Lead consultant for Cambridge IVF
Consultant in reproductive medicine and surgery and lead consultant for Cambridge IVF
Raj trained under some of the best known pioneers in fertility treatment in the UK – Professor Ian Cooke in Sheffield and the late Professor Mike Hull in Bristol, and then spent five years carrying out IVF at Bristol University Centre for Reproductive Medicine. He then went on to do a two-year accredited subspecialty programme in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery at Cambridge.
He has played a key role in developing leading-edge fertility treatments at the Trust, and is lead consultant for Cambridge IVF. He is a leading expert in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and why some women are prone to this condition.
He says: “The most important part of my role is interacting with patients. Every couple – every individual – is unique in their needs, their level of knowledge and their feelings about fertility treatment. It’s our job to individualise treatment to suit your particular circumstances while offering advice that is based on good quality evidence and our knowledge of the latest research.
“Our priority is to help you have a healthy baby. We’ve put together an excellent team of people who are focused on achieving this, while our laboratory is equipped with the best latest technology. At the same time, we also concentrate on the simple things which make life easier for you, such as waiting times, flexible appointments, high quality waiting areas and an open friendly approach from staff.
“I firmly believe that Cambridge IVF is one of the most exciting developments in healthcare in our region. There is no other comprehensive assisted conception facility in the NHS in the east of England, and few units anywhere match our equipment and processes. Our links to the research community in Cambridge mean we are well placed to bring the latest developments into clinical practice safely and effectively. As part of CUH, we can also provide continuity of care from referral for fertility tests through medical or surgical treatment to care during and after pregnancy.”
Raj is media spokesman for the British Fertility Society, which keeps him up-to-date with all the latest advances, in turn enabling him to give patients the best possible advice. His highly specialised training and research gives him the skills to manage complex cases and referrals from across the east of England.
He regularly writes for professional journals and is frequently invited to lecture at educational meetings both in the UK and overseas. He has a special interest in the safety of IVF treatment and also wrote the Royal College guidelines on managing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.