Dr Karen Forrest
Head of Clinical Services
United Kingdom
I am a Consultant Physician with training in gastroenterology and general internal medicine, and I currently serve as the Head of Clinical Services at MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM. I oversee our clinics in Fajara, Keneba, and Basse, managing a team of up to 110 staff. My role focuses on improving care quality, prioritising patient safety, and supporting a range of research projects.
Under my leadership, we have integrated a rural clinic, developed an electronic medical records system, and launched a quality improvement programme. Our department is recognised for its structured training programmes and comprehensive data collection practices. We also work with the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital to offer accredited training posts for Internal Medicine and Family Medicine residents.
I completed a Master's in Theology and Intercultural Studies and am currently pursuing a Master鈥檚 in Medical Education. My ongoing aim is to improve healthcare and support research in The Gambia.
Affiliations
MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM
Teaching
Karen has completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Education from the University of Dundee. She is mainly involved in providing postgraduate training to doctors in The Gambia and to staff in her Department.
Selected Publications
2024
Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology
2024
Lancet (London, England)
2024
Epidemiologia
2024
Heliyon
2024
The Lancet. Microbe
2023
The Lancet. Global health
2023
Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
2023
Antibiotics
2023
Gates open research
2023
The Lancet Global health