Dr Clarke is a general cardiologist. Having graduated from the University of Cambridge she undertook cardiology training and research in Cambridge. She was awarded a Fellowship in Interventional Cardiology at the world renowned Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University, Boston, USA, before taking up her Consultants post in Cambridge UK in 2002.

Dr Clarke was appointed Clinical Director for Cardiac Services in 2006 and has developed and introduced key initiatives including a one-stop diagnostic service ‘Papworth Direct’ and primary angioplasty- stenting for acute heart attack patients. Through her lead role at the SHA she has overseen the role out of the heart attack service to the East of England. She has also overseen a restructuring of the Directorate to improve engagement and performance of the Directorate in what is an increasingly challenging climate in the NHS.

In 2012 Dr Clarke was appointed Clinical Director for Strategic Development at Papworth Hospital and has been part of the project team leading in the design of the New Papworth Hospital. She has also undertaken consultancy work assisting neighbouring Trusts with service review and redesign.