Hossam ‘Sam’ Abdalla is one of the most respected figures in British fertility medicine. He founded The Lister Fertility Clinic in 1988 and led it for more than three decades, helping shape the way fertility care is delivered across the UK.

Under his leadership, the Lister Fertility Clinic grew into one of the country’s largest and most influential fertility clinics. It also became Europe’s largest egg donation programme, setting new standards in how donors and recipients are supported and cared for.

A lifetime dedicated to fertility care

Mr Abdalla has more than 40 years’ experience in reproductive medicine. He has supported patients facing a wide range of complex fertility challenges, always with a clear and compassionate approach.

His clinical interests include:

• Egg (oocyte) donation
• Reduced ovarian reserve and high FSH levels
• Repeated IVF failure
• Advanced laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery

His focus has always been simple, to give you honest, evidence-based guidance so you can make informed decisions about your care.

Putting patients first

Throughout his career, Mr Abdalla championed a truly patient-first approach. He combined scientific rigour with empathy, ensuring every patient felt informed, supported and respected.

He was also an early advocate for using clinic data to provide realistic, personalised success rates. This commitment to transparency became a defining feature of the Lister Fertility Clinic.

As a result, colleagues across the UK often referred their most complex cases, or even their own family members, to his care.

Shaping fertility care in the UK

Mr Abdalla’s impact goes far beyond the patients he treated directly. He has played a key role in shaping fertility practice and regulation nationwide.

His contributions include:

• Member of the Executive Committee of the British Fertility Society
• Board member of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (2004–2014)
• Board member of the Human Tissue Authority (2014–2021)

During his time with the HFEA, he helped improve how IVF outcomes are reported and contributed to policies designed to make fertility treatment safer and more transparent.

Research, teaching and global influence

Mr Abdalla has authored more than 90 peer-reviewed publications and has lectured extensively in the UK and internationally.

His work has helped define best practice in areas such as ovarian reserve and the limits of IVF in complex cases.

Many of the clinicians and embryologists who trained under him now lead fertility services around the world. His legacy continues through their work—and through the thousands of families he has helped to create.

A lasting legacy at Lister Fertility Clinic

Across nearly four decades, Mr Abdalla combined clinical expertise, leadership and insight to shape modern fertility care in the UK.

Today, his influence is still felt in everything we do at Lister Fertility Clinic, from our commitment to transparency, to our focus on personalised, compassionate care.

When you come to us, you benefit from a legacy built on experience, integrity and trust.