Katie trained at Southampton University (BSc BM), completed junior medical jobs in London, and completed a PhD in neuro-developmental pain pathways and post-doctoral work in bone cancer pain at University College London. She is a consultant in Palliative Medicine at Imperial College Health NHS Trust and Professor at Imperial College London. Her specialty interests are in complex pain management, palliative care, service development and transformation of services. Professor Urch is Trust lead for cancer and divisional director of surgery, cancer and cardiovascular services (including ophthalmology, haematology, critical care and theatres and Senior Responsible Officer for RTT [Referral to Treatment] and cancer performance). She is also chair of the West London and GTAC (Gene Therapy Advisory Committee) Research Ethics Committee.