Hey friends! Today, I want to share my thoughts on what it means to be a fertility doctor and the core beliefs that guide my interactions with my patients.
Be Transparent
First and foremost, my job as a physician is to prioritize the well-being of my patients. It may seem straightforward, but I, like many in this profession, chose medicine because I wanted to support both the medical and emotional needs of those I serve. My role is to present my patients with the best information based on solid medical evidence (think research studies), enabling them to make informed choices about their treatment. Sometimes, the news is uplifting: your chances look promising, and we can help you! Other times, the news might be tougher: your likelihood of conceiving is quite low, and we may need to explore alternative options. Regardless of the circumstances, I strive to deliver this information with compassion and guide my patients toward the best decisions.
Dedicate Yourself to the Treatment Plan
Once we’ve agreed on a treatment path based on the best available data, I am wholly committed to that plan. While adjustments may be necessary as we gather more insights during the process, my dedication to executing the treatment plan remains steadfast.
Pursue Continuous Improvement
This commitment involves attending conferences, reading medical journals, and staying updated on the latest research to ensure that the treatments I offer are firmly rooted in the most reliable medical information. If I encounter a question I can’t answer, I make it my mission to find the solution.
Utilize Information Judiciously
I don’t rush into the latest fertility trends. After two decades in this field, I’ve witnessed numerous fleeting ideas come and go. What seems promising at first often falls short under rigorous scientific examination. However, some innovative methods (like ICSI, egg and embryo vitrification, and microarray PGD) have proven effective. The advantage of our practice is that we can quickly adopt verified treatments into our offerings.
Focus on the Overall Health of Our Patients and Their Families
I feel a strong obligation to ensure that the treatment we provide is both safe and effective. This means safeguarding the health of not only the patient but also the fetus and baby. We are actively working to reduce the incidence of multiple pregnancies, even twins, because this is a crucial step we can take to enhance the health of our patients’ children.
Embrace Compassion
If a physician doesn’t take the time to truly understand their patients and their unique needs, how can they treat the whole person? I cherish the thank-you notes, baby announcements, and holiday greetings from my patients over the years. One of the greatest compliments I receive is from someone who struggled to conceive, saying, “Thank you for all you did. I know you tried your best and I felt well cared for.” That means the world to me.
In summary, my philosophy centers on honesty, commitment, continuous learning, judicious use of information, prioritizing patient safety, and compassion. These principles guide my practice and help me support my patients throughout their fertility journeys.
For more insights on recovery and comfort post-pregnancy, check out our blog post on postpartum vaginal recovery. If you’re considering at-home insemination, resources like BabyMaker offer excellent products to support your journey.