FUNCTIONAL GUT - Key Persons


Andres Vales

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Scientist
Andres attained his BSc in Physics from the University of Glasgow and went on to complete his training in GI physiology at Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Trust. He is proficient in a range of gastro-intestinal investigations, has contributed to research, and is a registered Clinical Scientist. He joined The Functional Gut Clinic in 2015 and is part of the senior clinical team as well as being the lead for the clinic's yearly IQIPS accreditation. Andres lives in Clapham and is currently training to complete his first triathlon.

Beth Thomson

Job Titles:
  • Physiology Assistant
Beth joined the team in January 2023 as a Physiology Assistant whilst completing a degree in Human Biology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Salford. Beth's role involves analysing patient results and writing reports for Hydrogen and Methane Breath Testing. She also assists in Oesophageal Manometry and 24hr pH monitoring clinics. Beth is training on the Accredited Scientific Practice programme to become an independent practitioner in Gastrointestinal Physiology, and is looking forward to further developing her clinical skills.

Charlotte Pitcher

Job Titles:
  • Member of Our Clinical Team
Charlotte has been a member of our clinical team since she graduated from the University of Warwick with a degree in Biomedical Sciences in 2017. In September 2019, Charlotte completed her training in GI Physiology through the Accredited Scientific Practice programme.

Dr Anthony Hobson

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Director and Senior Clinical GI Scientist
Anthony is an internationally renowned clinical GI scientist. He did his initial training at the University of Manchester, graduating in 1999 with an MPhil in Clinical Physiology and subsequently with a PhD in 2003. Since then, he has built wide-ranging experience across the NHS and private healthcare sectors, as well as in academia and the pharmaceutical industry, assessing gut function from top to bottom. This spans conditions such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel synndrome (IBS), faecal incontinence, and constipation. Anthony's industry experience includes designing and implementing clinical trials to test experimental approaches and innovative treatments in conditions such IBS, an area in which he has a particular interest. His vision is that the highest-quality gastrointestinal physiology testing should be available to all patients. That's why he's set up mobile clinics with several NHS centres around the UK to provide these important services.

Dr Sowmya Chinta

Job Titles:
  • Senior Scientist
Sowmya has an impressive background in cell biology and molecular genetics with a focus on human genetics and biomarker studies. Her educational journey includes a BSc and MSc in Human Genetics from India, as well as a PhD in cell biology and molecular genetics from the University of Salford, Manchester, UK. During her doctoral research, she explored miRNA-based molecular biomarkers for E liquid associated lung injury (EVALI) resulting from vaping. Following her PhD, Sowmya transitioned to the industry, where she worked as a biomarker scientist. In this role, she contributed to the development of assays for biomarkers associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and MSA. Her expertise extends to creating pharmaceutical assays for various disorders, including oncology and neurodegenerative diseases. Sowmya's current focus at Functional Gut is directed toward research related to gut-related disorders, such as intestinal permeability, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and gastrointestinal diseases. She aims to introduce innovative methodologies and diagnostics to enhance our understanding of the gut biome's functioning.

Georgina Farmer

Job Titles:
  • Clinic Manager and Clinical Physiologist
Georgina graduated in Biological Sciences (Physiology with Pharmacology) from the University of Leicester. Through clinical placements at UCL and St Mary's, she developed an interest in diagnostics. Georgina is a clinical gastrointestinal physiologist and through the Accredited Scientific Practice has gained competencies in many diagnostic tests. Georgina is based at our Cambridge clinic and performs including oesophageal manometry, 24-hour pH impedance studies and anorectal manometry. She has furthered her understanding into lower GI Physiology and also performs endoanal ultrasound and PTNS.

Liz Kenyon

Job Titles:
  • Assistant
Liz joined the team in 2022 as a physiology assistant after completing her integrated master's degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Manchester. She completed the Accredited Scientific Practice Programme at Newcastle University in 2023 and is continuing her training at the Functional Gut Clinic to become an independent practitioner in GI Physiology.

Maria Foti

Job Titles:
  • Trainee Physiologist
Maria joined the team in 2023 as a Trainee Gastrointestinal Physiologist after completing her BSC in Biomedical Sciences at the University of East Anglia. Maria performs and assists with a range of diagnostic investigations for both NHS and private patients including oesophageal manometry, reflux testing and SIBO breath testing. She is passionate about nutrition and gut health and is eager to become involved in future research studies conducted by The Functional Gut Clinic.

Rhiannon Cannell

Job Titles:
  • Principal Clinical Scientist & COO
Rhiannon holds an MSc in Clinical Science (Gastrointestinal Physiology) from Newcastle University. During her 3-year NHS master's programme, she trained at both Sandwell Hospital and Cheltenham General Hospital. She is experienced in a wide range of gastrointestinal physiology services, including oesophageal manometry, 24-hour pH impedance studies, anorectal manometry, endoanal ultrasound, hydrogen and methane breath testing, and biofeedback therapy. She currently assumes leadership of our London facility while overseeing company-wide strategic and operational functions. She is dedicated to expanding our service offerings and establishing new clinical sites.

Sam Treadway

Job Titles:
  • Chief Scientific Officer
During his time at the University Hospital of South Manchester, Sam was involved in setting up and co-ordinating several research projects and clinical trials. Over the past 6 years at The Functional Gut Clinic Sam has taken this experience to co-ordinate a number of clinical research projects and is now in charge of expanding FGC's research programme and keeping the clinic at the forefront of research in this field.

Skye Waddell

Job Titles:
  • GI Physiology and Research Assistant
Skye is one of our newly qualified gastrointestinal physiologists. She completed the Accredited Scientific Practice course in GI Physiology in August 2023 and currently runs our breath testing services at the Functional Gut Clinic in London. She graduated in 2021 with an Integrated Masters degree in Nutrition and joined the team in March 2022. Skye is also a Registered Associate Nutritionist with the Association for Nutrition, and is passionate about personalised nutrition, gut health, and how the foods we eat interact with our microbiome to influence overall health.

Steph O'Reilly

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Physiologist and CQC Registered Manager
Steph qualified as a registered nurse in 2010 and has worked in both acute and diagnostic settings, specialising within gastroenterology nursing. Since joining the Functional Gut team in 2021 she has been able to expand on her existing experience and skills and has recently completed the Accredited Scientific Training programme at Newcastle University to become a Clinical Physiologist. Steph is enjoying working as an independent practitioner performing a range of GI physiology investigations, including hydrogen and methane breath testing, oesophageal manometry and 24-hour pH impedance testing.