Biography

Professor Simon Padley is a highly experienced consultant radiologist specialising in conditions of the chest, lungs and heart. He provides care for both NHS and private patients at Royal Brompton Hospital and elsewhere. He has been a consultant since 1994.

Professor Padley studied physiology at King’s College London before training in medicine at Westminster Hospital Medical School, graduating in 1984. He went on to complete extensive specialist radiology training at Addenbrooke’s, Papworth and Westminster hospitals. In 1991–1992, he undertook a dedicated thoracic imaging fellowship at Vancouver General Hospital in Canada, gaining advanced expertise in lung and chest imaging.

Professor Padley is also a Professor of Practice in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology at Imperial College London, where he teaches and supervises medical students and trainees, and contributes to ongoing clinical research. 

Clinical expertise

Professor Padley specialises in a wide range of thoracic imaging and image‑guided treatments. His areas of expertise include:

• High‑resolution CT scanning of the lungs
• Lung cancer imaging and intervention including CT and ultrasound guided biopsy
• Imaging and intervention in lymphatic disorders
• Thoracic MRI scanning
• Ultrasound‑guided chest procedures
• Bronchial and pulmonary angiography
• Fiducial marker placement
• Radiofrequency and microwave ablation of lung tumours
• Endovascular stenting and venous access
• Bronchial artery embolisation

These techniques allow him to diagnose and treat many chest and lung conditions using the least invasive approach possible, often avoiding the need for surgery.

Research and teaching

Alongside his clinical work, Professor Padley is actively involved in research aimed at improving imaging techniques and minimally invasive treatments for lung conditions. His current research interests include:

• Percutaneous ablation of lung tumours
• Dose optimisation in CT scanning
• Advanced imaging in paediatric lung disease
• MRI of the airways

He regularly teaches at national and international conferences and supports medical students and trainees through supervision and academic mentoring. 

Publications

Professor Padley has an extensive academic record, with:

• Over 7,900 citations and an h‑index of 46 on Google Scholar
• More than 220 peer‑reviewed journal articles
• Over 35 book chapters
• Co‑authorship of the textbook Cardiovascular Computed Tomography

His published work includes influential studies in lung cancer imaging, pulmonary vascular disease, and advanced CT and MRI techniques.

Private patient referral 

If you would like to make an appointment with this specialist for private care, contact the Specialist Care team.