Let me share a bit about my life and career with you. My childhood began with my parents’ divorce, leading my dad to move our family of five to the United States. We started in Washington, D.C., where I attended a French school for a year before switching to a local parochial school. Growing up, I cherished ballet lessons, camping adventures, art projects, and countless escapades with my best friend, Lucia.
During my high school years, we relocated to Boston due to my father’s job change. I spent three years at Brookline High School, where I was introduced to a wide range of subjects. Science quickly became my passion, and my dad suggested I study Latin, the foundation for many scientific terms. I also found myself captivated by Asian philosophy and art, leading me to take Mandarin classes for three years.
When it came time to choose a college, I sought a strong science program that would allow me to continue my Mandarin studies. This quest took me to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where I majored in Microbiology. A research opportunity through my work-study job blossomed into my Honors thesis. Simultaneously, I pursued a minor in Asian Studies and was fortunate enough to be among the first ten American exchange students at Beijing Normal University. This was a dream come true, especially since the country was just opening up to Western visitors. I spent a summer in Taiwan to enhance my language skills and then lived in Beijing for a year. I seized every chance to travel, exploring areas of China that hadn’t seen foreigners in decades. My language abilities allowed me to connect with locals in ways that would have been impossible otherwise. As the saying goes, I learned more about myself than I did about the Chinese culture, highlighting the beauty of traveling outside one’s comfort zone. I celebrated my 21st birthday in China!
Upon my return to the U.S., I wanted to reconnect with my French family. I worked in Paris for a year, traveling extensively across Europe. Eventually, I returned to the States and settled in Palo Alto, working with a biotech startup. During this period, I faced a pivotal decision: pursue an MD in medicine or a PhD in research. Choosing the MD path aligned best with my aspirations, and two years later, I enrolled in medical school at UC Davis.
My focus was on women’s health, particularly fertility treatment, as it combined scientific, ethical, and surgical dimensions that resonated with me. When I applied for residency, my mentor suggested a new UCSF program that integrated residency with a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship. Although it required a significant commitment of seven years, my interview confirmed it was the perfect fit. I was thrilled to be accepted and launched my career at UCSF.
I completed my residency and fellowship, then joined the faculty at UCSF for a few years, engaging in research on endometriosis and its impact on fertility. In 2000, I took a leap and partnered with four colleagues to establish a unique fertility center. We created a state-of-the-art laboratory, assembled a dedicated team, and developed a blend of personal care with the expertise of seasoned fertility specialists.
During my residency at UCSF, I met my husband, who was also in training as an Internal Medicine resident. After completing his Chief Residency, he pursued a fellowship in Gastroenterology. Luckily, we both finished our training while calling San Francisco home. We are blessed with three wonderful daughters who love adventures, sports, and travel. Although none of them aspire to become doctors, all have generous hearts and engage in careers that give back to the community.
Outside of work, I relish spending time with my family, enjoying good food and wine, watching foreign films, reading, photography, yoga, and savoring quiet moments. I feel privileged to work in a field that profoundly impacts people’s lives and dreams. Every birth announcement is a reminder of this privilege, while each unsuccessful treatment cycle fuels my commitment to do my best.
If you’re curious about when you can take a newborn outside, you might find this post interesting! Also, for those exploring home insemination, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination. And if you’re thinking about an at-home insemination kit, visit this authority on the topic.
Summary
Isabelle Ryan’s journey from childhood to a career in fertility care is a testament to her passion for science and helping others. Her experiences studying abroad, her medical training, and her commitment to women’s health have shaped her into a dedicated fertility specialist. Outside of work, she enjoys family time and various hobbies, all while cherishing the privilege of impacting lives through her profession.