Meet our Advisory Board - IVFN

Meet our Advisory Board

We are very proud of our Advisory Board of UK-leading fertility experts who help shape and guide the IVFN. They offer the latest guidance on fertility topics from consultant gynaecologists to fertility acupuncturists, nutritionists, to male fertility specialists.

Carole Gilling-smith

CEO & Medical Director

Carole embarked on her illustrious journey in medicine by graduating from Cambridge University.

Over the course of her remarkable career, she has amassed a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the dynamic realm of reproductive medicine and infertility and pioneered bespoke care programs that enable members of the LGBTQ+ community to realise their dreams of starting a family.

James Nicopoullos

Clinical Director

James is a distinguished sub-specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, serving as a Consultant Gynecologist at HCA Healthcare, based at The Lister Hospital. His illustrious career is marked by a profound commitment to enhancing reproductive health and providing exceptional care to his patients.

Jonathan Ramsay

Male Fertility Specialist

Jonathan is a distinguished fertility expert whose career is defined by a profound commitment to advancing reproductive health and providing hope to individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood.

His contributions to the field of fertility extend beyond patient care. He actively engages in research and education, staying at the forefront of the latest advancements in reproductive medicine.

Melanie Brown

Nutritionist

With a diverse career spanning the health and beauty industry, Mel made a pivotal shift by pursuing a deep passion for nutrition, embarking on a journey that has positively impacted countless lives since 2002.

Her career is characterized by her unwavering commitment to improving fertility, holistic well-being, and the transformative power of nutrition.

Francesca Steyn

Community Nursing Director

Francesca is an experienced Fertility Nurse Specialist and Head of Service at Wales Fertility Institute, with over 19 years in both NHS and private fertility care. She has led pioneering work in donation, surrogacy, and remote fertility services.

Beyond clinical care, she has co-authored national guidance, presented internationally, and sits on key advisory groups for the HFEA and NICE. Her contributions have earned her multiple national awards for excellence in fertility and nursing.

Mr Tarek El-Toukhy

Consultant Gynaecologist

Consultant and Senior Lecturer in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery and PGD, at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and King’s College London.

His special interests are ART, implantation failure, hysteroscopic surgery and PGD. Mr El-Toukhy has published over 115 peer-reviewed papers, 20 book chapters and lectured widely both
nationally and internationally. He is a BFS member and a scientific editor for the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.