Dr Lauren Saunders, specialist at City Fertility Melbourne Bundoora
Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) need to be kind to themselves, according to Dr Lauren Saunders, consultant obstetrician, gynaecologist and fertility specialist with City Fertility, Melbourne.
Dr Saunders is interested in all areas of women’s health from fertility to gynaecology and obstetrics care, but she holds a particular interest in fertility preservation and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Dr Saunders said she regularly sees PCOS patients and many of them blame themselves when they are first diagnosed with the condition, which is being very unfair on themselves. She would like these patients to know that there are many options for fertility, and often some simple lifestyle changes may be all that is required. Dr Saunders said a chat with a GP first will get these people on the right track and they can help them decide if a visit to a fertility specialist is required.
Having been a doctor for 12 years and obstetrician and gynaecologist for 9 years of these years, Dr Saunders also completed a Masters in Reproductive Medicine which was awarded with excellence.
She holds a wealth of experience, having trained and worked in many of Melbourne’s leading hospitals, and now runs a private obstetrics practice which complements her infertility work and allows her to offer her patients a continuity of care from conception to birth.
We recently had a chat with Dr Saunders to gain a bit more of an insight into what she loves most about her job, what motivated her to become a doctor, and other interesting topics. We hope you enjoy reading about the inspiring Dr Saunders:
- Q: What do you love most about your job?
A: I love so many aspects of my job! Be it sharing in the excitement of scanning a pregnancy for the first time in a couple with years of infertility, or for being one of the privileged few that get to meet their baby for the first time at their birth. There are countless rewards for working in obstetrics and fertility. - Q: Who/what inspired you to choose medicine as a career?
A: I am the first in my family to enter medicine. I was first inspired to study medicine by a paediatrician when I was hospitalised at the age of 13. My career choice of O&G came as a 4th year medical student – I was privileged to have Professor Sue Walker, an outstanding Melbourne obstetrician, as my mentor as a medical student. The rest is history! - Q: What is your greatest achievement?
A: I feel my greatest achievement came with the birth of my own two children. Pregnancy and becoming a mother have made my life complete and I feel they have made me, and continue to make me, a better doctor. - Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: My spare time is spent enjoying life with my young children, family and friends. Balancing work, family and self-care is tricky for everyone in any profession. I feel lucky that I seem to have the balance right!
Dr Saunders consults in Bundoora at Northpark Private Hospital and holds a public hospital appointment at the Northern Hospital in Epping.
Click here to learn more about Dr Lauren Saunders.
Phone: 1300 354 354
Email: contactus@cityfertility.com.au
