Join us as we learn from Dr. Brindha Bhavan, an OB/GYN and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialist, about some of the unique challenges that healthcare providers face in becoming parents, and different pathways of fertility preservation and infertility treatments that are available.

Get CME/MOC credit for listening here!

Show Notes
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Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand differences in fertility and family planning between physicians and non-physicians outside of the medical field.
  2. Understand different methods of fertility planning and preservation.
  3. List the benefits and limitations of egg/embryo freezing.
  4. Know the time and financial considerations of fertility preservation.

[00:00-00:31] Introduction to The DEI Shift Podcast

[00:31-01:33] Meet Dr. Brinda Bhavan
  • Host Dr. Pooja Jaeel welcomes Dr. Brindha Bhavan, a clinical assistant professor in reproductive endocrinology and infertility.
  • Dr. Bhavan shares her multicultural upbringing and how it shaped her perspective on cultural humility.
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[01:34-05:03] Step in Your Shoes: Dr. Bhavan's Multicultural Upbringing
  • Dr. Bhavan describes her diverse childhood experiences, going to a Greek Orthodox school, having neighbors of different religions, and attending a large public high school with a multicultural friend group.
  • This exposure to various cultures prepared her to better understand and care for patients from diverse backgrounds.

[05:04-11:41] Challenges in Family Planning for Medical Professionals
  • Medical professionals face unique challenges in family planning due to: Loan burden and financial limitations, Demanding schedules with limited time for personal life, Uprooting lives due to training requirements, Age impacting fertility, particularly for women
  • Data suggests infertility rates are twice as high among medical professionals compared to the general population.

[11:42-18:20] Fertility Preservation Methods Explained
  • The two main methods are egg freezing and embryo freezing.
    • Egg freezing is suitable for those unsure about a partner or sperm choice.
    • Embryo freezing involves fertilization, blastocyst development, and optional genetic testing.
  • Costs vary; egg freezing is generally cheaper than embryo freezing.
  • Benefits and limitations of each method should be discussed with a doctor.

[18:21-27:10] Navigating Medical Training and Fertility Treatments
  • Calls to action exist to increase awareness about fertility preservation among medical professionals.
  • Options for family building include adoption, fostering, and assisted reproductive technologies.
  • Understanding the biological differences between men and women regarding egg and sperm production is crucial.
  • Women have a limited window for optimal egg quality and quantity.
  • Men have ongoing sperm production with minimal decline until later in life.

[27:11-30:27] Political Landscape and Advocacy in Reproductive Health
  • The Dobbs decision and its impact on personhood assigned to embryos create anxieties for some patients.
  • Patients facing relocation may need to consider the legal landscape regarding embryos in different states. 

[30:28-31:28] Conclusion and Final Thoughts
  • There's no perfect age for fertility preservation; it's an individual decision.
  • Early discussion with an OB/GYN or Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialist is recommended.
  • Balancing demanding training schedules with fertility procedures can be challenging.
  • Advocating for flexibility and support from training program leadership is crucial.

[31:29-33:24] Outro and Credits

Credits:
Guest: Dr. Brindha Bhavan
Host/Co-Executive Producer: Dr. Pooja Jaeel
Executive Producer: Dr. Tammy Lin
Co-Executive Producers: Dr. Pooja Jaeel, Dr. Maggie Kozman
Senior Producer: Dr. DJ Gaines
Managing Producer: Joanna Jain
Production Assistants: Clara Baek, Ann Truong
Website/Art Design: Ann Truong
Music: Chris Dingman https://www.chrisdingman.com

Resources
Bakkensen JB, Smith KS, Cheung EO, Moreno PI, Goldman KN, Lawson AK, Feinberg EC. Childbearing, Infertility, and Career Trajectories Among Women in Medicine. JAMA Netw Open. 2023 Jul 3;6(7):e2326192. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.26192. PMID: 37498595; PMCID: PMC10375303.

Lee A, Kuczmarska-Haas A, Dalwadi SM, Gillespie EF, Ludwig MS, Holliday EB, Chino F. Family Planning, Fertility, and Career Decisions Among Female Oncologists. JAMA Netw Open. 2022 Oct 3;5(10):e2237558. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.37558. PMID: 36315148; PMCID: PMC9623435.

Lucidi RS. Abdominal pain and distension seven days after egg retrieval for planned IVF. In: Chelmow D, Isaacs CR, Carroll A, eds. Acute Care and Emergency Gynecology: A Case-Based Approach. Cambridge University Press; 2014:187-189.

Disclaimer

The DEI Shift podcast and its guests provide general information and entertainment, but not medical advice. Before making any changes to your medical treatment or execution of your treatment plan, please consult with your doctor or personal medical team. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by The DEI Shift. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by The DEI Shift team are those of each individual, and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The DEI Shift team and its guests, employers, sponsors, or organizations we are affiliated with.
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