Mike Williamson qualified from Cardiff Medical School in 1987 and undertook his early surgical training in Cardiff and the Rhondda Valley before moving to The General Infirmary at Leeds to undertake research for an MD thesis. He remained in West Yorkshire to complete senior surgical training but also including a training fellowship year in Sydney, Australia. He was appointed as consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon to the Royal United Hospital Bath in August 1999.

He has always maintained a specific interest in groin hernia surgery throughout his career, including both laparoscopic and open approaches to mesh repair. He has attended study days and operating theatre sessions, organised by the British Hernia Society and Society of Day Case Surgery.