Cambridge Staff Biographies

Adam Burnley, MBA
Lead Embryologist
I began my career at Bourn Hall in November 1986 at a time when the Embryology laboratories were housed in porta-cabins at the front of the Main Hall. I was lucky enough to have worked at Bourn Hall when both Dr Patrick Steptoe and Professor Robert Edwards were present daily at the Clinic.

This was before the advent of the HFEA and corresponding standards and regulation. My first position was working in the endocrinology department processing daily blood samples in order to assess patient hormone levels. I joined the embryology team in 1990 where I have worked since.

Bourn Hall sponsored me to study for an MBA at Aston University which I completed with distinction in 2003. I am a member of the Association of Clinical Embryologists (ACE) and am registered with the Health Professionals Council (HPC). I have embarked on several recent trips to India over the past two years to help train and supervise our teams of embryologists starting work at Bourn Hall International clinics.

Having friends who have undergone IVF, both successful and not, and being a father of young children has helped me realise how important the process and outcome of IVF is to our patients and how difficult it must be for those suffering from infertility. I have had the opportunity to participate in the training of many embryologists at Bourn Hall and feel proud to work with a team of people who understand the importance of what they do and take great pride in their work. I am sure this level of care is felt by those people who choose to come to Bourn Hall for their treatment.
Annie Cant, RGN RM
Head of Nursing
Annie Cant RGN RM joined Bourn Hall Clinic in 1998, having moved from nursing and midwifery to the speciality of IVF in 1988. She helped in establishing IVF in Cambridge, working with Professor Braude assisting his collaboration with the University of Cambridge. She has immense experience within the field of infertility, is certificated in infertility ultrasound and has over 19 years valuable training and practical experience both within the clinical and laboratory settings. Having helped build the link between Bourn Hall Clinic and Addenbrookes Hospital, she took up a full time post at Bourn Hall to co-ordinate IVF clinical trials. In 2001, Annie took up the position as Deputy Head of Nursing and in 2003 was promoted to Head of Nursing. Annie says ''This must be one of the most beautiful places to work, not only because the situation of the clinic is so special, but so too is the unique, collaborative team''
Louise Clinton, (MRpharmS DipComPharm)
Pharmacist
I qualified at Nottingham University in 1993, and undertook my Pre-reg training at the Queens Medical Centre and 3M Healthcare.

I then embarked upon a career in Community pharmacy. Shortly after I then completed a Diploma in Community Pharmacy with distinction from Keele University.

I then became a District Manager and completed the Open University Certificate in Management.

In 2002 I began my most important role to date as mother to three lively boys. In 2010 I joined Bourn Hall Clinic as Pharmacist working closely with the specialist fertility staff. It has been an extremely rewarding part of my career, being able to use my skills as a Pharmacist in a very unique area of medicine, especially as we are creating life rather than treating disease.
Dr Thomas Mathews, MD FRCOG
UK Medical Director
Dr Thomas Mathews MD FRCOG qualified as an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in 1975. After a career in India, Kenya and Scotland, he joined Steptoe and Edwards at Bourn Hall in 1984, learning the science of IVF from our pioneers. He has worked exclusively in this field for the last two decades, including a ten year period working in other local and overseas infertility clinics; including The Park Hospital, Nottingham and The King Fahad Hospital in Saudi Arabia. Dr Mathews was awarded the MRCOG (Member of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology) in 1985 and achieved his fellowship (FRCOG) in 1997. He rejoined Bourn Hall as Head of the Medical Function in 2000 and was promoted to his current role as Medical Director in 2006. Tom says ''Each time I see a new couple in consultation, I am humbled to think of the trust that they are placing in me - trust enough to open up their hearts, minds, bodies, aspirations - hoping that I can help them fulfil their dreams. I pray each day to be worthy of this trust.
Fran Rose-Smith, MBA
Clinic Manager
Fran Rose-Smith MBA joined Bourn Hall in May 2012 as Clinic Manager for the Cambridge Clinic. Fran’s background is in the NHS where her early career was as a registered nurse specialising in acute trauma and surgery. Later following a number of years as a Matron overseeing a Day Surgery and Ophthalmology unit Fran moved into senior management roles and managed a busy Women’s and Children’s service in Norfolk. During this time she led a successful development of fertility services which was the beginning of her relationship with Bourn Hall.

Following this Fran moved into an executive role as Director of Operations were she had a fresh approach to deliver change and organisational development. Her leadership skills and proven track record of meeting challenges with relentless commitment has enhanced the wider team at Bourn Hall. Fran says ‘Fertility treatments are constantly changing and evolving and I am finding my NHS background incredibly useful in developing those important relationships between us, the patients, NHS consultants and General Practitioners. I have been impressed by how the Bourn Hall team deliver consistently high quality treatments in an environment which is busy and yet sustain a sense of calm and personalised care. It is great to be part of that team.’

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