Reproductive Medicine
Saint Mary's Hospital
Reproductive Medicine at Saint Mary's Hospital
The Department of Reproductive Medicine (DRM) at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is one of the most historic, innovative and scientifically influential fertility centres in the world. Manchester is the birthplace of IVF: the world’s first IVF baby, Louise Brown, was born in Greater Manchester in 1978 — a breakthrough that transformed reproductive medicine globally. Inspired by this pioneering achievement, Professor Brian Lieberman founded the world’s first fully publicly‑funded IVF unit at St Mary’s Hospital in 1982, establishing the Department of Reproductive Medicine as a centre built on scientific courage, ethical leadership and a commitment to making fertility treatment accessible to all.
Today, the DRM is a small but high-impact department which remains one of the UK’s largest and most advanced reproductive medicine services, delivering the full spectrum of fertility care, from Ovulation Induction and Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) to In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), donor gametes, fertility preservation, reproductive surgery and complex medical fertility management.
The department is also home to one of the country’s most sophisticated embryology and andrology laboratories, including the UK National External Quality Assessment Service (NEQAS) for Reproductive Science. With over 72,000 gamete and embryo samples stored on site and more than 1,000 IVF cycles annually, the DRM operates at a scale and level of scientific rigour that few centres internationally can match.
The Department of Reproductive Medicine’s academic pedigree is equally exceptional. Under the scientific leadership of figures such as Professor Daniel Brison, the department has shaped national and international standards in embryology, fertility preservation, embryo research and stem cell science. The DRM co‑directs the North West Embryonic Stem Cell Centre, contributes to national regulatory bodies, and leads research programmes in implantation failure, early pregnancy loss, gamete biology and fertility preservation for cancer patients, in close collaboration with The Christie, Europe’s largest single‑site cancer centre.
For overseas clinicians, the DRM offers a rare opportunity to learn within a service that combines high‑volume clinical activity, cutting‑edge laboratory science, world‑class research, and a rich multidisciplinary training culture. The department trains reproductive medicine subspecialists, clinical scientists, embryologists, and fellows from across the UK and beyond, supported by a team of consultants, embryologists, andrologists, nurses and counsellors who are recognised leaders in their fields.
Whether observing advanced IVF techniques, learning from internationally respected mentors, or exploring the interface between reproductive medicine, oncology and genomics, clinicians joining the DRM gain exposure to a service that has shaped the global evolution of fertility care — and continues to push the boundaries of what is possible.
Fellowships and observerships at Manchester Specialist Health Academy provide international clinicians with structured opportunities to experience high quality healthcare training within a leading NHS environment. Both pathways offer consultant oversight, a clear induction, and access to modern clinical settings that support a strong understanding of advanced patient care. Participants are welcomed into a professional community that encourages learning, collaboration, and engagement with the culture of Manchester.
While fellows take part in more in depth clinical development, gaining exposure to subspecialties, procedures and research, observers focus on shadowing and understanding multidisciplinary practice within NHS services. Both groups benefit from involvement in clinics, team discussions, and wider learning activities such as simulation sessions, CPD opportunities, and quality improvement insight.
Academic contributions and awards
Recent international publications span topics including fertility and assisted reproductive technologies, implantation biology, early pregnancy health, and the development of new therapies for pregnancy complications . This breadth of output demonstrates the department’s role not only as a clinical leader, but as a major generator of new knowledge shaping the future of reproductive medicine worldwide:
High quality clinical grade human embryonic stem cell lines derived from fresh discarded embryos
Rare and complex cases
- The department is internationally recognised for its expertise in managing some of the most complex and challenging fertility cases in the UK. DRM routinely supports patients with severe male‑factor infertility, recurrent implantation failure, complex endometriosis, congenital reproductive anomalies, and fertility needs arising from cancer treatment or serious medical conditions.
- The Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre is one of the largest pregnancy research groups in Europe, specialising in conditions such as stillbirth, fetal growth restriction, diabetes in pregnancy, hypertension, and placental disorders. These high‑risk maternal conditions often intersect with fertility challenges, creating a unique caseload of patients requiring advanced reproductive, endocrine and early‑pregnancy expertise.
- As the North West’s major centre for genetic medicine, the Trust manages rare inherited reproductive and developmental disorders, integrating next‑generation sequencing and advanced diagnostic pathways into fertility and early‑pregnancy care. This combination of rare disease genomics, high‑risk maternal medicine, and complex fertility preservation gives international clinicians exposure to cases seldom seen in standard IVF units worldwide.
Why Manchester?
Manchester is a city of innovation and progress, renowned as the world’s first industrial city and still leading in science, healthcare, and technology. With excellent transport links and a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere, it offers an inclusive environment for learning and professional growth.
Beyond your placement, Manchester offers something for everyone - from watching the iconic Manchester derby to exploring world-class museums and galleries. With vibrant music, sport, and culture, the city truly has it all. Combining heritage and modernity, it creates a unique setting for personal enrichment and memorable experiences whilst you develop professionally.
Meet our expert supervisors
Our team consists of highly qualified and motivated professionals, who are all experts in their field. With many years of experience in the industry, they have the expertise to provide comprehensive, first-rate services to our clients.
Mariam Lockman
Consultant Gynaecologist and Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine & Surgery. Clinical Lead for Reproductive Medicine at Saint Mary's Hospital.
Our signature programmes
Observership
Reproductive Medicine
Objectives
By the end of the placement, the visiting professional should be able to:
- To provide structured, observational exposure to a high‑volume, HFEA‑licensed reproductive medicine service.
- To enable clinicians to understand UK fertility pathways, including diagnostics, treatment planning, laboratory processes and early‑pregnancy follow‑up.
- To demonstrate how multidisciplinary teams, governance systems and regulatory frameworks shape safe, ethical fertility care.
- To support observers in identifying transferable learning that can enhance practice or service development in their home institutions.
- To offer insight into the full spectrum of reproductive medicine, including andrology, embryology, donor pathways and fertility preservation.
Eligibility
- The visiting professional must have sufficient English language skills to engage meaningfully in the observership.
Fellowship
Reproductive Medicine
Objectives
By the end of the placement, fellows should be able to:
- To provide senior clinicians with structured, supernumerary experience in advanced reproductive medicine over 12–24 months.
- To develop competence in infertility assessment, fertility scanning, treatment planning and assisted‑conception procedures under consultant supervision.
- To support fellows in building a portfolio of clinical experience, audit, QI and research aligned with career progression.
- To strengthen leadership, communication and multidisciplinary working skills within a complex, regulated fertility environment.
- To prepare clinicians for future subspecialty training, senior clinical roles or service leadership in reproductive medicine.
Eligibility
Postgraduate Qualification: Applicants must hold an overseas-recognised postgraduate medical qualification (MD, MS, Masters) in obstetrics and gynaecology, fetal medicine, maternal-fetal medicine or a closely related specialty.
Experience: Minimum of 3 years’ recent experience in obstetrics and gynaecology or related specialty within the last 5 years, including at least 12 months of continuous practice before applying.
Training Level: Equivalent to ST5 or above, or post-CCT clinicians seeking subspecialty exposure.
Language Proficiency: IELTS Academic with 7.0 in each band and overall 7.5, or OET Medicine with Grade B in all domains.
Registration: GMC registration is required for fellows.
Demonstrable prior experience in obstetrics and gynaecology, with interest in endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, reproductive medicine, benign gynaecology, minimally invasive surgery and/or adolescent gynaecology.
Evidence of safe clinical practice, professional standing, and commitment to patient-centred care.
For any surgical fellowships, a logbook or equivalent evidence of laparoscopic experience may be requested.
Any access to theatres, MDTs, imaging meetings, research projects or direct clinical duties will be subject to local governance, supervisor approval and capacity.