The Bourn Hall IVF Essentials Course: From Theory to Transfer

Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic holds an annual IVF study course at its flagship location in Cambridge. As the world’s first IVF clinic, founded by the pioneers behind the world’s first ‘test-tube baby’, Bourn Hall remains dedicated to shaping the next generation of fertility doctors with the aim of advancing fertility care in the future.

Who is it for?

• This course is specifically designed for clinicians with some to no experience in IVF and lays the groundwork for understanding and practicing IVF procedures.
• Specially aligned with the learning requirements of the RCOG SITM in Subfertility and Reproductive Health and the BFS Assisted Conception Module. However, this course covers the basics and is not an accredited course.
• This course is ideal for: Healthcare professionals who are early on in their journey in the field of reproductive medicine and IVF; Healthcare professionals who are working towards the RCOG Subfertility and Reproductive Health SITM.

Why choose this course?

• Building Blocks for IVF Practice: Equip yourself with the essential knowledge needed as a foundation for further training in IVF.
• Realistic Expectations: Understand that this course is a starting point; it prepares you for further learning and experience.
• Certificate of Attendance: Receive a certificate recognizing your participation and foundational understanding of IVF.
• Hands-on learning: Using simulator machines with the support of an experienced fertility specialist in a clinical setting is a key component. It also features real-world case studies as well as interactive group discussions.

Course Outline

• Introduction to IVF Procedures: Gain a solid understanding of the IVF process, from pre-treatment consultation to embryo transfer.
• Insights into Ovarian Stimulation and Oocyte Retrieval: Learn the basics of ovarian stimulation protocols and the crucial steps of oocyte retrieval.
• Fundamentals of Embryo Transfer: Get acquainted with the principles of delivering a highly successful embryo transfer.
• Andrology: Learn how the andrologist assesses and manages male factor infertility.

What’s Included

• Simulator practice and real-world case studies
• Course materials
• Certificate of attendance on completion of the course
• Complimentary lunch on both days
• Delegate dinner with course presenters on the first night
• Free onsite parking

N.B Accommodation is not included, and participants must make their own arrangements for travel

Course Presenters

Dr. Sharleen Hapuarachi, MBChB MRCOG, Lead Clinician, Consultant Gynaecologist and IVF specialist, Bourn Hall Clinic Cambridge

Dr. Thanos Papathanasiou, MD FRCOG FHEA, Chief Executive Officer and Medical Director of UK Bourn Hall Clinics and RCOG author

Dr. Nausheen Mawal, MD MBBS FRCOG, Lead Clinician, Bourn Hall Clinic Norwich

Dr. Kay Elder, Senior Research Scientist, Bourn Hall Clinic Cambridge

Dr. Shreeya Tewary, MD, MRCOG, MBChB, Consultant Gynaecologist and IVF Specialist, Bourn Hall Clinic Cambridge

Dr. Lukasz Polanski, MD, MRCOG, PhD, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Bourn Hall Stamford

Mr. Oliver Wiseman, MA FRCS (Urol), Consultant Urologist, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Bourn Hall  Cambridge

N.B. This faculty list is subject to change from year to year due to availability

Location

Situated in a Jacobean manor nestled in the Cambridgeshire countryside, Bourn Hall was selected by the founders for its privacy and seclusion from the rest of the world. Since 1980, the clinic the clinic has helped to conceive more than 25,000 babies. Today Bourn Hall holds a special place in many people’s hearts, and is home to a small IVF museum where ‘Bourn Hall babies’ can return with their parents to view memorabilia of times past, and tour the clinic where they were conceived. 

We offer an introductory course for new doctors interested in fertility because we are guided by the objective of our founders – to help as many hopeful parents to one day have a child. That means guiding the next generation of IVF specialists to help advance the field of fertility medicine. 

Testimonials from Past Attendees

“This course was one of the best I have attended in terms of topic selection and course content, inclusiveness, providing regular intervals between sessions and not to mention the course dinner. Really enjoyed the course and had an overview of the field of assisted reproduction.”

• 2026 course attendee

“Every single talk was well structured and to the point. The practical sessions with tips and tricks were excellent and I’m glad I attended the event.”

• 2025 course attendee

“It was a brilliant course! perfect for Clinical Fellows / Subspecialty trainees starting their journey in Subfertility and IVF.”

• 2026 course attendee

Registration and Cost

The Bourn Hall IVF course is held annually and takes place across two full days in the first quarter of the year. You may register your early interest via the form below, to be the first to know once registration opens.

The cost for this course is £450.00 (incl. VAT) per attendee