Professor John Axford is a Consultant Rheumatologist and Emeritus Professor of Clinical Rheumatology at St George's University Hospitals. He specialises in treating musculoskeletal disorders, autoimmune rheumatic diseases, and pediatric arthritis, in addition to back pain. In 2002, he founded The Hotung Centre, which integrates all aspects of musculoskeletal clinical care and research, and is now a well-known centre of excellence worldwide. He also established the London Rheumatology Clinic, which aims to provide individualised, comprehensive clinical care by specialised, leading clinicians in a coordinated manner.

Apart from his clinical work, Professor Axford has an active research interest in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and lupus. He has written over 80 peer-reviewed papers and 20 books on the subject, and he is a sought-after speaker at both national and international conferences.

Professor Axford has received many accolades for his contributions, including the BMA Book of the Year award, the Doris Hillier Award for Rheumatology, honorary membership of the Royal Society of Medicine, and four NHS/ACCEA merit awards. He is also an Honorary member of the Royal Society of Medicine and the Vice Chair of the Education and Training Committee for the British Society of Rheumatology.