Are you curious about your fertility health or considering starting a family? Meet Dr Karolina, founder of Genus Medical Fertility. Located in Edinburgh South, this exclusive private fertility health clinic offers groundbreaking care tailored to each individual and family, regardless of where they are in their journey. Here Dr Karolina talks to egg about her passion for empowering women, family planning and why the world of fertility health is not just her career but her passion.
What brought you to Edinburgh?
Education and ballroom dancing! I’m originally from Lithuania but came to the UK more than 20 years ago for dancing classes and A-levels. Edinburgh is now home for both my professional and family life. I graduated from Medical School at the University of Edinburgh. After achieving a 1st Class Bsc Honours in reproductive biology, I knew reproductive medicine was the right path.
You’re now a Consultant in Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology with an impressive background in clinical practice and research. What made you dedicate your career to reproductive medicine?
Fertility health is a balance of all-medicine, surgery and mental wellbeing. There is simply no other discipline that is so privileged to be part of someone journey to create life and happy families.
I have excelled in research through securing a PhD at the University of Edinburgh in exploring the roles of kisspeptin in controlling the human reproductive system. My research has opened potential for the development of new medicines in follicle growth and ovulation, non-hormonal contraception and new therapies in menopausal hot flushes. My work has contributed to the University of Edinburgh receiving The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes award for Higher and Further Education for innovations in women’s health.
I am also passionate about fertility care in endometriosis. I am a fertility lead at EXPPECT endometriosis multidisciplinary team. I work closely with the British Fertility Society to develop national guideline on fertility preservation in severe endometriosis in my role as fertility preservation lead at NHS Lothian.
Tell us about Genus Medical Fertility?
Genus Medical Fertility is a newly opening private fertility health clinic in Church Hill, Edinburgh. We offer pioneering fertility care that is shaped around every person and every family.
It was founded to make the most positive impact on my patient’s reproductive health as well as to drive innovation and development in the reproductive health and fertility as a whole. My motto is to deliver consistently high level of expert care that’s open to all, compassionate, flexible, responsive and coupled with the latest medical technology and innovation. We blend expertise, compassionate care and scientific innovation- to make trying, less trying.
How can you help someone?
Whether you’re looking to start a family or curious about your fertility health and planning for the future, Genus is the place for consultations, tests and discussions for treatment options. We have expertise in a range of areas, including fertility health, endometriosis related infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, recurrent miscarriage, tubal disease as well as egg freezing by choice.
I understand that time is precious and there are goals in life. With that in mind I have developed consultations and fertility assessments that are flexible, convenient, with no waiting times and instant results.
Knowing about your fertility health may help you make your decisions, if and when to start a family or if to freeze eggs by choice. You may be single or in a same sex relationship and simply wish to know what your options are. You may be interested in finding out your fertility potential, but not yet actively thinking about expanding the family.
Was it always a dream of yours to run your own business?
Reproductive Medicine is my career, ambition and passion. I always wanted to create fertility care that is based on good evidence medicine, coupled with the latest medical technologies and above all is personalised to every person and every family. Delivering exceptional fertility care was ultimately the driver for me setting up my own practice. I want women to be empowered to make decisions about their fertility health and future fertility planning.
Talk us through a typical day?
It starts with taking out my new puppy, Charlie. I wish it was a brisk walk, but a curious puppy has other ideas. After my morning coffee, I either head to the Royal Infirmary if I’m on duty at NHS Lothian or Genus Medical Fertility practice for private patients. My day could involve a mixture of consultations, egg collections and embryo transfers as well as surgery to enhance fertility. The evening brings some time to relax with my family, catch up with household admin as well as to plan further business development and innovation.
The best/worst thing about your job?
A medical assessment gives you answers. Sometimes it can be good news, sometimes it might be bad news, but at the end you know.
Is it tough running your own business?
It is all about time management. I plan my day giving time for specific tasks and trying to stick to that. Not all days go to plan, but the key is not to let this overwhelm you, take time to yourself and re-focus. It is also important for me to spend time with my family. Friday night is date night with my husband, where we get to spend some quality time just the two of us.
Your advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
The sky is the limit. Your hard work will pay off eventually even if this does not feel like the case on some days. Never stop to dream high.
What’s next?
I am in the process of building an IVF clinic in Edinburgh. This will be able to deliver full package from start to finish.
Best thing about Edinburgh?
First to weeks of the Edinburgh festival, there’s a great buzz about the city.
Worst thing about the city?
Last two weeks of the Edinburgh festival… It can drag on a little and it’s hard to get dinner reservations!
Fun fact about you…
I am world ballroom dancing champion! I started ballroom dancing at age 5. It very quickly turned from a hobby to a competitor level dancing. I used to train 6 days a week. Dancing has taught me discipline and why it’s important to set ambitious goals.
Book a consultation online with egg partner Dr Karolina at Genus Medical Fertility The private clinic is located at 21-23 Church Hill Place, Edinburgh. Book here.
