DrMichael Fertleman

Professor Michael Fertleman's research integrates geriatric medicine, surgery, and bioengineering, focusing on the use of technological and biological innovations to reduce perioperative risk and improve recovery outcomes in older adults.

The group’s work spans perioperative frailty, surgical resilience, metabolomics, neuroinflammation, and digital monitoring. Using data-driven and translational approaches, they aim to identify biomarkers of vulnerability and design interventions that personalise care for older surgical patients. Professor Fertleman currently supervises ten doctoral researchers, with projects ranging from machine learning prediction of fracture risk to biomarker discovery in cardiac and aortic valve interventions, frailty reversal through digital engagement, and neurophysiological monitoring following trauma.

His supervisory portfolio illustrates the multidisciplinary nature of his research — combining clinical medicine, computational analytics, molecular biology, and device development. Several of his students have collaborated with teams in bioengineering, cardiovascular science, and neurophysiology, contributing to Imperial’s broader mission of technological innovation in healthcare.

In parallel with his academic leadership, Professor Fertleman is a consultant physician at St Mary’s Hospital, London, specialising in the medical management of older surgical and trauma patients. His clinical work directly informs his research, fostering a continuous translation of laboratory findings into improved perioperative pathways.

His recent doctoral graduates have advanced the understanding of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and remote physiological monitoring in ageing and perioperative care, reinforcing his group’s position at the forefront of translational geriatric research.