiling woman with brown hair tied back in a field. She's in running gear with two water bottles strapped to her chest and a race number pinned to her stomach.

Briefly, could you tell us about your background and career before joining King’s?

I studied Occupational Therapy at the University of Cape Town, and then moved to London with the intention of staying for just a year. Instead, I worked in the NHS for about 12 years, predominantly in older adult mental health services. When I started in a new position as an Occupational Therapy Clinical Specialist, I was offered the opportunity of doing a part time MSc, and so undertook an MSc in Mental Health Services Research at King’s. I enjoyed it so much that I decided I wanted to pursue a PhD. I was then fortunate to successfully apply for a PhD Fellowship in palliative care for people with dementia at Cicely Saunders Institute.

What has been your career progression since joining the Faculty?

I joined the Cicely Saunders Institute as a PhD Fellow when it was still part of the Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine. On being awarded my PhD, I got a position as a Research Associate working with Professor Catherine Evans in palliative care for older people. In 2019, I successfully applied for a position as Lecturer in Palliative Care and last year, was delighted to be promoted to Senior Lecturer in Palliative Care.

How did you find moving roles within the Faculty, what support and encouragement have you had from colleagues and managers?

I feel very privileged to have had had some wonderful opportunities to progress my career and my research interests. I have had incredible support from my managers and colleagues who have generously given their time and shared their expertise to support me in my career development.

What would you say to someone looking to develop and grow within the Faculty but unsure where to start?

Most people are very generous with their time and are delighted to share their experience and expertise. Take opportunities to speak with senior colleagues, particularly those who share the same interests as you. Find what motivates you and take every opportunity to pursue and develop your research interests.

What is your favourite thing about working at King’s?

The people and the creative conversations. I feel incredibly fortunate to have job in which I get to have exciting and interesting conversations and discussions, and that I get to learn from amazing people from all over the world. I love that I get to work with people who truly make a difference to the lives of those living with life-limiting conditions and are committed to doing so.

What do you do with your time outside work?

A lot of running. I am usually training for a marathon or ultra-marathon.

Quick fire:

Favourite film?

Ooh, that’s a tough one … perhaps Fargo.

Dream dinner guest

Marathon runner Jasmin Paris.

Favourite place

Anywhere where I can enjoy trail runs and swimming in the sea.

In this story

Clare  Ellis-Smith

Clare Ellis-Smith

Senior Lecturer in Palliative Care

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