Karen trained as an academic rheumatologist in Southampton. Between 2003-13, Karen became Clinical Academic Sub-Dean at the new Brighton & Sussex Medical School where she helped to develop and deliver the curriculum to the first ever cohorts of medical students. It was here that she started a rheumatology HIV service in 2004-5. In total, she has seen more than 1000 HIV-infected patients leading to research projects, grants, publications and case reports. Since 2013, she has become Professor of Occupational Rheumatology and Director of the MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work. She continues to see HIV patients in a combined clinic in Southampton.