Melbourne Fertility Expo Sessions

Professor Luk Rombauts is the Medical Director of Monash IVF Group and one of Australia’s most respected fertility specialists. He is the Immediate Past President of the World Endometriosis Society and has spent over two decades supporting people with endometriosis and helping them grow their families.

Luk combines his expertise in fertility care, surgery, and research with a deep understanding of the patient experience.

He currently consults in Richmond, Clayton and Mornington, offering personalised care through every stage of the fertility journey. His warm and thoughtful approach helps patients feel informed, supported and empowered.

Sophia Baseotto is a Fertility Specialist Scientist with over 25 years of experience encompassing roles as Embryologist, Andrologist, Biochemist, Chemist, Master Practitioner and Coach, Podcast Host, and National Clinic Auditor, Assessor, and Technical Expert. Sophia actively trains SuperCare staff and liaises with clinics to ensure optimal client outcomes.

Dr Poliness has extensive experience in gynaecology and infertility including treating all fertility issues. She treats each patient as an individual to help and support them on their fertility journey to complete their family. Dr Poliness listens to patients’ needs and is dedicated and motivated to problem solve fertility issues. No fertility question is too simple or difficult to work through.

Dr Poliness qualified as a doctor in 1993 and as a gynaecologist in 2002. Since then she has also completed a doctorate degree in endometriosis and a master’s in reproductive medicine (fertility). She began a Doctor of Medicine degree in 2003, through The University of Melbourne, while working as a gynaecologist in the public system at the Royal Women’s Hospital and Mercy Hospital for Women. In 2001, Dr Poliness worked for 12 months in Winchester (UK) for a gynaecologist who was a preceptor for laparoscopic surgery.

Returning to Melbourne in 2002, she took up a 12-month fellowship position in laparoscopic surgery at the Royal Women’s Hospital for the endometriosis unit. Dr Poliness consults at St Kilda Road, and has a public appointment at the Mercy Hospital for Women. She has expertise in treating patients in all areas of fertility, with special interests in endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Dr Haider Najjar is a pioneer of single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) in Australia and abroad, with expertise in fertility surgery and complex laparoscopic procedures.

As co-founder of Create Fertility, Haider offers individualised care for infertility, including advanced laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis and fibroids.

Dr Najjar’s techniques are internationally recognised, and he regularly speaks at leading global conferences.

Known for his calm, compassionate and reassuring manner, Dr Najjar combines clinical excellence with the latest medical technologies. He consults in English, Arabic or German.

The IVF Project, founded by Dr. Cecilia Kitic, is a science-based Accredited Allied Health clinic that supports individuals and couples aiming to conceive.

Combining over 20 years of research in exercise immunology, gut health, and nutrition, Dr. Kitic leads a multidisciplinary team offering tailored Exercise Physiology, Fertility Dietetics, and Psychological support.

Their approach focuses on enhancing gut microbiome health to improve reproductive outcomes, particularly for conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and unexplained infertility.

By integrating evidence-backed strategies, The IVF Project aims to boost natural conception and IVF success rates.

Alisha Burns is the leading voice on solo motherhood by choice and donor conception in Australia, with a growing global reach. She is the founder of Solo Mum Society, a specialist coach, and author of multiple books including the My Perfect Family series, created to support donor-conceived children and celebrate diverse families.

Alisha hosts the No Need for Prince Charming podcast and leads international retreats connecting solo mum families.

After her own 12-year journey to motherhood, she now empowers women worldwide through education, coaching, and community—helping them make informed decisions, raise proud donor-conceived children, and thrive as solo mums.

Dr Amber Kennedy completed her specialist training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at The Mercy Hospital for Women (MHW) in Heidelberg, Melbourne, and holds a Masters in Reproductive Medicine from the University of New South Wales.

She undertook a fellowship in Reproductive Biology at the MHW and was the Honorary Reproductive Services fellow at the Royal Women’s Hospital (RWH) for two years, before taking up her current public appointments at the MHW in obstetrics and gynaecology, and at the RHW, as part of The Women’s endocrine and metabolic service. Amber has also completed a PhD research degree, examining the schooling outcomes of IVF children.

Amber is currently a Clinical Director and Fertility Specialist at Newlife IVF. She is regarded by her patients for her calm and friendly approach, and her ability to explain complex information in a way that everyone can understand.

Liz Walton is a Fertility Coach, Emotional Therapist, and the creator of the Feeling Fertile program. After experiencing her own 10-year fertility journey—including six rounds of IVF and a natural conception at 46—Liz felt called to support others walking a similar path. This led her to create the Canberra Fertility Summit, and now, in partnership with Helen Zee, co-found the Melbourne Fertility Expo, with a vision to bridge the gap between medical and complementary fertility care.

Liz’s work is deeply grounded in compassion, lived experience, and emotional insight. She guides clients using powerful healing tools such as hypnotherapy, EFT, subconscious reprogramming, and emotional release therapy—helping them reconnect with themselves, reduce stress, and find peace amidst uncertainty. Based in Canberra and working globally, Liz is known for creating safe, nurturing spaces for those navigating the invisible weight of fertility challenges.

Lucy Lines is a clinical embryologist with over 20 years of experience in the IVF industry — and a decade-long personal experience of infertility and recurrent loss. She’s the founder of Two Lines Fertility and the creator of the IVFWTF program, helping people navigate fertility treatment with clarity and confidence.

Lucy is known for translating complex science into plain language, advocating for ethical, informed care, and empowering patients to ask better questions (without pissing off their doctor).

She’s been featured in national media, recognised as one of 10 Women Transforming Healthcare by GPeX, and regularly speaks at conferences, schools, and health events across Australia.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects more than 1 in 10 women, yet around 70% remain undiagnosed. In this session, Dr Sylvia Ross will explain what PCOS is, how it affects fertility, and its long-term impact on overall health. As one of the most common—but often misunderstood—causes of infertility, PCOS can also increase the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer. Dr Ross will explore why early diagnosis matters and what steps patients can take to manage symptoms and improve outcomes.

• Understand what PCOS is and how it affects the body.
• Recognise the signs and symptoms that often go undiagnosed.
• Learn how PCOS impacts fertility and menstrual health.
• Gain insight into the long-term health risks associated with PCOS.
• Explore management strategies to support reproductive and general health.