Experts in women’s health and reproductive medicine
We believe that everyone deserves access to state-of-the-art technology to achieve best-practice fertility treatment, delivered with care and compassion at an affordable price.
The Thrive Fertility Clinic
We’re located in a purpose-built modern clinic inside the Northern Private Hospital, as a part of the New Epping Medical Precinct. Our location offers the convenience of having all medical partners on-site, including Ramsay Operating Theatres, Radiology services, and access to a comprehensive range of medical specialists.
Our fertility clinic also has a purpose-built, state-of-the-art embryology laboratory integrated within our clinic, with access to an on-site operating theatre. This allows us to offer a comprehensive reproductive medicine service, providing our patients with all the crucial elements of fertility care within a forward-thinking, advanced fertility clinic.
Our Mission
The Thrive Fertility Team
Dr Sascha Edelstein
Fertility Specialist
My partner and I have two fantastic daughters. They are our world. But our journey to parenthood was far from easy. Infertility affects around 15% of couples in Australia. We happen to be one of them. My wife had endometriosis, and when we were trying IVF was not easy to access.
That experience shaped everything that we do at Thrive today to help you access the treatment that you need to have the opportunity to start a family. The experience made me want to become a fertility specialist, and my wife become an in/fertility counsellor.
I believe our patients deserve access to excellent, affordable care.
All our patients deserve to be treated with care and compassion.
Dr Linda Walmsley
Fertility Specialist
I grew up and trained as a doctor, a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist and a fertility specialist in South Africa. I am forever grateful to my mentors and patients who demonstrated what compassion looks like in all circumstances and settings.
I later moved to Melbourne to establish the first accessible, low-cost private fertility clinic, a rewarding experience.
I believe all fertility patients deserve time to ask their questions, compassion for the journey they are on, honesty about their prognosis and appreciation for the sanctity of all life.
Dr Vinay Rane
Laparoscopic Surgeon & High-risk Obstetrician
My partner Dr. Christine Sammartino and I have run Melbourne Mothers as a husband and wife team for several years, offering advanced laparoscopic gynaecological surgery and providing high-risk pregnancy care & delivery. We understand your desire for a safe healthy pregnancy and are willing to adapt to your circumstances. We wanted the same for our three beautiful daughters.
One of the stories our patients love sharing is how our middle daughter was born in the car. Obstetricians don’t usually deliver their own babies. In this case, it was the only option and she was born in the car, on our way to the hospital. We understand the need for highly individualised medical care – from our family to yours.
Every treatment plan is as individual as our patients are.
We've designed a state-of-the-art laboratory to provide cutting edge care for our patients.
Dr Lisa Lee
Scientific Director
My journey in the field of reproduction and fertility began early on when I found myself fascinated by the science behind embryo development. My curiosity and pursuit of excellence eventually led me to further my education, culminating in the successful completion of my PhD under the guidance of the world-renowned IVF pioneer, Prof David Gardner.
Over the course of my professional career, I’ve had the opportunity to work in multiple IVF clinics in Hong Kong and Australia. I’ve witnessed the crucial role that a state-of-the-art laboratory plays in achieving superior pregnancy rates for IVF patients. Additionally, I’ve provided support to numerous patients, close friends, and family members as they navigated the emotional challenges of IVF. As a member of the Thrive team, I am dedicated to ensuring that our patients receive the highest quality of reproductive care and experience it with the warmth and empathy that they deserve during their fertility journey.
Skye Gercken
Nurse Unit Manager
I have a background in maternity and mental health and have worked in IVF for almost 9 years. My passion is fertility education, and I am a strong advocate for helping people learn about their bodies and fertility treatment to assist them in making informed decisions about their options. I also have a keen interest in how to manage the effect of hormonal changes through stimulated cycles on mental health. I aim to support patients with techniques to manage their emotional responses to treatment, including self-care and self-empathy, and to be aware of normal changes in energy levels through the cycle.
I always try to be approachable and enjoy getting to know patients, so I can help them the best I can. I also enjoy the clinical aspects of fertility treatment, such as ultrasound, which provides an opportunity to explain the stage of your cycle to you and what that means for fertility, energy levels and mood.
Having gone through 2 cycles of egg collections due to carrying the BRCA1 gene, I understand the rollercoaster ride of fertility treatment. I am grateful to be a fertility preservation advocate.
I'm a strong advocate for helping people learn about their bodies, so they can make informed decisions.
We assist clients to reframe the shame that can arise with infertility, to lean into self-compassion, acceptance and even awe.
Cal Volks
Senior Counsellor
I completed my BA Hons and Masters at Rhodes University majoring in Psychology. Going through several rounds of IVF to conceive inspired me to become an infertility counsellor. I trained with the British Infertility Counselling Association, before working as a Senior Counsellor in both South Africa (2012-2016) and Melbourne (2018-2022), and as a Donor Linking Counsellor at VARTA (2020-21). From 2020-2023 I co-ordinated the Victoria Infertility Counsellors’ Group and served on the ANZICA executive (2019 – 2022). I am also the co-co-ordinator of the Australian Sociology Association Families and Relationships group 2024-2025.
In 2019, I was awarded a La Trobe University Scholarship to undertake a PhD focussing on the experiences of Australian egg and sperm donors. In 2022-2023 I worked on a Monash University ARC grant researching Australian egg donation recipients. I was invited to present my research at the ESHRE annual conference (2022), the British Human Reproduction arm of the Sociology Society (2023) and FSANZ annual conference (2022 & 2023).
Prior to moving to Melbourne, I worked as the Director of the HIV/AIDS and Inclusivity Unit at the University of Cape Town. I conducted research, provided counselling and delivered training around reproductive and sexual health, including addressing stigma. I also served as a non-executive board member of the Infertility Awareness Association of South Africa.