Dr Carole Gilling-Smith

Dr Carole Gilling-Smith is the Founder, CEO and Medical Director of The Agora Clinic with over 30 years of experience in reproductive medicine and infertility. Graduating in Medicine from Cambridge in 1984, she earned the prestigious title of Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, signifying her exceptional expertise in the field.

Throughout her illustrious career, Dr Gilling-Smith has amassed extensive knowledge and experience in reproductive medicine. Notably, she was granted a Medical Research Council Training Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine in 1990. During this period, she completed her PhD thesis on the genetics of polycystic ovary syndrome while serving as a Clinical Fellow in Reproductive Medicine at St Mary's Hospital in London.

Her pursuit of excellence in reproductive medicine continued as she delved into researching pelvic pain and recurrent miscarriage while holding positions as a Clinical Lecturer and Senior Registrar at St Mary's Hospital. In 2000, her remarkable achievements led her to be appointed as the Director of the Chelsea & Westminster Assisted Conception Unit.

A visionary in her field, Dr Gilling-Smith developed the UK's first fertility program for HIV-infected patients while at the Chelsea & Westminster Assisted Conception Unit. This made her a national and international expert on the management of patients with viral illnesses who are seeking to conceive safely.

Dr Gilling-Smith has an extensive research portfolio and is a respected lecturer, sought after both nationally and internationally. Her contribution to the field includes the publication of over 50 peer-reviewed academic papers and numerous book chapters on various fertility-related subjects, ranging from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to male infertility, pelvic pain, bleeding in early pregnancy, and fertility management for patients with viral illnesses.

In 2007, fuelled by her passion for advancing fertility care, Dr Gilling-Smith founded The Agora Clinic, which has grown to become the largest and most successful fertility centre in Sussex. The clinic offers comprehensive care to both NHS and private patients. Located in Brighton, Dr Gilling-Smith ensured that The Agora Clinic catered to the diverse needs of the local community. She led the way nationally in developing customised programs of care, enabling all individuals in the LGBT+ community to pursue their dreams of starting a family.

Beyond her exceptional medical achievements, Dr Gilling-Smith is dedicated to fertility education. She strongly believes that patients should have a clear understanding of their diagnosis and treatment options before proceeding with any treatment. Furthermore, she is committed to dispelling fertility myths and taboos. Regularly engaging with adolescents and young adults, she enlightens them about the plethora of reproductive possibilities available in the 21st century. Her mission is to empower the next generation to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.