About Us
GEM Health Research Consultancy Ltd (GHRC) is a Cambridge-based, globally operating consultancy that strengthens healthcare delivery and research through evidence, collaboration and compassion.
We partner with healthcare organisations, academic institutions, innovation networks and professional associations to design and deliver ethical, inclusive and impactful research and clinical programmes. Our goal is to help healthcare teams lead with confidence, integrity and purpose while improving patient outcomes and operational excellence.
At GHRC, we believe that meaningful change in healthcare comes from a deep understanding of people, systems and culture. Our consultancy integrates clinical research expertise, strategic healthcare consulting, leadership development and user experience design to deliver real-world solutions that advance equity and quality of care.
Guided by our ethos of being a GEM – Goodness Empowered Motivator, we are committed to doing what is right, sharing knowledge generously and empowering others to lead with compassion and excellence. Every partnership we build is grounded in trust, collaboration and a shared commitment to improving healthcare globally.
Who are we
April Murillo-Fianza, the founder and executive director, is a healthcare leader, clinical research nurse and advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion. She is known for her belief in being a Goodness Empowered Motivator, a principle that inspired the name and values of GEM Health Research Consultancy Ltd.
With over 17 years of experience in nursing, including more than a decade of practice in the United Kingdom, April brings a unique combination of clinical insight, research expertise and leadership vision. Her background includes leading and contributing to genotyping and phenotyping projects at GSK Clinical Unit Cambridge, where she gained valuable experience in research operations and project management.
April has worked across NIHR, NHS, academic and commercial research environments, developing a strong foundation in clinical governance, ethical practice and evidence-based improvement. She is deeply passionate about supporting healthcare professionals, nurses and early-career researchers to gain the skills and confidence needed to lead high-quality, inclusive research and practice.
As an advocate for global health equity, April also serves as Chair of the Philippine Nurses Association UK (PNAUK) Cambridge Chapter, a leader within the RCN Eastern EDI Network, and an active member of the RCN Research Forum. Her experiences as a Filipino nurse leader, educator, mother and community advocate shape an empathetic and inclusive approach to leadership.
Her guiding belief captures the heart of GHRC Advisors:
“Equitable research leads to equitable care. I am committed to building a future where healthcare is guided by compassion, equity and the relentless pursuit of excellence.”
Why GHRC Advisors Was Founded
GHRC Advisors was created from a genuine desire to make healthcare and research more compassionate, inclusive and impactful. The consultancy was founded to bridge the gap between frontline clinical experience and research innovation, ensuring that both are guided by equity, integrity and evidence. Additionally, the consultancy will showcase bespoke services from a collective of clinical experts and advisors.
Its purpose is to empower healthcare professionals and organisations to lead meaningful change, shaping systems that reflect the values of humanity, collaboration and continuous improvement.