Growing up on a small farm in Kansas, I was raised by parents who placed a high value on education. Financial stability was often elusive, but it was in the 7th grade that I realized my dream of becoming a doctor. Two figures greatly inspired me: my local primary care physician, who I admired deeply, and our family veterinarian.
Getting into medical school was a goal I worked hard to achieve, and I was thrilled to be accepted at Northwestern University. During my time there, I developed a passion for both endocrinology and surgery, which eventually led me to discover the fascinating field of reproductive endocrinology. The challenge of solving hormonal puzzles and the excitement surrounding laparoscopic surgery captivated me, steering me toward an Obstetrics and Gynecology residency.
In my first year as a resident, I had the incredible opportunity to meet Dr. Patrick, the pioneer behind the first IVF baby. That encounter solidified my aspiration to pursue a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology. Although IVF had not yet been introduced in the U.S., I sensed a coming wave of innovation that would transform the field. Those of us who recognized this potential were ready to ride that wave.
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) was home to the best fellowship for both Pediatric and Reproductive Endocrinology, and I was fortunate that my partner, Sarah, was also accepted there to focus on Pediatric Endocrinology. I became part of the inaugural team to perform IVF at UCSF in 1984.
After completing my fellowship, I had several job offers, but UCSF invited me to stay as a faculty member. Sarah’s research at St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, led us to relocate there, just as laser surgery was taking off. In 1989, UCSF reached out again, and we decided it was time to find a permanent home after our nomadic careers.
As a professor at UCSF, I had the privilege of training many aspiring infertility specialists, including my partner, Dr. Emily Grant, who was one of my first fellows. During my teaching tenure, I received the Outstanding Teacher Award, which reaffirmed my belief in the importance of clear communication with my patients. Teaching is one of the aspects of my work that I cherish the most.
In 1995, I took on the role of chief of gynecology at UCSF, but in 1999, I made the decision to establish what is now known as our fertility clinic.
Outside of medicine, I have a few passions that keep me grounded, including music, meditation, and cycling. However, my true love is snow skiing. Yoga has also played a significant role in my life, helping me overcome severe back pain I faced during medical school. My yoga instructor taught me how to correctly align my body, and since then, I have been pain-free. It’s a reminder that alternative medicine can wonderfully complement traditional practices.
Every five years, I return to my small Kansas hometown, which swells from 1,200 to 3,000 people during the “Old Settler’s Reunion.” It’s a special time for me, reflecting on how far I’ve come—from a farm boy to a physician in San Francisco. I feel incredibly fortunate to live in the Bay Area and to help my patients achieve their dreams.
If you’re curious about navigating your own fertility journey, check out our blog post about a couple’s experience with home insemination, which offers great insights. For more on the specifics of artificial insemination, Make a Mom is an excellent resource. Also, WebMD provides valuable information about IUI success rates that you might find helpful.
In summary, my journey has been filled with unexpected turns and rewarding experiences, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support others on their paths to parenthood.