Reproductive Endocrinology Infertility
Director: Kim Thornton, M.D.
Mission
The mission of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility is to provide a broad spectrum of investigative and therapeutic modalities for the full range of reproductive endocrine and fertility disorders. The division provides cutting-edge research and education for future physicians and the community.
Clinical Care
Chairman Dr. John Yeh, along with the reproductive endocrinologists at Boston IVF, comprise the faculty for the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology at BIDMC. Boston IVF physicians include ten reproductive endocrinologists, who are all board certified/eligible. Boston IVF is one of the largest assisted reproductive technology (ART) programs in the United States and has assisted in the births of over 20,000 babies. Boston IVF is based primarily in Waltham, Massachusetts, with additional sites throughout New England, and a Boston location just four blocks from the BIDMC. Clinical services include ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), oocyte and embryo freezing, fertility preservation (oocyte and sperm cryopreservation) blastocyst culture, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), egg donation, and gestational carrier programs. Boston IVF also offers a clinical program in fertility preservation for patients undergoing cancer treatment. Surgical procedures performed at Boston IVF include diagnostic and operative endoscopy (laparoscopy/hysteroscopy) for developmental and acquired abnormalities of the reproductive tract. Major surgical procedures include procedures to correct developmental uterine anomalies, uterine fibroids, and severe endometriosis.
Boston IVF recognizes the impact that stress has on fertility and offers a mind-body-medicine program which utilizes a complementary treatment program as well as conventional medicine. The Mind/Body medicine program includes acupuncture, mind/body techniques, and yoga, and a full range of mental health services.
Education
The Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) provides a well-rounded program of teaching and clinical activities to enable students, residents, and fellows to become well versed in the basic science as a foundation upon which to build a strong understanding and competency in clinical evaluation and management. The division has three reproductive endocrinology fellows who are actively involved in clinical and research endeavors. Residency education takes place in the second year on a five week rotation, during which time the resident works with the clinical fellow on the service, participates in faculty infertility clinics at Boston IVF, and assists with surgery at Boston IVF and BIDMC. At BIDMC, a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Consultation clinic is overseen by Dr. John Yeh, and includes the third year reproductive endocrinology fellow and second year resident on service. Consultations include women with complex reproductive endocrine disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, ovarian failure, congenital anomalies, and a myriad of other reproductive endocrine conditions.
The division sponsors a weekly Reproductive Endocrine conference at BIDMC, which is a multidisciplinary conference attended and conducted by members of the REI service as well as outside consultants to discuss basic science, clinical care, and treatment options. REI faculty participate regularly in the Resident Didactic Series, and annually in the Department Journal Club. In addition, a monthly Reproductive Endocrine lecture series is held at the Boston IVF clinical site featuring invited leaders in the reproductive and medical endocrinology community. Journal club is held monthly at Boston IVF. Residents and fellows are involved in all in-hospital medical management and surgical care of the patients admitted under the aegis of the division, as well as actively participating in the ambulatory patient care service. Residents are encouraged to become involved in either clinical or basic research projects while on our service or during elective time. The faculty, fellows, and residents regularly present original research at regional, national, and international meetings.
Fellowship Program
Alan Penzias, MD
Director
The Division offers an American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology approved fellowship training program at BIDMC in Reproductive Endocrine and Infertility.
