Dr Humera Zaheen

Dr Humera Zaheen is an experienced Obstetrician and Gynaecologist who also works part time in general practice. Humera has more than 15 years’ experience working in large hospital obstetrics and gynaecology departments both in Pakistan and since 2002 in the UK. She completed her advanced training in Fetal Medicine and labour ward practice from Royal Free Hospital , London . She joined the team at Bourn Hall Wickford as a Consultant Gynaecologist and IVF Specialist in March 2020 just days before the first shutdown of the pandemic.

“IVF has always been a dream for me – and it is for the patient as well. They are pursuing their dreams and we can help them in that. It is really rewarding and satisfying, especially when patients achieve a much longed for pregnancy.

My interest has always been in obstetrics and gynaecology – but I wanted a better work/life balance, and so I became a GP to gain more freedom to move around and choose my working hours to fit in with my family. I am also an examiner for medical students so there is a lot of variety.”

In addition to expanding her knowledge and experience in the field of fertility, Humera continues to work as a GP sharing her clinical expertise and providing a patient centred holistic approach.

“I’m still working as a portfolio GP and have consultations at many different surgeries, which is very interesting. The main role of the GP is to be the patient’s advocate. Working in the frontline I have noticed that many patients and GP’s are not necessarily familiar with fertility, CCG funding availability and the treatment options – so there’s a potential gap experienced by some patients which can be frustrating and can delay taking the next step. In some women this can be crucial due to their age. The benefit of having a specialist working with the team in primary care is that they can pick up these cases early, triage them straight to the right place and manage their fertility to give them the best chances of achieving their dreams of becoming parents.”

She says “when the job at Bourn Hall came up it was a blessing. It’s an honour to join the first IVF clinic in the world and be part of such a wonderful team. They say Bourn Hall is like a family and it really does feel like a family.”