Growing up in a musical family, my father, a conductor and horn player, had a vision for each of his five kids to play an instrument. I chose the oboe, an instrument notorious for its challenges—often described as “an ill wind that nobody blows good.” Despite its difficulties, I was determined to master it. I learned from some of the best oboists and conductors from prestigious symphonies in cities like Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Chicago. I was fortunate to be influenced by legendary figures such as Leonard Bernstein and Aaron Copland. Working with such masters taught me that while there are various paths to achieving excellence, it’s essential to pursue them with dedication and precision.
Although I haven’t played in an orchestra for years, those formative experiences shape my daily practice in medicine. The dynamics of a symphony mirror the collaborative effort we put into patient care. An orchestra is comprised of nearly a hundred individuals, each with unique backgrounds and talents, all guided by a conductor who interprets the composer’s vision. In the same way, at our clinic, we craft tailored treatment plans and lead a talented team dedicated to the singular goal of providing exceptional care. It’s a privilege to work with patients who trust us with their health, and we continuously strive to enhance our fertility technologies and success rates.
Reflecting on my career choices, I realize that my interest in fertility medicine stemmed from the same sense of structure and wonder that I experienced while learning the oboe. The announcement of the first successful IVF pregnancy was a pivotal moment for me—an incredible application of medical technology that brought joy to families. This inspired me to pursue medical education at Indiana University, followed by residency at the University of Pittsburgh’s Magee-Womens’ Hospital, and ultimately a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at USC.
At USC, I was surrounded by pioneers in fertility technology, including Roger Lobo, who was making significant strides in ovulation induction and PCOS. The groundbreaking work on oocyte donation was revolutionary, and I was proud to contribute to this field. After completing my fellowship, I returned to Chicago to help establish an IVF program at a local university, merging the best practices from both coasts and innovating new techniques for various fertility challenges.
California beckoned, and in 1991, I joined a fertility center in San Francisco. I had the honor of working alongside Dr. Bennett, who shared a visionary approach to patient-centered fertility care. In 1999, we joined forces with other esteemed colleagues, forming our current practice, dedicated to quality and compassionate care.
Throughout my career, I’ve had numerous opportunities to integrate technology into patient care. I even patented an embryo transfer system, and we were pioneers in establishing one of the first fertility support websites. My wife also played a key role in creating resources that continue to educate patients today. Our ongoing focus on genetics and fertility preservation is paving the way for exciting new advancements.
Now, as a husband and father of three wonderful daughters, I find joy in a variety of activities including skiing, music, and aviation. I’ve been honored with awards recognizing my contributions to the field and enjoy sharing my knowledge with aspiring doctors at a local university. I am continually reminded of the unique nature of our profession and feel proud to be part of the ongoing evolution of reproductive medicine.
If you’re interested in home insemination, you can find valuable insights in our blog, including essential tips on car seat safety for your little ones. For those considering at-home options, make sure to check out the Cryobaby at-home insemination kit, which is highly regarded in the community. And if you’re looking for more information on pregnancy and related topics, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development is an excellent resource.
In summary, my journey from music to medicine has been filled with learning, collaboration, and innovation. Each experience has shaped my approach to fertility care, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to this vital field.