Reproductive Physician |
Career OverviewA reproductive physician works with couples or individuals that are having difficulty in conceiving. A reproductive physician may assist with diagnosing or treating fertility related disease or conditions and working with patients to explore options for having children. Often the reproductive physician may suggest options such as fertility drugs, embryo implanting, artificial insemination or other therapies or medications.
Since having children and families is a very important issue to most couples a reproductive physician must be able to talk to both women and men about the reality of their ability to conceive and options that they may have. Excellent communication skills plus an ability to work with patients is very important. For alternative treatments such as implantation or artificial fertilization the reproductive physician works with the couple to understand all aspects of the procedure and possible complications.
A reproductive physician must be very aware of current research and practices in reproductive therapies and fertility for both male and female clients. Some of the issues that a reproductive physician may work with are:
- Sperm counts and motility
- Reproductive surgery
- Egg donation
- Artificial insemination
- Congenital abnormalities
- Endometriosis
- Vasectomy reversals
A reproductive physician often works with both the male and female patients to help with understanding and medical issues around fertility. Many reproductive physicians work closely with therapists and mental health workers that can provide additional required support to clients struggling with infertility or reproductive issues.
The reproductive physician may also work with patients that have abnormalities of the reproductive organs or those that may have cancer or other health conditions. The reproductive physician may be able to recommend surgical procedures or other drug therapies that would allow the couple to conceive.
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Career RequirementsA reproductive physician is a specialized doctor that has completed an undergraduate and graduate program as well as a residency in gynecology or obstetrics. This residency is usually two or three years of additional practical and theoretical training. After completing the residency the doctor then completes the examinations to become Board Certified reproductive physician.
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Job OutlookIncreasing numbers of women and men are interested in trying new methods to conceive and have their own children. As the science of reproductive fertility continues to impact on family’s lives and is reported in the news the demand for the services of reproductive physicians will continue to increase.
The United States Department of Labor reports that the demand for all types of physicians will continue to increase at higher than average rates until the year 2014. This trend is anticipated to continue in the future, especially for specialized doctors such as reproductive physicians.
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Career TrackThere are several options for a reproductive physician once they have experience working in the field. Most will choose to open their own practice and will see patients on either a self-referral or other physician referral basis. Other experienced reproductive physicians may return to medical schools and universities to both research and teach as faculty members.
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CompensationA reproductive physician usually works in a private practice and may take patient referrals from other doctors, especially ob/gyn physicians. The average salary for a reproductive physician in the United States is $258,000. Those reproductive physicians with experience working in private practices may earn over $400,000 per year, but will have additional expenses associated with private practice.
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