I was born in Aberystwyth and educated at Aberaeron Comprehensive School before commencing at The University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff. I graduated in 1993. During that period I played rugby and cricket for Cardiff Medics and still maintain an active interest in exercise and sport.

My basic surgical training was performed in the South Wales region gaining my admission to the Fellowship of Royal College of Surgeons in 1997. I commenced on the All Wales Orthopaedic Training Scheme and worked at the Cardiff Spinal Unit for two years before obtaining my Fellowship of Royal College of Surgeons Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery Certificate. I spent a year as a spinal fellow at the Centre for Spinal Surgery at Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham.

I commenced as a full time spinal consultant at University Hospital of Wales and Llandough Hospital, Cardiff in 2004. I also have an NHS scoliosis (child spinal deformity) clinic at Phillip's Parade, Swansea.