In February 2017, we received an intriguing call from Washingtonian magazine. Associate editor, Clara Thompson, expressed interest in exploring the origins of our fertility clinic and the relentless passion that fueled our 25 years of growth. She sought insights from our leadership, medical staff, and the referring physicians who guide patients to us every year. Clara aimed to uncover the journey of how we evolved from a modest clinic with only three doctors to the largest fertility center in the nation, now boasting 25 locations, 39 physicians, and over 40,000 births. We felt honored to share our story, especially about our visionary founders who never anticipated reaching such impressive heights.
The Heart of Our Mission
The straightforward explanation for our expansion might seem that we aimed for this level of success from the start, but that’s not the truth. Our mission, or as co-founder Dr. James Carter puts it, our “Golden Rule,” has consistently been about prioritizing patient care. “It’s all about the patient. Simple as that,” he emphasizes. This principle may look different for each patient but centers on delivering exceptional service, increasing access to affordable treatments, and assisting the one in eight couples who require help to conceive.
Clara dedicated hours to speaking with key figures from our organization, including co-founders James Carter, M.D., and Sarah Wilson, M.D.; CEO, Mark Davis; Laboratory Director, Tom Evans; and Medical Director, Lisa Chen, M.D. She also reached out to local OB/GYNs and former patients to understand how our practice is viewed outside our walls.
Mindful Expansion
Through her interviews, Clara discovered that our growth wasn’t the product of a grand blueprint; instead, it’s characterized by thoughtful decisions that become apparent the moment you enter our facilities. The design of our offices, especially the newly opened ones, reflects our commitment to patient comfort. However, as Dr. Carter pointed out, all the aesthetics mean little without affordable treatment options.
Bridging Financial Barriers
Financial constraints have long posed challenges for couples seeking fertility assistance. In 1992, Dr. Carter witnessed a patient facing a heart-wrenching choice between IVF and adoption, both fraught with costs and uncertainties. This moment sparked the creation of our flagship Shared Risk 100% Refund Program, which guarantees a baby or a full refund, inspired by a patient’s emotional struggle for options. Initially controversial, this approach gained ethical approval from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
Success Rates That Matter
Even with improved access, the primary question remains: Will the treatment work? According to Dr. Emily Roberts, an OB/GYN with a local hospital, our impressive success rates are a key reason why he refers patients to us. For instance, recent data shows that our live birth rates for women under 35 reached 48.8%, significantly outpacing local competitors.
This success is attributed to years of refining our methods and a commitment to high-quality care. Dr. Timothy Hall, another OB/GYN, notes that the volume of patients at larger centers allows for greater expertise in handling complex cases.
Empathetic Patient Care
Take the story of Anna and her partner, Mike, who, after multiple miscarriages, sought help as a last resort. They met with Dr. Rachel Green at our clinic, and Anna recalls, “He spoke to me as a person, not just a patient. When I started crying, he handed me a tissue. It made me feel valued.” Today, they are proud parents of a lively three-year-old.
Educational Outreach
Understanding fertility issues can be daunting, so we work tirelessly to provide accurate information when individuals or couples need it most. Our dedicated team organizes numerous educational events for both prospective patients and healthcare providers, ensuring everyone stays informed about fertility treatments.
This year, we will host nearly 120 free events for patients and close to 250 for medical professionals. This collaboration with local OB/GYNs ensures they are well-equipped to refer patients who need specialized care.
Advocacy for the Future
At our clinic, prioritizing patients extends beyond those currently seeking treatment; it encompasses future patients as well. We take our role in raising awareness about infertility seriously, believing it is our responsibility to advocate for those who suffer in silence. This includes sharing patient stories, educating medical professionals, and even testifying before lawmakers when necessary. Advocacy is a continuous effort, and we are proud of our involvement in legislative changes that improve access to care.
Despite numerous interviews and extensive discussions, Clara only scratched the surface of what makes our clinic unique. She missed the everyday interactions among our team and patients—the laughter, the tears, the friendships that have formed over years of shared commitment to a vital cause. It takes a compassionate and dedicated team to make fertility treatment accessible and understandable. Through innovation and an unwavering focus on improving success rates, we continue to grow.
Ultimately, our commitment to doing what’s best for our patients knows no geographic bounds and encompasses anyone in need of support. For more insights about home insemination, check out our post about Independence Day celebrations. You might also want to read about practical tools for success, like the Cryobaby Home IntraCervical Insemination Syringe Kit, which can aid in family-building efforts. For more information on intrauterine insemination, visit this excellent resource.
Summary
In summary, our journey from a small clinic to the largest fertility center in the country has been driven by a commitment to patient care, thoughtful growth, and advocacy. We continue to prioritize the needs of our patients and strive to make fertility treatments accessible and successful.