LIFE FERTILITY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Quality Assurance Manager / Brisbane
Alicia joined Life Fertility Clinic as a medical secretary in January 2011.
She had previously gained valuable experience working at a busy radiology clinic in a private hospital and working in various non-medical customer service positions. She has undertaken studies in business and justice administration.
Alicia is responsible for our Quality Management system at Life Fertility Clinic and ensures that all our policies and procedures are of the highest standards and comply with all legislative requirements.
Her outgoing personality, positive outlook and willingness to contribute to the team at Life Fertility Clinic are assets to all those who come into contact with her.
Job Titles:
- Senior IVF Nurse Coordinator / Brisbane
Belinda's extensive experience in day surgery and recovery provides a reassuring environment for Life Fertility Clinic patients. Her supportive nature and experience in pre-admissions make her a great educator and guide for patients as they go through their fertility treatments. Belinda's positive attitude and empathy strike just the right balance of encouragement and practical help for all those who are undergoing fertility procedures.
Job Titles:
- Laboratory Manager / Brisbane
Carolyn is a very experienced clinical embryologist and medical laboratory scientist. After starting her career as a Scientific Officer in pathology, Carolyn began working with Sydney IVF. On completing her embryology training she gained invaluable experience supervising their laboratory in Canberra. Carolyn completed a Master of Reproductive Medicine in 2020.
After a period working as an inspector for the NHMRC, Canberra's loss was our gain when Carolyn joined the Life Fertility team in early 2008. Carolyn is a founding member of the lab and clinic team and has an unwavering commitment to providing quality care and support for patients through their IVF journey.
Job Titles:
- Fertility Specialist, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist / Brisbane
Job Titles:
- Fertility Specialist, Gynaecologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon / Brisbane
Dr Christopher Price is a highly experienced obstetrician, gynaecologist and fertility specialist. His association with the team at Life Fertility Clinic enables him to provide patients with a streamlined approach from fertility treatment and management through to obstetrics care and birth management.
He offers patients advanced laparoscopic surgery along with a comprehensive range of fertility treatment options, plus endometriosis treatment and obstetrics management and care.
Job Titles:
- Scientific Director / Brisbane
Elizabeth (Liz) Butler is an experienced clinical embryologist with a Ph.D. in developmental biology. She has worked in IVF for over 20 years and has set up and run fertility treatment laboratories internationally, providing high specification facilities focused on excellent technical skills and best outcomes.
Liz is an articulate and friendly communicator who is always willing to explain the more technical details and implications of treatment to patients, GPs and complementary practitioners. ‘Patients are welcome to make an appointment to review their past and future treatment with Liz as part of our Health and Wellness program options.
For Liz, maintaining the highest possible standards, which translates into high success rates for patients, is a passion and her guidance keeps the team at Life Fertility operating on the leading edge. She maintains a global dialogue with the fertility treatment community to identify any emerging and proven enhancements to procedures that will improve outcomes.
Job Titles:
- Founding Director
- Owner
- Medical Director, Fertility Specialist, Gynaecologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon / Brisbane
Dr Glenn Sterling is the founding director and owner of Life Fertility Clinic. His visionary leadership, specialist fertility knowledge and skills as a laparoscopic surgeon have set the highest standards, making Life Fertility one of the best-respected and most effective fertility clinics in Australia.
Glenn has personally selected the expert staff and scientists who make up the Life Fertility team and ensure Life Fertility patients receive the highest quality assisted reproductive technology treatments.
As well as consulting on all issues of infertility and assisted reproduction, Glenn continues to practise as a gynaecologist and laparoscopic surgeon for patients with endometriosis and tubal factor infertility. With his friendly, straight-forward manner he gives patients clear answers and confidence. Glenn consults at our purpose built clinic at Bowen Hills.
Job Titles:
- Obstetrician
- Fertility Specialist
Dr Jamie Friebe is an obstetrician and gynaecologist with special interests in obstetrics, fertility and operative gynaecology including advanced laparoscopy and prolapse surgery. This range of skills allows Dr Friebe to offer high quality continuity of care across the gynaecological and obstetric requirements his patients may require. He is a highly skilled obstetrician offering his patients obstetrics management for both low-risk and high-risk cases.
Background
Dr Jamie Friebe undertook his specialist training in obstetrics and gynaecology at the Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne. He then completed a fellowship in York in the United Kingdom, which included gynaecological oncology and high-risk obstetrics.
Since returning to Australia, he practised in Warrnambool in Victoria, before relocating to Brisbane and starting his private practice at the North West Private Hospital.
Job Titles:
- Fertility Doctor / Brisbane
Dr Kalani Dias joined the Life Fertility team in 2018 and has a keen interest in infertility, women's health and paediatric medicine.
Dr Dias graduated from James Cook University Medical School with honours in 2006. Her strong interest in family medicine led her to general practice and she completed her specialist training in General Practice (FRACGP) in 2011 and Diploma in Child Health in 2017.
Over the years she developed a special interest in infertility medicine and has undergone additional training to enable her to pursue this interest. Dr Dias genuinely cares for her patients and values the importance of getting to know her patients. She feels passionate about helping her patients achieve the families they dream of.
Job Titles:
- Fertility Doctor / Brisbane
We were recently delighted to welcome Dr Louise Bell to the Life Fertility Team to work within our Bulk Bill Program. Louise competed her Medical Degree at the University of Queensland in 2006 and then spent time working in various Hospitals across Queensland.
Having grown up in a rural town, Louise appreciates the impact a GP can make in someone's life, so she decided to pursue a career in General Practice. Louise completed fellowship training in general practice (RACGP) in 2015 with particular interests in Women's and Children's Health.
Louise has also undertaken additional training in Breast Medicine, as well as completing a Diploma in Palliative Medicine, and the Sydney Children's Child Health Diploma.
In her spare time, Louise enjoys spending time with her family / kids, exercising, and reading a good book.
Job Titles:
- Fertility Specialist, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist / Brisbane
Dr Megan Castner takes great pride in offering patient focussed fertility treatments to her patients. She is passionate about ongoing professional development. Megan has particular interests in obstetrics, especially pregnancy after loss care and recurrent miscarriages and infertility.
Megan has been working in obstetrics for over 10 years and is available for consultations in her South Brisbane practice:
Job Titles:
- Clinical Director
- Clinical Director, Fertility Specialist, Gynaecologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon / Melbourne
- Fertility Specialist
Dr Rachael Knight is the Clinical Director of Life Fertility Clinic Melbourne. She has been helping couples achieve their dream of having a family for over 20 years.
Rachael is an experienced Fertility Specialist and Gynaecologist who has also completed subspeciality training in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (the highest qualification available in Australia). She provides a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan and is well known for her gentle and caring approach. Rachael prides herself on taking the time to explain complex medical science in ways her patients can easily understand.
Rachael studied medicine at the University of Tasmania before training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at The Royal Women's Hospital and Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne. She also undertook additional study in the form of research for a Doctorate of Medicine at Melbourne University (a higher degree held by very few gynaecologists in Melbourne). Rachael furthered her expertise in fertility treatment with two years in the United Kingdom at the renowned Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Southmead Hospital.
Rachael was previously head of the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Clinic at The Women's Hospital in Melbourne and held responsibility for the infertility management of patients attending the Chronic Viral Illness clinic also located at The Women's Hospital in Melbourne. Rachael has been working in the field of fertility treatment since 1999 and remains actively involved in clinical research hoping to reduce the burden of fertility treatment upon her patients. Rachael operates at Frances Perry House in Fitzroy, Melbourne.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Director Life Fertility Clinic Caulfield, CREI Fertility Specialist, Gynaecologist and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon
- CREI RANZCOG Board Certified Fertility Specialist
- RANZCOG Board Certified CREI Fertility Specialist
Dr Raelia Lew is a RANZCOG Board Certified CREI Fertility specialist, Gynaecologist and the Director of Women's Health Melbourne.
Raelia is a leading Australian researcher in the field of elective egg freezing. She is both first author of the current ANZSREI consensus statement on elective oocyte cryopreservation and co-investigator of the NHMRC Eggsurance Decision Aid.
Dr Raelia Lew is a CREI RANZCOG Board Certified Fertility Specialist. Raelia has completed a PhD in Reproductive Genetics and a Masters Degree in Reproductive Health Science and Human Genetics. Raelia is a leading researcher in the field of Elective Egg Freezing. Raelia cares for patients of all genders and manages a full spectrum of fertility related concerns.
Job Titles:
- Obstetrician
- Fertility Specialist, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist / Brisbane
Dr Rod Allen is an obstetrician and gynaecologist who provides fertility treatment, management of your pregnancy and ultimately the delivery of your baby. His consulting rooms are located within Life Fertility Clinic, Bowen Hills and he delivers at Wesley Hospital Maternity.
As a father of five himself, Rod knows what it is like to be an anxious parent-to-be. He brings a special empathy and warmth to managing your fertility issues and your pregnancy journey. He has a great sense of humour and has a special talent for explaining complex medical issues to non-medical people.
Background
Dr Rod Allen was inspired to become an obstetrician and gynaecologist during a placement in Armidale. He then completed his postgraduate studies in Queensland, attracted by the state's lifestyle.
Rod has worked in the major hospitals in South East Queensland, including the Mater Mothers, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital. The Roma-based Flying Obstetrics and Gynaecology Service also gave Rod valuable experience in managing pregnancy and gynaecology surgery for women in remote regions.
An adventurer by nature, Rod has travelled to the remote regions of Antarctica on board the MS Explorer as the Assistant Ship's Doctor. He has undertaken six expeditions to Antarctica and was the first person to climb the South Western peak of Devil Island. He says his most rewarding experience has been as a donor of platelets to help children undergoing Leukaemia treatment.
Dr Roleen van der Merwe joined the team at Life Fertility Clinic in 2022 and consults at Bowen Hills and North Lakes. Roleen has over 20 years experience as a GP, with a special interest in women's health. She is working within the Bulk Bill Program at Life Fertility Clinic.
Roleen obtained her medical degree in South Africa, and later emigrated to Australia. She initially worked at a Women's Health and Mother Baby Hub, focussing on pregnancy care, postnatal care and the health of baby. In 2014 Roleen completed her fellowship training in general practice (RACGP). Since then, Roleen has worked in a busy GP practice and continued with her interest in paediatrics and women's health. She is also qualified in the insertion and removal of Mirenas / IUDs.
She has additional mental health care training in focussed psychological strategies and therefore shows compassion with good counselling skills. Patients find Roleen warm, caring, and approachable.
In her spare time she enjoys going for a run and eagerly participates in fundraising walks.
Job Titles:
- Enrolled Nurse / Brisbane
Job Titles:
- Medical Administrator / Brisbane
Job Titles:
- Administration Assistant / Brisbane
Jill has returned to Brisbane after living in Sydney for eight years. She brings a range of experience to her position and has spent her entire career in Administration positions. In her earlier career she has worked as a personal assistant in accounting firms and a receptionist in the private sector.
Returning to work after several years as a stay home mum she is enthusiastic and her dedicated and friendly nature is an asset to the Life Fertility Clinic team. Jill provides invaluable clerical support to the administration, nursing and laboratory department staff at Life Fertility Clinic.
Job Titles:
- Reception Manager / Brisbane
Jill was delighted to accept the position of Reception Manager at the establishment of Life Fertility Clinic. Prior to joining the clinic Jill was employed as a medical secretary for Life Fertility Clinic's founding Director, Dr Glenn Sterling. During Jill's employment with Dr Sterling she has been instrumental in the relocation of the practice on a number of occasions and the move to computerisation of the practice records. Jill commenced employment with Dr Sterling in 2001. Jill brought valuable customer services skills to her position having been previously employed in the banking industry. Jill's friendly personality along with her attention to detail makes her a valued member of the administration team at Life Fertility Clinic.
Job Titles:
- Lab Admin Assistant / Brisbane
Job Titles:
- Director of Nursing / Brisbane
Kate is an experienced midwife and has spent the majority of her career in IVF and fertility. She has a passion for women's health and has a particular love of caring for women and their families from pre-conception through to pregnancy. Kate is warm and caring and has the ability to put patients at ease, helping them to feel comfortable in the clinical environment. As a mother of three children herself, Kate will do whatever she can to support patients in achieving the pleasures of parenthood.
Job Titles:
- Senior IVF Nurse Coordinator / North Lakes
If you've visited our North Lakes Clinic you will have already experienced the joy that is Kim! With an extensive nursing background spanning: assisted reproduction, midwifery, community care as well as ante/postnatal words we were delighted when Kim joined our team in 2018. We are sure that you will find Kim dedicated, highly conscientious and totally focussed on providing you with exceptional care.
Job Titles:
- Senior IVF Nurse Coordinator / Brisbane
Job Titles:
- Medical Administrator / Brisbane
Job Titles:
- Senior IVF Nurse Coordinator / Brisbane
Job Titles:
- Senior Fertility Counsellor / Melbourne
Job Titles:
- Fertility Counsellor / Brisbane
Job Titles:
- IVF Nurse Coordinator / Brisbane