Appointed as Wellcome Trust fellow in Twin Research in 2007, Frances has been researching genomics and ‘omics of chronic pain including low back pain, intervertebral disc degeneration and chronic widespread pain, for two decades. Research funding includes Versus Arthritis, the Wellcome Trust and the EU as well as industry. Frances leads a number of national and international research projects relating to chronic pain as well as age-related hearing impairment.

Frances remains clinically active as a consultant rheumatologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS FT. She is involved in the care of patients with arthritis and spine disorders, in particular osteoporosis and intervertebral disc degeneration. Frances has an interest in music and runs an occupational clinic for musculoskeletal complaints in Musicians and Performing Artists; and is a member of the British Association of Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM). As King’s Campus Lead at St Thomas’ she supports medical education and numerous campus building projects at St Thomas’.

Appointed as inaugural Director of the King’s College Academic Training Office (KCATO) in April 2022 she hopes to improve access to clinical academic careers and support health care professionals in this career path.