Dr Catherine Pretty

Lab Manager

Catherine plays a pivotal role as Laboratory Manager at Care Fertility Woking, overseeing the operations and managing a team of dedicated embryologists. Alongside the day-to-day running of the lab, her responsibilities extend to training, research and development, both locally and across the Care Fertility group.

Training

Catherine started her journey in reproductive science by studying for a degree in Biology at the University of Southampton. During a pivotal day trip to a local fertility clinic, she discovered her passion for embryology, laying the foundation for a lifelong interest in reproductive science. Building on her undergraduate studies, Catherine continued her studies at the University of Nottingham, where she earned a PhD within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. This was followed by many years of practical experience working in IVF clinics around the UK and in Australia.

Embryology is quite honestly the best job I could imagine! No other career could combine my love of science with helping people every day. I’ve done my job for over 25 years, and there is still always something new to learn, or a new challenge to overcome.

Dr Catherine Pretty

Career

Catherine had a background in research before using her scientific knowledge to begin a career in clinical embryology. She carried out her PhD research at the University of Nottingham, focussing on understanding the factors influencing implantation and the reasons behind potential disruptions in this critical process. This research paved the way for a collaboration with Westmead Hospital in Sydney, where Catherine commenced her embryology training before returning to the UK.

Specialties & Credentials

Catherine's passion for nurturing and supporting new talent and supporting students has been a constant throughout her career. Within the Care Fertility group, she has has the opportunity to help guide students from a various courses, providing both practical training and research. In her role as Lab Manager, Catherine oversees a range of services for patients. Alongside her dedicated team, she supports patients during their treatment journey while maintaining excellent scientific standards leading to great clinical success rates. One of the most fulfilling parts of Catherine’s job is working closely with patients during challenging moments of their fertility journey, helping them to understand and overcome obstacles.

Membership of Professional Bodies

Catherine is a State Registered Clinical Scientist, a member of the Association of Clinical Embryologists, and is a Diplomate of the Royal College of Pathologists.

Links to published work

Book chapters:

Pretty, C. Non-Invasive Markers of Gamete and Embryo Quality

In Campbell, A, Maalouf, W editor. Mastering Clinical Embryology: Good Practice, Clinical Biology, Assisted Reproductive Technologies, and Advanced Laboratory Skills

Pretty, C. There is no need to take embryos out of the incubator until the day of transfer: against
In Balen, A. editor. 50 Big Debates in Reproductive Medicine, 2021

Fleming S, Pretty C. Research Instruments Micromanipulators

In Nagy, P. editor. Practical Manual of In Vitro Fertilization, 2012