Education and Fertility
At the Center for fertility and Gynecology in Los Angeles, our doctors and staff believe that patient education is a critical aspect to successful fertility treatment. From explaining in vitro fertilization (IVF) to demonstrating the proper use of medication, we make sure that our patients understand every detail about the fertility process.
Many people do not necessarily see their doctor as a “teacher”. In fact, in old fashioned models of medicine, the doctor assumed a role more similar to a dictator than a teacher. The doctor would give an order and the patient was simply expected to follow.
In some fields of medicine, this old model persists. In neurosurgery for example, the surgeon determines the problem and decides on the course of treatment. There is very little interaction and planning between the patient and doctor. In fact, the patient is under anesthesia for the majority of the time they spend with their doctor!
Fertility treatment is different. Patients play a much more active role in determining their treatment course. Patient’s desire, ideology, personal situation and economic state must be considered just as their hormone levels and ultrasound results. This is why education is so important. While the doctor can give advice based on the medical findings, they cannot readily incorporate the patient’s personal situation. To truly provide the appropriate treatment both the medical and personal need be considered. Therefore, education provides the link for the patient and doctor to understand all the factors as a team and eventually make the best decisions for the patient.
Our commitment to education extends beyond patient care. All of the doctors at the Center for Fertility and Gynecology are also involved in training new health care professionals. From teaching surgery to residents at USC, to lecturing about reproductive physiology and IVF to acupuncturists at Yo San University, to inviting medical and nursing students to observe in the office, our practice is dedicated to continuing the art and science of reproductive medicine.
If you would like to learn more about our practice feel free to contact us, we will be happy to speak with you.
