Dr Thanos Papathanasiou is new CEO at world-renowned Bourn Hall Clinic

Dr Thanos Papathanasiou, Medical Director at Bourn Hall, the world’s first IVF clinic, has been appointed its new CEO, succeeding Dr Mike Macnamee.  

Dr Papathanasiou has built a strong medical team with an ethos on patient-centred care; he has specialist interests in the treatment of women with low ovarian reserve, recurrent miscarriage, and those who respond poorly to IVF stimulation drugs, as these patients require highly personalised medical input based on the latest evidence-based research.  

Working closely with the NHS in Norfolk, he has pioneered a joined-up approach to fertility treatment whereby fertility specialists work closely with GPs to ensure early resolution with minimal intervention. Tailored advice on lifestyle changes and carefully monitored ovulation induction have boosted pregnancy success rates. 

Dr Papathanasiou comments: “I am honoured to take the helm at Bourn Hall as fertility treatments move into the next phase with an agenda of continuous improvement. I look forward to building upon the foundation of over 40 years of Bourn Hall babies.” 

An environment to flourish 

Dr Macnamee will continue to support Bourn Hall as a member of the Board of Directors and act as Chief Advisor. He joined Bourn Hall 37 years ago as a young PhD scientist to assist in the development of IVF as a robust clinical treatment following the birth of Louise Brown – the world’s first IVF baby.  

Closely involved with the development of the first hormone drugs for use in IVF, Dr Macnamee worked with IVF pioneer Professor Robert Edwards on a series of clinical trials which have substantially increased IVF live-birth rates. He progressed from a scientific career into management and has successfully led Bourn Hall, creating an environment for employees to flourish and patients to fulfil their dreams of parenthood. 

Full network of clinics

Bourn Hall now has a network of full-service and satellite clinics across the East of England offering NHS-funded and self-funded IVF and fertility treatments. In 2005 Dr Macnamee led a management buyout and subsequent expansion. In January 2021 the clinic gained investment from a Canadian-based group of investors. 

Dr Macnamee comments: “The goal is always to provide the best possible care for our patients. Thanos and I have worked closely together for many years, and I know his leadership will continue to improve the experience and outcomes for our patients.”  

Adam Capland, Chairman of the Bourn Hall Board, said: “Mike has steered the organisation with wisdom and compassion to create the group of clinics that we are so proud of today, and in doing so he has maintained the ethos and strength of the ‘Bourn Hall family’. We are delighted that he will continue as a member of Bourn Hall’s Board of Directors.  

“Thanos is held in high esteem by staff and patients, and I am sure he will continue this approach embracing the new innovations in practice and treatments that are emerging. This is an exciting new phase for the clinic.”