Denisa Marina Protopopescu MD, PhD,
Obstetrics and Gynaecology Reproductive
Medicine Specialist
Assoc Prof
CEO, Centrul Medical Internațional București
ESHRE Assessor ESHRE Coordinator of the SIG Global and Socio Cultural Aspects of Infertility
Vice President and co-founder of GOGB
My name is Denisa Marina Protopopescu, and this is the a very short story of who I am, what I value, and what makes me the person I am today. Every person has a unique journey shaped by experiences, dreams, challenges, and the people around them. My life is made up of many moments that have helped me grow, learn, and discover more about myself.
I believe that a person is not defined only by their achievements, but also by their personality, kindness, values, and the way they treat others. I try to be a person who learns from every experience and who continues to improve every day. Like everyone else, I have strengths and things I want to work on, but I see life as a journey where there is always something new to discover.
My journey through medicine has been guided by curiosity, compassion, scientific discovery, and a deep desire to understand the extraordinary complexity of the human body. Looking back, I realise that every step of my life — from my early education to my international medical career — has brought me closer to my true calling: helping people and contributing to the advancement of human reproductive health.
My first passion was not only medicine, but science itself. I graduated from the Mathematics and Physics High School “Gheorghe Șincai” in Bucharest, from the special physics class. As a young student, I was fascinated by physics and the fundamental laws that govern our universe. I initially dreamed of studying atomic and nuclear physics at university.
However, a special person changed the direction of my life. My godfather, the renowned Romanian neurosurgeon Professor Leon Dănăilă, returned from the United States and brought me a precious gift — Gray’s Anatomy. That book opened a new world for me. I discovered that the human body itself is one of the most complex “systems” in existence: a perfect combination of physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and consciousness, with a brain capable of reasoning and a heart capable of empathy.
I decided to apply to medical school, where I was accepted from my first attempt. I have never regretted this decision. Medicine gave me the opportunity to combine my love for science with my love for people. I have always been interested not only in diseases and treatments, but in the human stories behind them — listening to people’s fears, suffering, hopes, and dreams. The ability to empathise with patients became one of the most important foundations of my medical philosophy.
After graduating from the University of Medicine in 1986, I specialised in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, choosing the field of human reproduction. It was a specialty that perfectly combined advanced science with the deepest human emotions: the desire to create life and build families. I also completed healthcare management studies at the University of Bucharest, understanding that modern medicine requires not only clinical excellence but also strong organisation, leadership, and vision.
My professional path led me in 1993 to London, United Kingdom, where I trained in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) at
St Bartholomew’s Hospital, within the Department of Reproductive Medicine, under the guidance of internationally recognised specialists. This experience shaped my future career and allowed me to become involved in advanced reproductive medicine and research.
My scientific work focused on progesterone levels in IVF and spontaneous pregnancies, research that was published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. I later completed my PhD in infertility and IVF — the first PhD in Romania in this field — based on thousands of clinical cases from London and Bucharest.
In 1997, I returned to Bucharest, bringing back the knowledge and experience gained abroad. I established the first IVF Clinic in Bucharest, introducing advanced assisted reproductive technologies in Romania. One of the greatest achievements of my career was achieving the first IVF baby in Bucharest and the first ICSI baby in Romania in 1997.
The first ICSI baby born through this pioneering work has now grown into a doctor himself, specialising in internal medicine. This brings me immense pride and joy because it represents not only a medical success, but the continuation of a life journey that began with hope and science.
I authored the first IVF book in Romania, an important milestone in educating both medical professionals and the public about assisted reproduction. The foreword was written by the late Professor Tim Chard, Head of the Department of Reproductive Medicine at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London — an honour that connected my work in Romania with the international reproductive medicine community.
Throughout my career, I have continued to believe that medicine is not only about treating illness, but about understanding life itself, genetics, creating a path in Onco fertility, AI in Reproductive medicine, health and longevity. Although many years have passed since my specialisation, my curiosity remains alive. I continue to work, learn, research, and explore the many mysteries of the human body.
I strongly believe that fertility and reproductive health are important challenges for modern society. Birth rates are declining worldwide, including in Romania, and this requires attention from decision-makers. A society that ages needs a clear and updated vision regarding fertility laws, access to treatment, and state support for patients who wish to have children. Having children represents not only personal happiness, but also a vision for the future of a nation — socially, economically, and culturally.
Together with my late husband, Dr Radu Nicolae Ciudin, we set up the International Medical Center Bucharest in 1999. Radu Ciudin trained also in London, was a famous interventional cardiologist and electrophysiologist who performed the first heart ablation in Romania. He also founded the Interventional Cardiology and pacemaker Department in Clinical Institute CC Iliescu, Bucharest. After losing my beloved husband, I continue my journey with faith, gratitude, and the desire to use my experience for the benefit of others. As long as my health allows and with God’s blessing, I want to continue doing the work.
Today, I am the CEO of Centrul Medical Internațional București, a multidisciplinary medical centre with two locations in Bucharest, offering various medical specialties: Fertility Clinic, Cardiology Department, Gynecology, Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, Internal Medicine, Health and Longevity.and also a day surgery hospital. The Centre is accredited by the Romanian Ministry of Health and relevant national authorities, reflecting our commitment to quality and patient care.
My passion for the future of medicine has also led me toward regenerative medicine, longevity, and new frontiers of healthcare. I participated in international workshops, including those connected with space medicine initiatives such as Dr Egbert Edelbroeck – SpaceBorn United.
Together with renowned international professors, doctors, reasearchers, embryologists such as Prof Dr Panos Zavos (USA), Dr Carmen Navarro- Venezuela, Prof Dr Pedro Torrecillas Spain, Prof Dr Cesare Aragona, Prof Dr Shady Saleem –Egypt and myself, we founded the Global Organisation of Gonadal Bioregeneration and participated in the organisation of the First International Congress dedicated to Gonadal Bioregeneration, Health, and Longevity, held on 5–6 June in Madrid, Spain. The Congress was a great success and brought together experts interested in the future of reproductive and regenerative medicine, building new relationships with international experts.
I am a member of major international fertility organisations, including the British Fertility Society, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and more others. Since 2018, I have been an ESHRE Inspector/Assessor (assess IVF Clinics in ECand Coordinator of the SIG Global and Socio-Cultural Aspects of Infertility working group. Through this role, I have been involved in organising European congresses, workshops, and conferences addressing the global challenges of infertility and reproductive health.
ESHRE is the largest fertility society in Europe, similar in importance to ASRM in the United States. The upcoming ESHRE Congress will take place in London from 4–7 July 2026, continuing the tradition of international collaboration and scientific progress.
Looking back at my life, I feel grateful that I have managed to beautifully combine my profession as a doctor with my family life. I raised my children, and now that they are adults, I can dedicate more of my energy to the medical mission that has always inspired me.
I have two wonderful children: Ada who gave me a wonderful granddaughter Catrinel that I brought into the world and an exceptional boy Emanuel Cristian, who studied in London at UCL Mechanical Engineering Business and Finance and the Master Degree in Computational Finance and works in London in a Trading Company. I am so proud of them.
The people around us have a strong influence on who we become. My family, friends, teachers, and other important people in my life have helped me learn important lessons. I appreciate the support and encouragement I receive from the people who believe in me. Their advice and experiences help me see different perspectives and remind me of the importance of kindness and determination.
Throughout my career, I have always believed that medicine is both a science and a human responsibility. Every treatment represents a family, a story, and a future. The success of reproductive medicine lies not only in technology, but in empathy, perseverance, and trust between doctor and patient.
Looking back, my journey has included graduating in medicine, specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology, international training in IVF, publishing scientific research, authoring Romania’s first IVF textbook, and establishing pioneering fertility services in my country. Each step has contributed to the development of reproductive medicine and to the lives of many families.
My story is one of dedication to science, innovation, and people. I remain grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a field that continues to evolve and bring hope to those who need it most.
I love: bringing smiles to families, helping patients facing premature menopause and menopause to live healthier and more fulfilling lives, and discovering the secrets of healthy longevity for both women and men.
Medicine has been more than my profession — it has been my vocation. My greatest reward remains seeing hope restored, families created, and lives improved through the power of science combined with compassion.
At the end I would like to congratulate and to give many thanks to the three wonderful ladies from MediaUno, especially to Ioana Tiganescu, who, with great perseverance, dedication, and passion, have succeeded in organising remarkable events and bringing together people from so many different professions. Through their commitment, they have created valuable opportunities for communication, collaboration, and connection among diverse communities. Love you all!
