Dickinson Cowan

reproductive medicine · gynaecology · obstetrics

About Mr Cowan

Dickinson Cowan FRCS FRCOGDick Cowan’s principal interests are in conception, miscarriage and pregnancy. He has played a leading role in developing treatments for infertility since 1983.

Fertility expert

In the early 1980s, Mr Cowan helped set up the IVF unit at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London. From 1984 to 1987 he was assistant medical director at Bourne Hall Clinic where he worked with IVF Pioneers Robert Edwards and Patrick Steptoe, who were responsible for the world's first test-tube baby.

In 1987 Mr Cowan joined the Portland Hospital IVF Unit and was Medical Director from 1992 to 2002. During this time the Portland Hospital IVF Unit produced some of the best results in the UK. Now as an independent specialist in reproductive medicine, he has the advantage of being able to choose the best place to treat his patients.

Qualifications & other experience

Mr Cowan obtained his medical degree from Oxford University. He was consultant and lecturer in Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the University of Natal/King Edward VIII Hospital in Durban, South Africa, from 1975-81 before returning to the UK to work at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London.

Dick Cowan was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh (FRCS) in 1976 and a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, (FRCOG) in 1982, He went into private practice in 1985.

American connections

Dick Cowan was born in the United States and lived there for ten years before coming to the UK. He still has strong American connections. Since 2000 he has been medical director of the American Women's Health Centre in London.

Personal

Mr Cowan lives a few minutes' walk from the Portland Hospital. He considers himself fortunate to have been part of the revolution in reproduction technology and the treatment of infertility.