Professor Sara Hillman

About Professor

Dr. Sara Hillman is a Professor of Genomic Medicine and Consultant Obstetrician & Fetal Medicine Specialist at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH), where she oversees the management of both low-risk and high-risk pregnancies. At UCLH, Prof. Hillman provides comprehensive care, particularly focusing on complex fetal and maternal prenatal issues. She leads a weekly fetal medicine scanning clinic, which provides  specialist management for complex fetal anomalies, particularly those with possible genetic causes. Prof. Hillman earned her medical degree from University College London in 2003, complemented by a BSc in Neuroscience. In 2014, she completed her PhD, which investigated the influence of genetics and environmental factors on fetal growth. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, She is deeply committed to medical education. She serves as the Academic Training Program Director for the London School of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and acts as both an educational and clinical supervisor for junior doctors. At UCLH, Prof. Hillman plays a central role in quality improvement initiatives, leading projects such as pre-eclampsia screening and the introduction of a dedicated service to turn breech babies, facilitating safer vaginal births. She has also conducted significant research into the added value of genetic testing for fetal structural anomalies, with her findings recently published. Prof. Hillman is also a leading figure in research, focusing on the mechanisms underlying pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Her research group, funded by the Medical Research Council, examines cell communication within pregnancy tissues, including those of the fetus, placenta, and womb. Additionally, she collaborates on studies exploring new technologies to reduce stillbirth and advance our understanding of normal human development. With a passion for improving maternal and fetal health globally, Prof. Hillman has led several international projects tackling issues such as anaemia, poor fetal growth, and severe obstetric complications. Through her diverse roles in clinical care, research, education, and quality improvement, she is committed to advancing healthcare practices and improving patient outcomes.