Our Team

Our Team

We take pride in our excellent success rates and strong reputation thanks to our exceptional team of qualified nurses, experienced scientists, compassionate counsellors, efficient administrators, and skilled fertility specialists. Together, we personalise treatment plans to achieve your goal of parenthood and make your experience stress-free. We provide steadfast support and guidance throughout your journey.

Medical Department
Dr Anthony Walsh

Dr Anthony Walsh

Advisor To The Board
MD. MRCPI. FRCOG.

More About Anthony
Prof Ray O'sullivan

Prof Ray O'Sullivan

Chairman
FRCSEd, FRCOG, MRCPI, MSc

More About Ray
Prof Conor

Prof Conor Harrity

Reproductive Immunologist
MD, FRCOG, FRCPI, FACOG

More About Conor
Dr Osman

Dr Osman Shamoun

Medical Director
FRCOG, MRCPI, DGO

More About Osman
Prof Ray O'sullivan

Prof Ray O'Sullivan

Chairman
FRCSEd, FRCOG, MRCPI, MSc

More About Ray
Prof Conor

Prof Conor Harrity

Reproductive Immunologist
MD, FRCOG, FRCPI, FACOG

More About Conor
Dr Osman

Dr Osman Shamoun

Medical Director
FRCOG, MRCPI, DGO

More About Osman
Ms Harriet

Ms Harriet Walsh

Physician Associate
BA (TCD), MSc (UCD), MSc (RCSI)
Clinician

More About Ms Walsh
Ms Harriet

Ms Harriet Walsh

Physician Associate
BA (TCD), MSc (UCD), MSc (RCSI)
Clinician

More About Ms Walsh
Dr Anthony Walsh

Dr Anthony Walsh

Advisor To The Board
MD. MRCPI. FRCOG.

More About Anthony
Sameer

Sameer Angras

Laboratory Manager

More About Sameer

Javier Canadas Aldana

Senior Embryologist

More About Javier
Eva

Eva Alpuente

Senior Embryologist

More About Eva
Kathleen Chada

Kathleen Chada

CEO-RGN

More About Kathleen
Kate Shanahan

Kate Shanahan

First IVF Nurse

More About Kate
Nikki

Nikki McDonald

Health Care Assistant

More About Nikki
Raquel

Raquel McElligott

Health Care Assistant

More About Raquel
Kathleen Chada

Kathleen Chada

CEO-RGN

More About Kathleen
Kate Shanahan

Kate Shanahan

First IVF Nurse

More About Kate
Nikki

Nikki McDonald

Health Care Assistant

More About Nikki
Raquel

Raquel McElligott

Health Care Assistant

More About Raquel
Lauryn

Lauryn Connolly

QM and Administration

More About Lauryn
Una

Una Connolly

Patient Coordinator

More About Una

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Frequently Asked Question

Q1: How Do I Schedule an Initial Consultation?

A: To schedule an initial consultation, please contact our clinic directly via phone, email, or through our appointment request form. You may also ask your general practitioner or healthcare provider for a referral.

A: We offer a range of fertility services, including but not limited to IVF, IUI, egg freezing, and donor programs. Our experienced team will guide you through the available options based on your individual needs.

A: Infertility can result from various factors. If you’ve been actively trying to conceive for a year (or six months if you’re over 35) without success, or if you have known fertility issues, it’s advisable to seek consultation. Both partners should undergo initial assessments to determine the cause.

A: The process varies based on the chosen treatment, but generally involves an initial consultation, diagnostic testing, personalized treatment planning, and, if needed, assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF or IUI. Our team will guide you through each step.

A: Our team can discuss available financing options, and we recommend checking with your insurance provider to understand coverage details.

As of 2023, patients may avail of publicly funded IVF, IUI, or ICSI treatments through the HSE if they meet the eligibility criteria. 

Check Out The Criteria

A: Success rates can vary based on individual circumstances. During your consultation, we will provide you with personalized information based on your medical history and the specific treatment plan.

A: We welcome both couples and single individuals seeking fertility assistance. Our team provides support and guidance to individuals with diverse family-building goals.

A: Fertility treatments can be emotionally challenging, and the physical aspects vary. Our team is committed to providing compassionate care and support throughout your fertility journey.

A: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can positively impact fertility. Our team will provide guidance on factors such as nutrition, exercise, and stress management to optimize your chances of conception.

A: Patient confidentiality is a top priority. We adhere to strict privacy standards, and all information shared with our clinic is kept confidential.

ICSI

We Offer High Success Rates!

With both frozen and fresh embryo transfer options available, we tailor our approach to suit each individual’s needs, maximising the chances of conception. Find our more about how our dedicated team of experts utilizes cutting-edge technology and personalised care to achieve outstanding results.

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Dr Anthony Walsh

First IVF Doctor
MD. MRCPI. FRCOG.
Barrister-at-Law

See Peer-Reviewed Publications
Dr Anthony Walsh

The Board of First IVF are pleased to welcome Dr Tony Walsh, IVF expert, as Specialist Advisor in the areas of medical sciences and quality management systems.
Dr Walsh pioneered IVF in Ireland having first trained in the UK at Bourne Hall in Cambridge and then at the Cromwell Hospital in London with Mr Sam Abdallah. He continued training attachments at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbour with Dr Ed Peterson.
Dr Walsh opened Ireland’s first IVF unit at Clane Hospital in 1988. This pioneering development led to the birth of Ireland’s first IVF baby and inspired us to name our clinic First IVF in remembrance of that major Irish medical event.
He was Chairman, Medical Director, and Founder of Sims IVF Clonskeagh.
In 2014, he restructured and developed the IVF unit at the Rotunda.
Dr Walsh founded and developed clinics in Lviv Ukraine, Barbados IVF, (Caribbean), and Sims IVF in Cork.
He is a graduate of RCSI and a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Additionally, he is a graduate of the King’s Inns, Dublin and has a special interest in Judicial Review as well as the medico-legal aspects, and ethical issues, in reproductive medicine.
Dr Walsh is widely published and has delivered Key Note address lectures at many international conferences.

See Peer-Reviewed Publications

Prof. Ray O'Sullivan

First IVF Doctor,
FRCSEd, FRCOG, MRCPI, MSc

Prof Ray O'sullivan

Prof O Sullivan is an obstetrician, gynaecologist, and advocate for the advancement of Reproductive Medicine. He is a 1992 graduate of University College Cork. After his internship, he experienced an eclectic postgraduate journey that included a surgical fellowship, an advanced fellowship in urogynaecology, and a fellowship in minimal access surgery, in Sydney Australia. Prof O Sullivan was a consultant in both the National Maternity and Rotunda Hospitals in Dublin. Prof O Sullivan founded the Women’s Health Group and Southeast Fertility Services (now Repromed) in Kilkenny.

Additionally, he earned a Postgraduate Diploma in IVF and Reproductive Medicine from the University of Kiel, and diplomas in management, biomedical engineering, and cybersecurity. Prof. O Sullivan’s academic pursuits underscore his commitment to integrating technological advancements in healthcare. His decade-plus tenure as an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the RCSI has been marked by
significant contributions to medical education, shaping future medical professionals with a focus on innovation and patient-centred care.

As a consultant in First IVF, Prof.O Sullivan aims to drive excellence in the deliverance of fertility treatments, leveraging his extensive experience and passion for reproductive health to enhance patient outcomes and service delivery. He looks forward to meeting you and guiding you on your fertility journey.

Dr Conor Harrity

First IVF Doctor
MD, FRCOG, FRCPI, FACOG

See Peer-Reviewed Publications
Prof Conor

Dr Conor Harrity is a Consultant Gynaecologist and Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine. He graduated from Queen’s University Belfast in 2003 and completed training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology with additional fellowships in both minimally invasive gynaecological surgery and assisted reproduction. He has continued practising in general gynaecology and IVF, achieving ESHRE certification (EFRM). He is an Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer with RCSI University and has research interests in implantation failure and recurrent miscarriage, and an interest in complex cases, which lead to certification in clinical reproductive immunology(FCRI). He is a fellow of RCOG, ACOG and RCPI, and has worked on committees for ASRM, AAGL and ASRI.

See Peer-Reviewed Publications

Dr Osman Shamoun

First IVF Doctor,
FRCOG, MRCPI, DGO

Dr Osman

After graduating from the medical college and following structural training by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) in London Dr Shamoun became a member and later a Fellow of the RCOG. In 1998 Dr Shamoun became a member of the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland (RCPI). Dr Shamoun has been working in Fertility Medicine, Reproductive Medicine and Women’s Health Care in Ireland since 1997. Throughout his career, his goal has been to ensure that patients receive the best available care, support and understanding, when undergoing treatment, during what can be a very emotional journey to starting a family.

Ms Harriet Walsh

Physician Associate
BA (TCD), MSc (UCD),
MSc (RCSI)

Ms Harriet

Ms. Harriet Walsh initially graduated from the Dept. of Natural Science TCD and then completed a Masters Degree programme at the Dept. of Mathematics UCD. She then commenced study at The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland gaining distinction in her final scientific and clinical Examinations. She gained familiarisation training in Reproductive Endocrinology at the Sims IVF Clinic, Clonskeagh Dublin and received further education at the prestigious Boston IVF Clinic, an affiliate of Harvard University, where she was mentored by Professor Michael Alper. Her area of interest is the mechanisms and procedural environment of Embryo Transfer.

Sameer Angras

First IVF Lab Manager

Sameer

Sameer Angras Laboratory Mananger had initial training n Molecular Biology and Genetics. He commenced his career in Embryology in 2002 when he had intensive- extensive training in Harley Street, London, with members of the original team who worked with Steptoe and Edwards in Bourn Hall, Clinic, Cambridge. UK.
He is an HFEA ICSI licensed practitioner. During his career spanning over 20 years in the field of embryology Sameer has acquired and accumulated a wealth of knowledge and developed enhanced techniques and skills, through his experience and exposure to different IVF centres around the world. In 2008 Sameer became Laboratory Director at an IVF clinic in Belgium. There he also implemented the EU Tissue and Cell Directive and had consistently the best pregnancy rates in the country. In 2011, Sameer was appointed to Laboratory Chief at an IVF unit in Montreal, Canada. Here he had the opportunity to receive personal training from Dr. Kuwayama a pioneer and world authority in vitrification, Sameer is a certified instructor for Cryotech. In 2014 he joined the Clane Fertility Clinic as Lab Manager and Designated Responsible Person. In 2015 he joined the SIMS group, becoming Laboratory Director of the Rotunda IVF unit in August 2016. He introduced the Embryoscope and Donor Sperm Programmes.
In 2022 Sameer joined First IVF Clinic as Lab Director Embryology/ IVF Lab Director, Deputy Responsible Person and Scientific Director. He was responsible for implementing Artificial Intelligence for embryo evaluation and real-time KPI evaluation.
He strives to maintain the highest possible standards, bringing experience and innovation to help couples achieve the dream of parenthood.

Javier Canadas Aldana

First IVF Senior Embryologist

Javier Canadas Aldana is a specialist Biologist and embryologist at First IVF. After extensive training in embryology at the University of Barcelona he gained an MSc in Assisted Human Reproduction. Gamete donation has been of special interest to Javier.
It requires unique attention to detail and the needs of the recipients. Javier has previous experience in Spain and Italy, He is a valued member of the science team at First IVF.

Eva Alpuente

First IVF Senior Embryologist

Eva

Eva Alpuente is one of First IVF’s embryologists, she graduated with a Biotechnology degree from the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia and a Masters degree in Human Reproduction at the University of Alicante. Eva has worked in hospitals and clinics across Spain and Portugal and now in Ireland receiving training from several experts from different countries. Eva is a dedicated professional with a great passion for reproductive science and helping our patients start a family and fulfil their dreams.

Kathleen Chada

First IVF Nurse, CEO

Kathleen Chada

Kathleen Chada has been working as a nurse for over 30 years and has spent the last 25 years working in the Fertility and IVF field. Kathleen is passionate about helping women and couples achieve their dream of having a child.
Kathleen started working in IVF during her time at The National Guard Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It was here that she found the area of nursing that she knew she wanted to continue working in. On Kathleen’s return to Ireland in 2002, she started working in the Sims Clinic in Dublin as both fertility nurse and nurse manager. During her tenure, she has managed the Egg Donation programme and worked as Nurse Manager, Clinic Manager and Operations Manager. This has allowed Kathleen to develop and enhance her management skills while still holding a clinical role. Kathleen joined the First IVF team in mid-2023.

“While my first love will always be in a clinical role, I am committed to working with a fantastic team here in First IVF to continue to develop the clinic into a leading clinic, offering a first-class service to those who need our services.”

Kate Shanahan

First IVF Nurse

Kate Shanahan

Kate Shanahan is a nurse on the First IVF team. Kate qualified from UCD and her experience ranges from A&E nursing in the Royal London Hospital to managing Outpatients in the Royal Marsden Hospital London. Her varied nursing experience stands to Kate in her current role in First IVF where she supports patients through different elements of their treatment. Kate will assist patients by explaining processes, and procedures and empowering patients to use medications correctly.

“I pride myself on being approachable to patients”. 

Nikki McDonald

First IVF Health Care Assistant

Nikki

Nikki McDonald is a Health Care Assistant at First IVF, Nikki has been working in fertility clinics for the past 14 years. Having gone through the process herself, Nikki understands firsthand how difficult and emotionally exhausting it can be. Nikki’s duties are primarily in the area of theatre and recovery where she will be present to lend a helping hand.

“I look forward to meeting and helping you through your journey.”

Raquel McElligott

First IVF Health Care Assistant

Raquel

Raquel McElligott is a Health Care Assistant at First IVF. Raquel has a background in Women’s Health which she has worked in for many years in her home country Brazil.
Raquel’s duties are primarily in the scanning and phlebotomy rooms but she also assists in theatre and recovery.

“I see myself as a kind and compassionate person always at the ready to help a patientin need.”

Lauryn Connolly

QM and Administration

Lauryn

Lauryn Connolly is a quality administrator, data protection and GDPR officer in First IVF. Lauryn ensures all medical record requests are completed to a high standard, in a timely manner and ensures all information requested is included. Lauryn provides essential administrative support to the team and patients at First IVF.

“I believe in greeting everyone who walks through First IVF’s doors with a smile and ensuring we can support you in any way possible.”

Una Connolly

First IVF Patient Coordinator

Una

Una Connolly is the Patient Coordinator at First IVF. Una has worked in Clane for many years. Una’s role includes giving patients a tour of the laboratory and theatre facilities as well as providing patients with essential information on our consent forms and the processes of treatment.

“I remember all of the patients fondly as I take a keen interest in meeting patients and following through with their journeys, whatever the outcome. It makes my day to receive pictures of babies from our patients and I get to know almost everyone who comes through the door of First IVF.”