Joanna qualified as a doctor in 1999 and spent subsequent years training in Newcastle upon Tyne and Adelaide (Australia). During her training, she undertook 2 years of dedicated research, looking at the value of ultrasound in managing rheumatology patients. She has published research in this field and was awarded an MD in 2009. Joanna became a Consultant Rheumatologist in 2013, initially worked in Hull prior to moving to Harrogate District Hospital in 2021.