After general medical training and MRCP, I completed a PhD at the Clinical Neurosciences department on the genetics and cell biology of the SPAST gene / spastin protein, the commonest gene mutated in hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). In parallel, I collaborated in work that led to the discovery of novel genes for HSP and related disorders. My neurology specialist training was completed in and around London (Queen Square, King's, St Thomas', Hurstwood Park), with experience including neurogenetics, movement disorders, dementia, intensive care, motor neuron disease. I have been a tenured clinical academic at UCL since 2009, currently Professor of Neurology and Neurogenetics. I am also Honorary Consultant Neurologist at the Royal Free London NHS Trust , where my practice focused on Parkinson's disease and related disorders.