Functional Practitioners

After qualifying as a physiotherapist in 1961, he developed a specialist interest in sports medicine, working with elite athletes and professional footballers from leading clubs including Leeds United, Manchester United, AC Milan, Motherwell FC, St Mirren FC, and Rangers FC. In 1992, he became part of the medical team at Motherwell Football Club and further extended his expertise through his work with St Mirren FC and Rangers FC.

In 1990, Dr Pender expanded his practice into Hyperbaric Oxygen Medicine, undertaking extensive postgraduate training and clinical research into the therapeutic applications of hyperbaric oxygen. He conducted clinical trials investigating the effectiveness of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO) within sports medicine and pursued advanced postgraduate studies into the use and benefits of hyperbaric oxygen.

As part of his PhD research, Dr Pender established and participated in studies in Serbia examining the role of HBO in children with cerebral palsy, as well as its application in the treatment of chronic non-healing diabetic leg wounds. These studies contributed to the growing understanding of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in neurological rehabilitation and wound healing.

Further research in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, under the guidance of the internationally renowned neurologist Dr Richard Neubauer and in collaboration with the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine, deepened his understanding of the role of hyperbaric oxygen in brain injury and neurological recovery. This work ultimately contributed to his PhD in Hyperbaric Medical Oxygen.

Throughout his career, Dr Pender has treated professional athletes, complex rehabilitation patients, and high-profile individuals, including senior members of the Royal Family. His work has spanned sports performance, neurological rehabilitation, wound care, and advanced hyperbaric therapies.

One notable case involved a young boy who suffered a severe drowning accident and was subsequently placed on life support with an extremely poor prognosis. Following treatment with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at the Kent clinic, the patient made significant progress in his recovery and rehabilitation, ultimately returning to school while continuing ongoing therapy and support.

With decades of experience across physiotherapy, sports medicine, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Dr Pender is recognised for combining extensive clinical expertise with a patient-centred approach to care, helping individuals optimise recovery, rehabilitation, and overall wellbeing.

Following a research fellowship at Barts Cancer Institute funded by Stand up to Cancer and HCA, he gained laboratory experience targeting metabolic pathways in cancer stem cells and circulating tumour cells. He attained a clinical fellow role working in an early phase trials unit, the Sarah Cannon Research Institute UK, Harley Street where he was lead sub-investigator for a variety of solid tumour trials.

His strong background in mainstream oncology at centres of excellence coupled with his early phase trials experience, academic research in metabolic targeting, oversight of adjunctive protocols of repurposed medicines in cancer and higher education in the evolving field of next generation sequencing put him in good stead to further the cause of metabolic oncology.

Dr Margarita has extensive clinical experience in the field of sexual and reproductive health and is also a member of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare. She also has a Master's degree in health service leadership and has been involved in the establishment of a local GP Federation. Dr Margarita is now a member of the British Medical Association, Medical Defence Union, and Royal College of General Practice.

She received her medical degree from the prestigious King's College London, completing her training at Guy's and St Thomas' School of Medicine. More recently, she obtained her master's in Level 7 diploma in Integrative Medicine, and board certification in Lifestyle Medicine and in Functional Medicine. She lectures at the National Centre for Integrative Medicine.