Dr Meenakshi Choudhary

Dr Meenakshi Choudhary is a distinguished consultant gynaecologist and senior specialist in reproductive medicine at the renowned Newcastle Fertility Centre. A dedicated clinician and researcher, she leads transformative programs in egg and mitochondrial donation and is deeply committed to ethical, donor‑centric care.
Born and raised in Mumbai, India, Dr Choudhary moved to Newcastle in 2002, where she began her impactful career at the Fertility Centre. Over her nearly two‑decade tenure, she has emerged as a leading expert in the North East, known for her compassionate patient care and her innovative contributions to assisted reproductive technology.
As a clinical leader, Dr Choudhary oversees two groundbreaking programs. She directs the egg donor program, championing a “gift of life” ethos and supporting women who volunteer to donate. Her clinical leadership also extends to the world‑first licensed mitochondrial donor program, pioneering techniques that prevent transmission of mitochondrial diseases through mitochondrial replacement therapy.
Her subspecialty expertise spans fertility challenges, early pregnancy loss, and paediatric/adolescent gynaecology. She leads the Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology service and the congenital gynaecological anomaly service, one of only eleven NHS centres offering this specialist care in the UK. She is also the named gynaecologist in the regional Cloaca clinic, addressing rare congenital conditions.
Dr Choudhary holds a PhD from Newcastle University, where her research focused on the proteins influencing embryo donation and development—a foundation for her current research interests. She also oversees the ethical and regulatory governance of reproductive research at the centre, acting as the Person Responsible for Research under the HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority). Her affiliations extend across Newcastle University and the Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research.
On the national stage, she plays key roles in several expert committees. She is an elected member of the NIHR HTA Prioritisation Committee, advising on research topics related to women's health and mental health. She is also the Secretary of the British Society of Paediatric & Adolescent Gynaecology's Executive Committee and serves on national bodies including the RCOG, Association of Early Pregnancy Units, and the British Fertility Society. Furthering her advocacy, she is a Trustee of the charitable SEED Trust (Sperm, Egg & Embryo Donation).
Dr Choudhary’s research portfolio is extensive. Her interests include reproductive ageing, recurrent miscarriage, fertility preservation, gamete donation, and the ethics of assisted reproductive technologies. She has co‑authored numerous peer‑reviewed publications spanning embryo donation, fertility outcomes, miscarriage management (e.g., PRISM RCT), and genetic diagnosis—with reviews across high‑impact journals.
A passionate advocate for both patient and donor welfare, Dr Choudhary’s leadership earned her recognition as a finalist in the Asian Women of Achievement Awards (2020), in the ‘Professions’ category—highlighting her professional dedication and drive to support both patients and the "unsung heroes" behind fertility treatment.
Her patients and peers describe her as an "emerging force"—noted for her determination, boundless energy, optimism, and profound kindness. She is admired for respecting the multidisciplinary team around her, ensuring high-quality, patient-centred care.
Dr Choudhary’s deep commitment to community and research outreach was also featured in a Newcastle University podcast marking 25 years of the International Centre for Life, where she discussed the Fertility Centre’s life‑changing impact and its pioneering services for families worldwide.