Dr Karen Forrest is the Head of Clinical Services at MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM. She is trained in gastroenterology and general internal medicine. She leads the Clinical Services Department - overseeing the work done in the clinics in Fajara, Keneba and Basse and managing a team of up to 110 people who provide clinical care to Unit staff, study participants and member of the Gambian public. Under her leadership, the Department has focussed on improving the quality of care provided in the clinics and prioritising the safety of patients. It continues to provide support to a wide range of research projects, for instance, providing clinical advice, specific clinical skills, training research staff, hosting projects and taking care of participants with Serious Adverse Events. In partnership with the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, the Department has been accredited by the West African College of Physicians to provide training posts to Internal Medicine and Family Medicine residents. It also welcomes a number of overseas doctors looking for experience of work in a low resource setting with good senior support.