Stephen's journey into medicine began as a specialist medic with a military unit. Operating in this role demanded peak physical condition and involved engagement with some of the most advanced physical training programmes in the British Army. It also required a deep understanding of wellness and nutritional practices to maintain the health and performance of patrol members in some of the world's most challenging environments.

Following his military service, he transitioned into the commercial sector, where one of his key roles was serving as the Principal Trustee of the Genetic Research Fund, based in Geneva, supporting innovative scientific initiatives and research.
Since 2021, he has dedicated his time to researching and building the framework for Firle Health. This work has focused on exploring cutting-edge diagnostic tools in Metabolomics, Genetics, and the Microbiome, as well as developing systems and therapies that support these foundational aspects of wellness and longevity.

Academic Qualifications

MSc in Psychology
University of Westminster
Focused on psychology in the workplace, also known as Business Psychology. This applied science investigates ways to make individuals and organisations more effective. It uses social scientific research methods to study people, workplaces, and organisations, with the goal of aligning their often competing needs. The aim is to foster healthy, productive, and mutually beneficial relationships between people and organisations.

MBA
Liverpool University
Completed with a strong foundation in key business disciplines including Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Operations Management, Strategy, Organisational Behaviour, and Economics. Developed critical analytical, leadership, and strategic decision-making skills to drive business growth and efficiency.

PG Dip in Applied Neuroscience
King's College London
The curriculum provided both foundational and advanced knowledge in neuroscience, enabling exploration of the field from multiple perspectives. Key modules included Techniques in Neuroscience, Mental Health in the Community, Contemporary Advances in Neuroscience, and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. These modules developed strong research skills and methodological design capabilities.

A particularly impactful component of the course was the final module on the neurological effects of mindfulness. It explained how mindfulness can reduce activity in the amygdala, the brain’s fear centre, thereby supporting improved stress regulation. Long-term mindfulness practice has also been shown to increase grey matter density and reshape brain connectivity, highlighting its potential for lasting neurological change.

This reinforced the belief that mindfulness is not merely a psychological tool but a practice with measurable, science-backed benefits. Integrating these insights into broader wellness and longevity strategies has deepened our commitment to applying neuroscience in meaningful, real-world contexts within Firle Health.

PG Cert in Psychodynamics
University of Oxford
Focused on understanding the interrelationships of various parts of the mind and personality, especially unconscious forces, and how they impact mental, emotional, and motivational states.

PG Cert in Cognitive Behavioural Studies
University of Oxford
Covered the theoretical components of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and specialisms like CBT for common psychological disorders, psychological trauma, psychosis, and bipolar disorder, along with CBT supervision and training.

Dr. Margarita Kitova-John, a graduate of medical school in Sofia, Bulgaria (2004), is a versatile and dynamic doctor with a diverse background. Her early career ignited a passion for women's health, sexual health, gut health, and clinical leadership. With over a decade of experience as a front-line GP, she recognised that many chronic conditions have complex underlying causes that conventional treatments often fail to address.

Dr. Margarita's extensive clinical experience spans multiple countries beyond the UK, including France, Japan, and Bulgaria. She completed her GP postgraduate training on the Isle of Wight, UK, and in 2020, she pursued her interest in functional medicine by earning degrees from the Functional Medicine University and the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM). She has completed the Theriome practitioner training programme and is ready to assist Firle Health clients with their ongoing wellness and longevity programme.

Dr. Margarita has led a GP Federation and established one of the UK's first doctor-led private functional medicine practices. Her entrepreneurial spirit and agile approach have driven her to innovate and excel in her field. She is also a member of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare and holds a master's degree in Health Service Leadership.

Jessica is an experienced Nutritional Therapist and Advanced Functional Medicine Clinician with a Master's degree in Personalised Nutrition. With a strong academic background and extensive clinical experience, Jessica specialises in applying evidence-based nutritional and lifestyle interventions to support optimal health, longevity, and peak performance. In addition to private practice, Jessica previously held a role as a Medical Education Specialist at one of the leading functional medicine laboratories in the United States. This role involved collaborating with healthcare practitioners worldwide, providing expert guidance on interpreting complex diagnostic tests, and supporting the development of tailored treatment plans. Bringing together clinical expertise and a deep understanding of functional medicine testing, Jessica excels at identifying the root causes of complex health concerns. Whether working with clients seeking to enhance vitality, address chronic conditions, or pursue optimal ageing strategies, Jessica crafts highly personalised programmes designed to deliver sustainable results.

Jessica is committed to empowering clients with actionable insights, using cutting-edge science and holistic strategies to unlock their full health potential.