Rachel has worked in the field of embryology for 23 years, starting her clinical training at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee Scotland where she completed a PhD in Developmental Science focusing on glucose metabolism in late human embryonic and fetal development. In 2008 she moved to the Hewitt Fertility Centre Liverpool, one of the UK’s largest assisted conception providers, as Senior and then Lead Clinical Embryologist.

In 2014 she worked with Glasgow Royal Infirmary as a Consultant Embryologist and HFEA Person Responsible where she led the scientific service in delivering cutting edge techniques and achieved a significant improvement in clinical and laboratory success rates.

In 2017 Rachel returned to the Hewitt Fertility Centres in Liverpool and Knutsford as the Scientific Director and HFEA Person Responsible, where she continues to strive for excellence in laboratory techniques, and in clinical and laboratory success rates. The Hewitt Centres are leaders in the provision of training for future Reproductive Scientists and currently support both Andrology and Embryology students through their clinical training.  

Rachel is passionate about the training and professional development of Reproductive Scientists, supporting the academic and clinical Reproductive Scientists of the future, and is Co-Chair for the Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists (ARCS) Education Committee who develop and provide all training opportunities available for the ARCS membership. Rachel is also Deputy Chair of ARCS and a mentor for Laboratory Directors and HFEA Persons Responsible in the UK.

“The Hewitt Fertility Centre scientific staff never cease to impress me with their drive, motivation and enthusiasm to offer the best individualised care for our patients. We have some of the UK’s leading Reproductive Scientists working together at the Hewitt Fertility Centres and I’m very proud to be part of the team.”