Dr Thanos Papathanasiou from Bourn Hall Clinic joins Anita Guru and talks about the history of Bourn Hall, the first ever IVF clinic, which is part of the new Netflix film Joy, released on the 22nd November, which is all about the pioneers of IVF. Dr Thanos talks about the emotional triggers of treatment, how clinics can take a compassionate approach to support patient’s mental health, navigating the start and ending of treatment, how to approach medical conditions linked to fertility, the experience of miscarriage and advocating for yourself as a patient.Guest detailsDr. Thanos Papathanasiou is a prominent IVF and fertility specialist, serving as the CEO and Medical Director at Bourn Hall Clinic, the world’s first IVF clinic.He earned his medical doctorate from the University of London, where he researched reproductive disorders. His clinical expertise includes managing poor responses to IVF stimulation drugs, requiring highly individualised treatment approaches. He has published influential, highly cited papers on poor ovarian response.Before joining Bourn Hall, Dr. Papathanasiou established a successful career in Greece, recognised as an expert in fertility and endocrinology. He has published a book on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and has extensive experience in the fertility and endocrine clinics of major London hospitals.His work consistently emphasises the integration of patient-centred care with advanced medical treatments.At Bourn Hall, Dr. Papathanasiou has led initiatives to enhance patient support and streamline fertility treatments. He has also collaborated with Fertility Network UK (FNUK) on the “Fertility in the Workplace” (FiTW) initiative. This programme helps employers implement policies that support employees undergoing fertility treatments, addressing the impact of infertility on their professional lives. Dr. Papathanasiou advocates for flexible appointment schedules and supportive workplace policies to minimise the treatment’s impact on patients’ careers.Dr. Papathanasiou’s dedication to excellence and compassionate care has earned him a reputation as a leading figure in reproductive medicine, and his work with FNUK exemplifies his commitment to holistic patient support.Links:www.bournhall.co.ukhttps://www.gov.uk/request-baby-loss-certificateTrauma research and support https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/access-support/trauma-support/If you are struggling and need support, please contact the charity at https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ or organisations that can support your mental health are below.Contact Samaritans on 116 123Contact NHS on 111DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.

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