Dr Alison Richardson, MBChB, FRCOG, PhD, is a Consultant and Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine. She is the Medical Director at Care Northampton and Deputy Group Medical Director for Care Fertility UK, having joined the organisation in September 2021. Prior to this, she worked as a Consultant in the NHS, gaining extensive experience in fertility and reproductive health.
Alison has expertise across all areas of fertility and IVF, with particular interests in reduced ovarian reserve and fertility preservation. She is also deeply committed to medical education and is actively involved in training the next generation of fertility specialists. In addition, she contributes to clinical research and is a strong advocate for evidence-based practice in reproductive medicine.
During her training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr Richardson developed a particular interest in fertility and early pregnancy. In 2012, she stepped out of formal training to complete a PhD while working as a Clinical Research Fellow in an IVF unit, an experience that confirmed her long-term commitment to the field. She subsequently undertook subspecialty training in Reproductive Medicine, the highest level of training available in this area.
What continues to inspire Alison is the unique combination of surgical, medical, and psychological care involved in fertility medicine, alongside the ever-evolving landscape of technology, research, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Her decision to join Care Fertility was driven by its strong reputation for clinical excellence and its unwavering focus on patient-centred care. She was drawn to an environment where the needs of those seeking fertility treatment are prioritised and where she could feel proud of the service she provides. Care Fertility's innovative approach, use of cutting-edge technology, and warm, supportive culture made it a natural fit.
Ally graduated from the University of Bristol in 2005 and subsequently undertook training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Wessex, South West Peninsula and East Midlands deaneries. She then took 3 years out of clinical training to undertake research towards a PhD before she successfully secured a prestigious RCOG approved subspecialty training post in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery in Leeds.
Upon completion of her training in 2019, Ally worked as a Consultant Gynaecologist and Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust. She then joined Care Fertility in September 2021.
Although interested in all aspects of subfertility and assisted conception, Ally has a particular interest in ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency and fertility preservation as well as recurrent implantation failure and miscarriage.
Ally aims to provide evidence-based care to her patients and, as such, is very interested in research. In addition to her PhD, which was awarded by the University of Nottingham in 2017 and focussed on minimising diagnostic uncertainties in early pregnancy, she has over 20 publications in peer-reviewed journals, written 3 book chapters and been part of RCOG and BFS guideline development groups for national evidence-based guidelines. To date, Ally has given 8 international and 25 national presentations and won numerous prizes for these.
Ally also has a Masters in Medical Ethics and Law from the University of Manchester and a Certificate in Medical Education from the University of Dundee. She is actively involved in training and development which she thoroughly enjoys.
Ally is a Member of the Royal College of Obstetricians, British Fertility Society and British Menopause Association. She currently sits on the Training subcommittee of the BFS and the Examinations subcommittee of the RCOG.
Effect of deprivation on in vitro fertilisation outcome: a cohort study - PubMed (nih.gov)
A clinically useful simplified blastocyst grading system - PubMed (nih.gov)