Why a Fertility Specialist?
What is an infertility specialist?
Infertility specialists complete additional training (often known as a “fellowship”) in the sub-specialty field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) after completing a 4 year residency in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. Reproductive endocrinology and infertility training focuses on the reproductive health and infertility needs of women and usually takes three additional years of intensive, focused training. This means that most infertility specialists complete 7 additional years of training after graduation from medical school focused on the evaluation and treatment of women and their partners for infertility and other endocrine-related diseases that may impact women’s health. Current sub-specialty training also requires that all participants spend 18 months developing, and implementing a sophisticated basic science (laboratory) or clinical trial which represents their fellowship thesis. The written and oral defense of this thesis is a requirement for REI (sub-specialty) board certification.
Sub-specialty (REI) Board Certification
Physicians who are board certified in BOTH obstetrics and gynecology AND reproductive endocrinology and infertility undergo a rigorous 9-10 year board certification process that requires successfully passing 4 nationally administered examinations: (1) the general obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) written examination, (2) the general obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) oral examination, (3) the reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) written examination, and finally (4) the reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) oral examination. Examinations are authored, written, and implemented by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology(ABOG). Additionally, board certified physicians must “maintain” their certification annually through constant literature reviews and a written examination every 6 years.
This training process is designed to ensure that your physician can provide the safest, most efficient and effective fertility care.
Dr. Riggs is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive endocrinology and infertility.
Ready to Get Started?
To see how the Blue Sky Fertility can put your fertility goals in motion, call us at 816-301-5506 to schedule an appointment, or fill out the form and we will contact you.
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