Dr Gatheral studied medicine at the University of Cambridge and subsequently completed a PhD at the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London. He has worked as a Consultant Respiratory Physician within the NHS for many years and has played a leading role in the development of specialist interstitial lung disease services.

He is actively involved in clinical research and medical education, holding a Senior Clinical Lectureship at Lancaster University and Honorary Senior Clinical Lectureship at Imperial College London, through its partnership with the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine. His research has included interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis and bronchiectasis, with involvement in clinical trials and peer-reviewed publications.