Latest News & Events

First baby born for City Fertility Sunnybank02-Jun-2010

After nearly a year and a half of trying to have a baby, Brisbane's Southside couple Freya and M..

Rapid freezing improves IVF results19-May-2010

This year has seen the arrival of scores of babies conceived using City Fertility Centre’s new..

IVF Centre Restructures Payments to Help Struggling Couples07-May-2010

The higher cost of IVF treatments is beginning to impact couples desperate to have a baby since ..

Our Staff

	Adnan Catakovic (Scientific Director) Adnan Catakovic is a founding partner of City Fertility Centre and has been involved in IVF Laboratory Services since the 1980s'. Adnan completed his University training in Queensland at the Queensland University of Technology completing his Masters at the same institution in 1992. Adnan completed his Masters Thesis on the Coculture of Human Embryos in their Autologous Granulosa/Cumulus Cell Complex for which he received a High Distinction. Adnan has been involved in the establishment in approximately 12 IVF Laboratories and entire IVF Programs. Adnan has worked and consulted in IVF clinics throughout Australia, The United States and Canada and has acted as a consultant for Cytopath in England. Adnan's primary driver in any laboratory system is a "All Care and All Responsibility" approach from his teams at all times. Adnan is strongly committed to his teams maintaining high levels of not just technical competence but also a thorough academic competence whilst still maintaining and understanding the needs of the couples. All of the IVF Team understand the need to keep our couples thoroughly informed during their City Fertility Centre Experience.
	Emma Ebinger (National Laboratory Manager) In 1992 Emma completed her BSc (Hons.) Zoology at the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom. It was during a course as part of her degree on developmental biology that she developed a fascination into the science of reproduction. This led her to focus her career in Fertility. In 2007 she completed her Masters Degree from The University of Queensland. 1993- 1995 Trainee Embryologist, Kings College Hospital, London - 1994 Consultant embryologist, Kuwait City, Kuwait - 1995 Consultant embryologist, Lahore. Pakistan - 1996-1998 Embryologist, Monash IVF Melbourne - In this position she had experience of being a member of a large embryology team which worked at the city clinics but also spend a large part of her time working in the rural satellite clinics throughout Victoria. 1998-2003 Embryologist Monash IVF Qld - The move to QLD was motivated by a desire for more sun and warmer winters. 2004 Laboratory Manager City Fertility Centre - Emma jumped at the chance to be involved with a new clinic with staff that had a shared passion for providing the best care and results to patients. 2007 Laboratory Director, City Fertility Centre - With the development of CFC clinics in Melbourne and at the Gold Coast over the years Emma took over the role of being responsible for overseeing the Lab managers in the clinics. This requires ensuring that the level of scientific care across the sites is maintained and that new scientific developments are employed to keep the laboratories at the forefront of science. Since being fortunate enough to have two healthy children herself Emma has a different level of compassion for people suffering infertility. She passionately believes that that everything possible must be done in order to absolutely maximise the patients’ chances of success and Emma loves nothing better than seeing the results of the team's hard work.
	Louise Hayes (National Nurse Manager) Louise has had over 30 yrs nursing experience including 23 yrs as midwife. Her roles have included hospital management; tertiary education and clinical support. Louise undertook her general training at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and Midwifery at the Mater Mother’s Hospital and completed a Bachelor of Nursing (Post registration) at ACU in Brisbane. Louise joined City Fertility Centre in Feb 2004 as a part-time IVF Nurse Co- ordinator and now holds the position of Nursing Director for all clinics at City Fertility Centre. Louise is one of 2 QLD reps for the Fertility Nurses of Australasia and assists with the co-ordination of education for all QLD fertility nurses. She is an executive committee member & holds the position of assistant treasurer.
	Emmy (Fan-Chin) Hung (Laboratory Supervisor) Emmy is originally from Taiwan. Emmy completed a Zoology/Biology degree graduating from the Taiwain National University in 1997. Emmy worked for several years in an IVF lab in Taipei after graduating from University. In 2002 Emmy moved to Australia completing her Masters Degree at the University of Queensland, majoring in biomedical science before going on to work as a Research Assistant for two years under Associate Professor Peter Kaye. Emmy joined the CFC group in 2006 and has been active in helping with the development of new embryology techniques such as oocyte and embryo vitrification. In 2008 Emmy was promoted to the role of Laboratory Supervisor due to her dedication and commitment to the provision of high quality laboratory care for our patients.
	Misty Hatfield (Senior Embryologist/Andrologist) Misty hails from the mid-north coast region of New South Wales and studied her Bachelor of Applied Science at Charles Sturt University. She was in one of the first groups of students to graduate with a degree in Medical and Applied Biotechnology, a new course specialising in DNA technologies and their applications to forensics and genetic engineering. She graduated in 2002 with Distinction and a strong interest in genetics and reproductive technology. Misty completed her embryology training at a small clinic near the Victorian state border where she had the opportunity to learn all facets of the industry. Misty "saw the light" and moved to Queensland in 2005 to join the City Fertility team, and has since married a local and settled down in Brisbane. Misty currently co-ordinates the Brisbane IVF Lab’s quality control system, and the transport of embryos between facilities. She is currently expanding her knowledge base and studying for a postgraduate qualification in Nutrition Medicine.
	Lyndal Wayman (Senior Embryologist/Andrologist) Lyndal was born and raised on the northern beaches of Sydney where she completed a Bachelor of Science in 1998 with first class honors, majoring in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. After being awarded an NHMRC scholarship, Lyndal then went on to do a PhD in Cancer research at the Children’s Medical Research Institute at Westmead, Sydney, whilst also having her first two children. In late 2005 she followed the sunshine and moved to the Gold Coast where she had her third child and took a few years off to dedicate herself as a full-time mum and social butterfly. Lyndal joined the Brisbane CFC team in early November 2009 and enjoys the rewards and challenges of her career in Embryology. Lyndal currently co-ordinates the Brisbane IVF Lab’s quality control system of all laboratory equipment, and is pursuing her research interests in correlating embryo development/quality and their associated pregnancy rates.
	Paul Diggles (Program Manager/ Embryologist/Andrologist) Paul is a true Brisbane "local" having been born and raised in Brisbane. Paul spent several years working down in Victoria but has returned to the Sunshine State. Paul Graduated Queensland University of Technology 1990 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Microbiology/Biochemistry) Paul has also completed the Du-pont Safety Management Training, A Training course in Quality Management in the Laboratory as well as an Internal Auditing Course Paul has worked extensively in the field of Microbiology, specialising in certain pathogenic organisms screening. Paul has worked for 8 years as a Quality Assurance Manager looking after all aspects of quality, document control, managing both ISO (quality system) and HACCP quality systems. Dealing with legislative requirements, Government Regulatory Bodies & Health Departments both throughout Australia and Overseas through Asia and Europe and Customer Service. Paul has been enticed over to the Fertility field to further enhance existing systems with his experience in areas of quality management, laboratory skills and auditing.
	Alicia Torres (Senior Embryologist/Andrologist) Alicia is a former Territorian growing up in Alice Springs and spending more than a decade working as an Embryologist in Darwin. In 2009 Alicia moved to Queensland in search of new horizons and is now based at City Fertility’s Southside Clinic in the role of Laboratory Supervisor. Alicia graduated from The Flinders University of South Australia with an honours degree in Biotechnology in 1995. She then spent some time in pathology before accepting a position in 1997 as a trainee Embryologist in Darwin, where she would spend the next 12 years honing her skills. Recruited especially for the role as Southside’s Senior Embryologist, Alicia was closely involved in the construction and fitting out of the laboratory and is thoroughly enjoying working in a brand new, state of the art facility alongside a team of dedicated professionals. Alicia is passionate about her work and hopes to assist couples achieve their dream of becoming a family for many more years to come.
	Leanne Lakey (Senior IVF Nurse Coordinator) With a thorough background in nursing and midwifery, Leanne joined the City Fertility Centre team, as an IVF nurse co-ordinator in 2007. Originally from Victoria , Leanne undertook both her Bachelor of Nursing and Postgraduate diploma in Midwifery Science at the La Trobe University Bendigo. After moving to the sunshine state in 2004, Leanne focused her career in the area of women’s reproductive health, first working at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in the Gynaecology/Oncology department and then forward to the RBWH Women and Birthing unit. From this tertiary centre, Leanne moved to the Women’s and Birthing Unit at Redlands Hospital Cleveland. Whilst working at this facility, Leanne was able to practise as an autonomous midwife in all aspects of preconception care, intrapartum care and through the postnatal period of a woman’s pregnancy experience. With an extensive knowledge in women’s reproductive health Leanne is excited to be a supporter of you and your family during the emotional experience of IVF.
	Estelle Wilks (Senior Nurse Coordinator) With a comprehensive background in nursing, Estelle joined the City Fertility Centre team as one of the IVF Nurse Co-ordinators in 2006. Bringing with her a vast knowledge of women's reproductive health. Estelle is committed to working with, and supporting women and their families. Estelle completed her initial training of General Nursing followed by Midwifery in South Africa during the period of 1973-1977. Whilst working overseas, Estelle met and married an Australian and together they returned and settled in Brisbane. Estelle joined the Mater Mothers Hospital in 1983 and continued to provide support and care for her patients over the next 22 years. During this time Estelle worked as a Clinical Nurse, Lactation Consultant and Nurse Educator in the areas of Intensive Care and Special Care Nurseries. Whilst undertaking these many and varied roles, Estelle went on to complete a Health Science Degree at Armidale University, NSW in 2000. Estelle enjoys the patient interaction that the IVF Nurse Coordinator role provides her with and looks forward to supporting you and your family on your IVF Journey.
	Kaylene Porter (Senior Patient Services Manager) Kaylene started off working at the Mater Mothers Hospital in the labour ward, bookings and accounts, and for theatre and waiting list management. She then moved to being a personal assistant for a leading Brisbane Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, with an interim period working as admin support for the CEO, the Director of Medical Services and the Director of Nursing for the Royal Flying Doctors Service. She then took up the position of Senior Patient Services Manager for the Sunnybank clinic of City Fertility Centre. Kaylene is currently furthering her education by studying for a Diploma in Practice Management. She enjoys working at City Fertility Centre as it offers support and hope to those wishing to commence a family. Her other interests include learning the Bass guitar and following Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes around the track in the Holden V8 Supercar racing chapionships. She is a Holden girl.
	Sally Salter (IVF Nurse coordinator) I started my nursing career in 1989 on an acute medical admissions ward and worked there for several years. It was an exciting area comprising area comprising cardiology, immunology and rheumatology. Following this, I spent several years caring for the elderly, which was very rewarding. I then traveled extensively for 18 months, to USA, Canada, Asia and Australia where I met my husband. I worked within several nursing agencies during this time and gained experience in mental handicap and surgical nursing. I then worked in day surgery for ten years where my role was counselling pre-operative patients and working within the operating room as a scout and Anaesthetics nurse. I also tended to all post operative care of these patients. I got married in 1998 and had my first son Charlie in 2000 and Angus in 2001; both very different and equally adorable. I became interested in IVF after a family member experienced IVF in the UK. I joined City Fertility Centre with the expectation of doing something rewarding and expanding my skills, which has certainly been the case.
	Shirley Zhang (Embryologist) I was originally from China. I graduated from The Medical Centre of Fudan University (formerly Shanghai Medical University) in 1997 with a Bachelor Degree of Medicine. Then I worked at Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital as a clinician in Obstetrics and Gynecology Department. More than five years clinical practice has provided me with a sound understanding of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. During this time I had the opportunity to understand the impact that human infertility had on patients, which encouraged me to further my knowledge in the area of ART. I moved to Melbourne in 2003, and I did the course of Master of Clinical Embryology in Monash University. Throughout the MCE course, I have acquired excellent practical skills as well as a sound theoretical knowledge covering all aspects of modern and future trends in assisted reproduction. After the course finished, I successfully applied for a summer scholarship awarded by Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), working in Monash Institute of Medical Research. During this period, I learned a lot of practical skills in embryology lab for research. Then I started my career as an embryologist at Westmead Fertility Center in New South Wales in June 2004. Here I received training under the supervision of Dr. Steven Fleming. I gained experience in most aspects of embryology and andrology. I left the job to go overseas and then I moved back to Melbourne in 2007. During this break, my baby was born, bringing me a lot of joy and helping me understand how much a child means to a mother. I joined in CFC group in early 2008. I absolutely enjoy working in the new facility, where we’ve got fantastic results and happy patients.
	Debbie Turner (Medical Liaison) Debbie is the Medical Liaison for Brisbane South Region, visiting the GP’s in this area and discussing City Fertility Centre with them. She previously worked in Sales as a Product Specialist for a Dental Company and has had extensive experience in Sales and Marketing. She was born in Brisbane and lived most of her life on the Gold Coast. She is married with 2 daughters.

	Carla Williams (Medical Liaison) Carla is part of the Medical Liaison and Business Development team at City Fertility Centre, working closely with General Practitioners, Specialists and Allied Health professionals in the south east quarter of Melbourne. Her role provides an ethical and collaborative link between City Fertility Centre and the general Medical Community. Prior to joining City Fertility Centre in 2007, Carla had over 14 years of sales, marketing and business development experience working within the Pharmaceutical industry. She also enjoys being a mum.
	Tania Graham (Medical Liaison) With a nursing and pharmaceutical background Tania joined City Fertility Centre in 2007. After completing her Bachelor of Nursing, Tania worked across various specialties in nursing before taking the opportunity to travel and work as a Nurse overseas. Upon returning to Australia Tania commenced working in the pharmaceutical industry in the role of a Nurse Advisor on a cardiovascular prevention programme. It was then that Tania moved in to pharmaceutical recruitment and human resources to further expand her career and enjoyed six years in this role. Tania is currently in the role of Medical Liaison looking after GP’s in the North East of Melbourne and thoroughly enjoying her role updating and educating GPs on IVF and City Fertility Centre.
	Lisa Evans (Nurse Coordinator) Lisa Evans joined the City Fertility group in 2009. Her career started in 1998 when she completed her Bachelor of Nursing with academic honors. After a period of working in general nursing, Lisa commenced working in Intensive Care and received academic awards for her studies in Critical Care nursing during 2001. She continued her life long love of learning by returning to Griffith University to complete a Bachelor of Education, again with academic honors in 2003, and taught in the role of Primary Teacher for several years before returning to nursing in 2009. Lisa’s role at City Fertility has allowed her to fuse her Nursing and Education degrees, in her day to day provision of information and direction of couples undertaking infertility treatment. She particularly enjoys personalising care and supporting clients throughout their IVF journey.
	John Jordan (Sales and Training Coordinator) John worked for many years in the pharmaceutical indutry in roles including training, sales and key account management. Starting off with a science degree he has communicated with GPs and specialists across many disciplines. He joined the clinic in 2009 and now helps people understand how the clinic can help them achieve their dreams of starting a family. His interests include keeping fit, making fun stuff and spending time with wife and daughters.