Why did you become a reproductive endocrinologist?
As a medical student, I cared for a patient who was struggling to build her family. I became fascinated by how molecular and cellular events contribute to a patient’s journey, and I began to focus my studies on reproductive medicine. As reproductive endocrinologists, we solve puzzles, provide emotional support, and more often than not get to deliver good news to our patients.
What is your favorite part about being a reproductive endocrinologist?
I value so many parts of my job. Using science and big data to find answers to clinical questions, using genetics to prevent disease, and contributing our scientific findings to the community are all rewarding. The best part, however, is making the phone call and letting a patient know that her test is positive, and she is going to have a family.
Why do you believe coverage, like Progyny, is important?
Not all “fertility coverage” is equal. Progyny manages to combine patient advocacy, patient support, cutting-edge science, a top network of fertility specialists in the nation, and streamlined benefits to optimize clinical outcomes and shorten the path to pregnancy.
What does family mean to you?
On a personal level, I am lucky to have such a loving family. My work family is comprised of some of the best doctors, nurses, embryologists, and support team I could ever imagine. And most importantly, I feel privileged to work every day to help patients and couples build families of their own.
How do you think the field of reproductive endocrinology will change in the next 5 years, in the next 10?
We are increasingly becoming a genetic and genomic specialty. I believe we will know whether offspring are at risk of thousands of genetic diseases, and I believe we will be able to diagnose and maybe even repair embryos before transfer. Fertility preservation will continue to become an essential part of routine care, and for those who struggle to produce viable eggs and sperm, artificial gametes may be on our near horizon. And access to care for all will hopefully become a reality for all whose dreams include family building.