The PRDA Medical Advisory Panel (MAP) is made up of experienced health professionals and researchers from across the UK, all of whom share a particular interest in Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD). Their diverse expertise helps ensure that our information is accurate, evidence-based, and aligned with best clinical practice.

Providing trusted clinical insight and expert guidance, our MAP advisers contribute to many aspects of PRDA’s work, including:

  • Provide a medical opinion in response to enquiries from PRDA Trustees/staff.

  • Contribute to the collaborative development and review of our information resources and guidance materials.

  • Provide clinical guidance to support enquiries from healthcare professionals.

  • Offer general information to inform responses to personal enquiries from PRDA services users. (PRDA does not provide medical advice to individuals living with PRD).

  • Represent PRDA at external conferences or events when expert speakers are required.

  • Signpost to specialists within a geographical area or medical discipline who have a special interest or experience of caring for patients with PRD.

  • Provide mentorship to healthcare professionals considering or beginning new research into PRD.

  • Encourage health professional colleagues to join our PRD Community of Practice.

  • Nominate colleagues with an interest in becoming a PRDA Medical Adviser.

Medical Advisers may support PRDA in one or more of these roles, depending on their availability and individual areas of interest.

Please note: while our Medical Advisory Panel may provide general clinical guidance to support enquiries from healthcare professionals, it cannot offer individual medical advice or respond to personal health enquiries from people living with Pelvic Radiation Disease. If you have concerns about your own health, please speak with your GP or specialist healthcare provider.

Interested in getting involved?

If you’re a healthcare or research professional with an interest in PRD, there are two key ways to get involved:

  • Join our Medical Advisory Panel: We welcome expressions of interest from qualified professionals who would like to contribute their expertise to our clinical guidance and advisory work.
  • Become part of our Community of Practice: Coordinated by our Professional Engagement Coordinator, this collaborative network brings together healthcare and research professionals from a range of disciplines and settings. Through shared learning, peer support, and joint initiatives, members are helping to strengthen PRD services and advance research in this evolving field.

To learn more or express your interest in joining, please get in touch.


Our Medical Advisory Panel currently comprises:

Professor Jervoise Andreyev, MBBS, MA, PhD, FRCP, Consultant Gastroenterologist at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust and Honorary Professor at The School of Medicine, The University of Nottingham.

Professor Andreyev’s first degree was in Arabic Studies. He qualified in medicine in 1987 and completed a PhD in molecular biology in 1997. In 2000, he was appointed Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Gastroenterologist at Imperial College. In 2006, he moved to the Royal Marsden Hospital, London, becoming the first gastroenterologist worldwide appointed specifically to treat GI side effects of cancer treatments. In 2017, he moved his clinical practice and research base to Lincoln County Hospital, where he is developing exciting links with Lincoln University.

Throughout his career, the multidisciplinary clinical and research teams he has led have produced substantial clinically focused evidence to redefine the scale of problems caused by GI consequences of cancer therapies, why they occur, and the best approaches to prevent and treat these conditions.


Charlotte Beardmore, FCR MBA BSc(Hons) DCR(R&T) is Director of Professional Policy at the Society and College of Radiographers.

 

 

 


Dr Jan Bornschein, MD, PhD, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Oxford, Medical Sciences Division.

Dr Bornschein completed his medical training in Magdeburg, Germany, with an early focus on gastrointestinal oncology. He managed the Oncology Outpatients Department there, overseeing the prescription and administration of systemic therapy for cancer patients.

In 2013, he moved to the UK to undertake a Post-Doctoral project at the MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, exploring the characteristics of cancer at the gastro-oesophageal junction. After a brief period at the University Hospital of Regensburg, Germany, he joined Oxford in 2017, where he now holds a joint position in Gastroenterology and Oncology, managing both acute and late effects of cancer treatment.

Dr Bornschein is also a co-author of the 2025 British Society of Gastroenterology practice guidance on the management of acute and chronic gastrointestinal symptoms and complications as a result of treatment for cancer. His ongoing research and clinical focus include understanding the impact of pelvic radiotherapy on gastrointestinal function—an area of particular relevance to PRD.


 

Rhea Crighton, RN, BSc (HONS), MSc, Non-Medical Prescriber, Lead Gynae-Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Associate Lecturer at University West of England – Independent Prescribing and Cancer Care Modules.


Dr Sally Darnborough, GP with special interest in PRD, BMS registered menopause specialist. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Dr Darnborough has worked as a GP in Argyll for over 30 years, with a special interest in women’s health. She established Community Sexual Health and Post Reproductive Health clinics, as well as primary care Fracture Liaison Services.

In August 2018, Dr Darnborough was appointed Clinical Lead of a new service at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre for patients experiencing late effects of pelvic radiotherapy. She was responsible for setting up and developing the service from its inception. The service, the first and only one of its kind in Scotland, unfortunately closed in late 2025 due to funding issues. Dr Darnborough now works with the gynaecological oncology team, reviewing patients following cancer treatment.

Continuing her work as a GP in Argyll, Dr Darnborough believes that maintaining close links with primary care complemented her role within the late effects service. This ongoing connection enables a more holistic approach and benefits her work within the cancer centre.

Her contributions include the 2025 British Society of Gastroenterology practice guidance on the management of acute and chronic gastrointestinal symptoms and complications as a result of treatment for cancer. She also has a particular interest in managing menopause in women with an irradiated pelvis.

Dr Darnborough is passionate about raising awareness of Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD) and educating healthcare professionals. She aims to ensure they have the skills and access to resources required to provide the highest standard of care for patients living with the consequences of cancer treatment, particularly now that access to a dedicated specialist service in Scotland is no longer available.


Dr Lisa Durrant, PhD, MSc. Macmillan Consultant Radiographer for radiation late effects at Beacon Radiotherapy, Musgrove Park Hospital, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Lisa Durrant is a therapeutic radiographer with a clinical role providing symptom support for people experiencing late effects from radiotherapy treatment. As part of the South West Radiotherapy Late Effects Services, she is committed to raising awareness of Pelvic Radiation Disease and ensuring access to holistic care. She is also an Honorary Clinical Fellow at the University of Exeter, with a particular interest in simple, evidence-based approaches to understanding and improving the management of radiotherapy late effects.


Professor Sara Faithfull, PhD, MSc, BSc(Hons), Oncology cert, RGN, Visiting Professor, Radiation Therapy, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Ireland.

Professor Faithfull trained as a cancer nurse in 1986 at the Royal Marsden Hospital (UK) and has worked in many oncology-related fields including neuro-oncology, radiotherapy and urology. She undertook her BSc after qualifying as a nurse and has always been passionate about combining the role of the nurse with that of a researcher. Sara was the recipient of the Smith and Nephew Nursing fellowship in 1991 and a CR-UK Nursing Research Fellowship in 1994. She obtained her Ph.D. from the Institute of Cancer Research in 2000. She was President of the European Oncology Nursing Society 2008-2010 and works with the European Society for Radiation Oncology (ESTRO). She is a nominated member of the European Academy of Cancer Scientists.

Championing the support for people who continue to experience consequences of cancer and its treatment Sara has worked with clinical teams and patient groups to provide better survivorship care especially for those receiving radiotherapy. Sara has over 80 academic publications and contributed as an author to several oncology text books. Sara has a strong interest in men’s health and has worked in multiple service-related projects to support men with prostate cancer, she is a trustee of PCUK charity. Although  retired, Sara continues to support research and clinical projects.


Dr Darren Fernandes, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Dr Fernandes has a specialist interest in the gastrointestinal consequences of cancer treatment, including the assessment and management of treatment-related bowel dysfunction, malabsorption and complex post-therapy symptom profiles.

He completed his doctoral research (PhD) under the supervision of Professor Andreyev, focusing on gastrointestinal complications arising from oncological therapies. His academic work has centred on improving the recognition, investigation and multidisciplinary management of patients experiencing chronic gastrointestinal symptoms following cancer treatment.

Dr Fernandes has been invited as an expert speaker at a number of national and international meetings, including PRDA, Bowel Cancer UK and MASCC, among other internationally recognised conferences. He remains actively involved in advancing clinical practice and education in the field of oncology-related gastrointestinal disorders.


Gina Giebner, RD, MSc, BSc (Hons), Specialist Dietitian for the Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS and director at The Rehab Dietitian Limited.

Gina is an advanced specialist oncology dietitian with over 20 years of experience in dietetics. Gina has and currently works in a number of areas of oncology, specialising in gastrointestinal cancers. Gina has completed Masters level training in gastrointestinal side effects from cancer treatments; both during and long after treatment.

She was a multi-disciplinary team contributor and co-author on the 2025 British Society of Gastroenterology practice guidance on the management of acute and chronic gastrointestinal symptoms and complications as a result of treatment for cancer.


Dr John Green,  MBBch MD FRCP Consultant Gastroenterologist at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (UHB), and Clinical Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Medical Education at Cardiff University.

Dr Green has worked as a Consultant Gastroenterologist in Cardiff since 2001, with a particular interest in endoscopy and luminal gastroenterology. He has treated patients experiencing late effects following cancer treatment and has contributed to national guidance in this area.

Dr Green is also actively involved in medical education, supporting the development of skills and knowledge among healthcare professionals within the Cardiff and Vale UHB. His combination of clinical expertise and commitment to teaching ensures patients receive care informed by the latest evidence and best practice.


Dr Caroline Henson, MBBS PhD MRCP, Consultant Gastroenterologist at the University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust.


Professor Dr Petre Cristian Ilie, MD PhD FEBU FRCS(Urol) MBA LMCA, is a Consultant Urological Surgeon and robotic specialist, holding clinical roles at both Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Kings Lynn (QEHKL), where he serves as Clinical Lead. Specialising in urological oncology and the management of complex pelvic radiation-induced complications, he is a Visiting Professor at Anglia Ruskin University and a graduate of both the Harvard Surgical Leadership Programme and the University of Cambridge Executive MBA.

Professor Ilie is deeply committed to improving the quality of life for patients living with the late effects of pelvic radiotherapy. As a robotic surgeon, he focuses on precision interventions and has pioneered research into the cystoscopic application of PuraStat® for treating radiation-induced haemorrhagic cystitis — a major advancement in managing chronic bladder bleeding following radiotherapy.

In addition to his clinical practice, he is the Editor-in-Chief of the Atena Journal of Urology and an expert adviser for the EU Horizon 2020 CANCERLESS project. By bridging the gap between robotic surgical innovation and patient-centred care, he helps ensure that individuals affected by Pelvic Radiation Disease have access to the most advanced evidence-based treatments. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the European Board of Urology.


Dr Claire Higham, BA, DPhil (Oxon), MBBS, MRCP (Diabetes and Endocrinology), Consultant Endocrinologist, Christie NHS Foundation Trust


Mr Pardeep Kumar, MB, ChB, PhD, FRCS Urology. Consultant Urological Surgeon, the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.


Dr Shameer Mehta, MBBS BSc(Hons) MRCP AFHEA MD(Res), Consultant Gastroenterologist, The Royal London Hospital, Honorary Associate Professor, University College London.


Dr Ann Muls, RN, MSc, PhD, Macmillan Nurse Consultant (GI consequences of cancer treatment). Clinical Academic Researcher, GI unit, at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

 

 


Lisa Punt, DCRT, MSc. Centre Head at Maggie’s Centre at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge.

After graduating in 1992, Lisa worked as a therapy radiographer at Addenbrooke’s hospital. With a keen interest in Gynaecological cancer, she went on to develop a consultant radiographer led pathway which included engaging with local gastroenterologists to pilot a late effects referral pathway. In 2011 she completed her Masters at Sheffield University with a research focus on vaginal consequences following pelvic radiotherapy. She then went on to contribute to national guidance on vaginal dilator use and late consequences of pelvic radiotherapy for gynaecological patients. In 2014 Lisa took up the position of centre head at Maggie’s, Cambridge where she continues to support people affected by cancer. Lisa became a PRDA Trustee in May 2020.


Dr Karen Robb, PhD, BSc, MCSP, Programme Implementation Director for Cancer, Movember UK.


Dr Rhodri Stacey, Consultant Gastroenerologist, Swansea Bay University Health Board.


Professor John Staffurth, Clinical Reader in Oncology at Cardiff University, and Consultant Oncologist at Velindre NHS Trust, Cardiff.


Dr Claire Taylor MBE, PhD, MSc, PGCAP, BN, RGN. Chief Nursing Officer, Macmillan Cancer Support and Senior Nurse Oncology at London North West Healthcare NHS Trust.


Dr Tony Tham, MB BCH BAO, MD, FRCP, MSc. FESGE, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Ulster Hospital, Dundonald, Belfast.

Dr. Tony Tham is a Consultant Physician and Gastroenterologist at the Ulster Hospital, Belfast.
Within the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE), Dr. Tham serves on the Governing Board and is currently chair of the ESGE Guidelines Committee and has chaired the ESGE Curriculum Working Group and current member of the Scientific Committee.
He has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers. He has held editorial roles with Gut, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and has been invited to lecture at major international meetings worldwide.
A past President of both the Irish Society of Gastroenterology and the Ulster Society of Gastroenterology, Dr. Tham has also served on the Executive of the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG). In recognition of his outstanding contributions to gastroenterology services and standards, he received the BSG President’s Medal in 2021.
He is currently Vice Chair of the World Gastroenterology Organisation’s Media and Community Engagement Committee and serves as an external assessor for Ireland’s Bowel Scope Programme.
Dr. Tham has held several leadership roles in medical education, including Head of the School of Medicine (Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency), Training Programme Director for Internal Medicine, and Deputy Chair of the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board’s Specialist Advisory Committee in General Internal Medicine.


Mr Ramesh Thurairaja MD, FRCS (Urol), FEBU, Consultant Urological Surgeon, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London.

Mr Ramesh Thurairaja is a distinguished consultant urological surgeon. He completed advanced fellowships in Switzerland and the UK, gaining expertise in both open and robotic surgical techniques, including complex bladder cancer and reconstructive procedures. He was previously a consultant at Kent & Canterbury Hospital, where he established and led the robotic bladder cancer service for East Kent. He also completed an MD thesis on prostate cancer and has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles in international journals.

Mr Thurairaja is now a Consultant Urological Surgeon at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. He is a pioneer in managing radiation cystitis, running the UK’s only specialist Radiation Cystitis Clinic, which has been operating since 2016. The clinic treats complex urinary and pain symptoms resulting from pelvic cancer radiotherapy and sees patients from across the country, with referrals accepted from both specialists and GPs.


Susan Vyoral, RD, BSc (Hons), Macmillan Oncology Dietitian, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, Surrey.


Dr Ana Wilson, BA(Oxon), BMBCh, MD, FRCP, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Specialist Endoscopist; Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer Imperial College London; Deputy Director Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (St Mark’s); Co-Chair Colorectal Pathway Group RMP; Trust Lead for GI Consequences of Cancer Treatment, London North West Healthcare NHS Trust.


 

Modified: 4th March 2026

 

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