Dr. Robert Mcfarland

Dr. Robert McFarland is an accomplished Consultant Paediatric Neurologist and Paediatrician specialising in complex neurological, neuromuscular, and neurometabolic conditions in children. Dedicated to delivering compassionate, patient-centred care, he works closely with young patients and their families to provide comprehensive diagnostic assessments and tailored management plans. His clinical work focuses on translating innovative medical research directly into improved clinical care, ensuring that children receive advanced, evidence-based treatments.

Dr. McFarland completed his undergraduate medical studies at the University of Oxford before completing his clinical medical training in London, qualifying in 1993. He went on to undertake specialist higher paediatric training, followed by a PhD supported by a Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Training Fellowship and a Medical Research Council Clinician Scientist Fellowship. He holds a Master of Arts (MA), Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Additionally, Dr. McFarland holds professional memberships as a Member of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) and a Member of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH).

Throughout his career, Dr. McFarland has established expertise in rare paediatric conditions, with a primary clinical interest in mitochondrial diseases, muscle disorders, and complex neurogenetic conditions. He leads multidisciplinary clinical teams dedicated to diagnosing and managing rare neuromuscular conditions and has been closely involved in pioneering pre-implantation genetic diagnosis techniques and novel mitochondrial donation therapies. His ongoing work encompasses clinical trials, outcome measurement tools, and natural history studies that aim to enhance the quality of life and health outcomes for young patients facing rare diseases.