Dr Tom Rance

Tom is an doctoral researcher at IMS Epidemiology within the School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge. His research is funded by an NIHR Doctoral Fellowship Award (Round 13, £564,681). His research focuses on the epidemiology of risky play and play-related injuries in childhood, exploring how children’s opportunities for adventurous, challenging play can be supported safely. His doctoral work aims to develop a clearer understanding of injury risk in play settings to inform guidance that balances safety with children’s developmental needs and wellbeing.

More broadly, Tom is interested in how physical activity, play, and environmental factors shape child health and development as well as reducing the number of serious injuries suffered by children. His research seeks to inform policy and practice that promote equitable access to play and physical activity.

Tom is a paediatric registrar with clinical and research experience spanning paediatric emergency medicine, community paediatrics and public health. Before commencing his PhD, he held fellowships at Great Ormond Street Hospital and King’s College Hospital, leading projects on paediatric injuries, clinical trials, and epidemiological data analysis. He has published widely and received national awards for his research and leadership.

Beyond his academic work, Tom contributes to national child health policy through roles with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Youth Sport Trust, Starlight Children’s Foundation, and the Children and Young People’s Health Policy Influencing Group. His broader interests include play in healthcare, children’s wellbeing, and improving undergraduate and postgraduate training for paediatricians. His first co-authored textbook, 100 Cases in Paediatrics, will be published in Summer 2026.

2021 – MRCPCH – Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
2017 – MBChB – Medicine and Surgery (University of Leeds)
2015 – BSc – International Health (Intercalated, University of Leeds)