Ms Joan Kelly

Ms Joan Kelly is an accomplished Fertility Nurse Specialist with over three decades of experience in reproductive medicine and women’s health. Graduating with honours from St. Vincent’s Hospital as a State Registered Nurse, she began her career in oncology nursing before discovering her passion for fertility and reproductive care.

Joan played an instrumental role in the early development of IVF in Ireland, working closely with Professor Robert Harrison at the HARI Fertility Unit—the country’s first IVF clinic. Her extensive clinical experience encompasses all aspects of fertility care, including follicle tracking, ultrasound diagnostics, early pregnancy scanning, and satellite IVF support for couples undergoing treatment abroad.

In 1998, she completed a Certificate in Ultrasound, enabling her to perform detailed scans for ovarian and uterine health, assessing cysts, fibroids, polyps, endometrial thickness, and conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Joan’s commitment to professional growth led her to complete an MBA in Healthcare in 2004, with her thesis “The Hidden Costs of IVF” later published in Fertility and Sterility and presented at the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) in Montreal.

A respected member of the Senior Infertility Nursing Group (SING) and the Steering Committee for Insights, Joan contributes to leading fertility forums and conferences across Ireland and the UK. She is also a sought-after lecturer, having presented on fertility and reproductive health to medical students, GPs, midwives, and public health professionals.