Our clinical leads are more than just experts in their field—they’re passionate advocates for quality, safety, and patient satisfaction. One such leader is Gareth Corbett, our Clinical Lead for Gastroenterology and Endoscopy. Gareth’s journey into medicine was inspired by something quite simple: his mother’s belief in him.
“I became a doctor because my mum said to me when I was 15 that she always thought I could do that. At the time I thought, ‘no chance, there are far too many medicines to remember!’”
Despite his doubts, he started medical school in 1997 and joined the RAF as a medical cadet two years later. This marked the beginning of an 18-year career in military medicine, which ran in parallel with NHS training and service.
By 2005, he had set his sights on gastroenterology, drawn to the speciality by the mentorship and approachability of the consultants he encountered. “A particular consultant was totally inspirational to me—I’ll never forget his influence on my practice.”
“I picked gastroenterology because I found the consultants I was working with at the time those I felt most familiar with. A particular consultant was totally inspirational to me, and I will never forget his influence over my practice.”
After specialist training in the East of England, he became a consultant at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, in 2013. Over the years, he has held numerous leadership roles, including endoscopy lead, clinical director for digestive diseases, and, most recently, clinical lead, while developing multiple clinical services and advancing both training and research.
Today, he is an expert endoscopist and general gastroenterologist, splitting his time between the NHS, private practice, and his role at MDCare.
What does your work at MDCare involve?
As Clinical Lead for Gastroenterology and Endoscopy at MDCare, Gareth ensures that every clinician working with our partner trusts meets the highest standards.
“This involves approving clinicians based on nationally recognised KPIs and continuously reviewing performance to uphold care quality.”
If an issue arises, he takes a hands-on approach in assessing the situation, learning from it, and implementing improvements to ensure services remain safe, reliable, and patient-focused.
“NHS partners and patients deserve assurance that the care provided through MDCG is not only efficient but also of outstanding quality. That’s my commitment.”
What is one career highlight you’re particularly proud of?
“I have had lots, so it is difficult to go for one; however, I have developed the Cambridge University Hospitals endoscopy unit into one that provides a full range of endoscopy procedures, is a training centre and delivers high-profile research activity.”
What excites you about the future of healthcare (if anything)?
“AI is going to be the ultimate helper. It’ll support clinicians in delivering even more advanced care, and it will revolutionise the way patients access health education.”
Outside of medicine, Gareth is a keen musician, playing guitar and bass. He even composed a piece for his wife to walk down the aisle to! He also admits to a “slightly sad love of Lego,” with a growing collection of Star Wars models decorating his home.
At MDCare, we’re proud to have leaders who combine deep clinical expertise with humanity, creativity, and a true dedication to patients.
