University lecturer elected Chairman of British Fertility Society

Dr Allan Pacey, from the Department of Human Metabolism has been elected Chairman of the British Fertility Society (BFS).

Allan, a senior lecturer from the Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, is the tenth chairman of the Society and the first non-clinical chairman in its 39 year history. He has previously served as the chairman of the BFS Meetings Committee and as honorary secretary.

The British Fertility Society was established in 1973 by the In Vitro Fertilisation pioneer Patrick Steptoe and has previously been chaired by notable individuals such as scientist and television personality, Professor Robert Winston, and Ian Cooke who was Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the old Jessop Hospital in Sheffield.

The BFS is a multi-disciplinary society of clinicians, scientists, nurses and counsellors who work in all aspects of reproductive medicine related to infertility treatment, research and policy. The society has 900 members from the UK and around the world, who were asked to vote in the recent election.

Allan takes the post at a critical time. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence is currently reviewing the guidelines for the investigation and treatment of infertile couples. In addition, a Government review could see the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority being disbanded. If this happens, it could lead to significant changes to the way in which IVF treatment and research in the UK is regulated.

Speaking about the appointment, Allan said: “I am both honoured and humbled by the British Fertility Society membership electing me as their Chairman and I intend to work hard for the interests of members in these difficult times”.

Allan’s term of office runs from January 2012 to December 2014.

Information about the society can be found at http://www.fertility.org.uk