Lara grew up in England and graduated from the University of Leeds in 2011.

She moved to New Zealand in 2013, where she completed her GP training, with a special interest in Palliative Medicine. She has also completed certificates in Skin Cancer Medicine and Dermoscopy through the Australasian Skin Cancer College.

Since completing her training, Lara has worked in Auckland and the UK before returning to New Zealand in 2023.