SL_RMA Profile_0821 . qxp_Layout 1 8 / 31 / 21 3 : 31 PM Page 2 “ Because of preimplantation genetic test - to offer world - class care in a highly individ - ing , we improve our patients ’ pregnancy ualized way . rates and reduce the risk of miscarriage . ” “ Our goal is to break fertility care down IVF remains an option for many patients in a way that is approachable , understandable who come to RMA with fertility issues . New and manageable for our patients ; we want research published by RMA suggests that to demystify the process , ” explains Jacqueline genetic testing helps to improve the likelihood N . Gutmann , M.D . , FACOG , a reproductive of a successful pregnancy — and a healthy endocrinologist who has been helping people baby — with a single round of IVF , according build their families in the Philadelphia area to Dr . Castelbaum . since 1993 , and as part of RMA since 2009 . “ In “ The power of technology gives us the order to facilitate care , each patient has their ability to focus on getting pregnant on the own team of specialists including their doctor , first try with a genetically tested embryo and fertility nurse , and financial coordinator . This a high likelihood of success , ” he says . “ Not helps keep our patients informed about all only is IVF great for having your first child , aspects of their care through their fertility but frozen genetically tested embryos can journey . To further assist our patients , we be used for a second or third children with have a team of patient navigators . ” equally high pregnancy rates . The uterus Arthur J . Castelbaum , M.D . , FACOG , started does not age . ” practicing in 1994 . As a reproductive endocri - RMA provides world - class care for all nologist , he enjoys helping patients achieve patients , including hopeful single parents their goal of starting or adding to their families . and LGBTQ + individuals . Dr . Gutmann notes He also appreciates the opportunity to coach that care is tailored to each patient . “ In order patients through the whirlwind of emotions to make a baby , you still need eggs , you still they may feel along the way . need sperm , you still need a uterus ; how “ For some patients , it’s overwhelming that comes together depends on each situa - and complicated , ” Dr . Castelbaum says . tion , ” she says . “ We work with our patients “ Nursing is complicated , insurance is com - to bring these elements together to help plicated , medicine is complicated , but it them build their families . ” shouldn’t get in the way of your dreams and Put another way , RMA of Philadelphia your goals . You want someone who can help offers fertility options for patients of all back - you unpack that emotion and experience . ” grounds and circumstances , giving everyone To help , every patient is paired with a the chance to build a family in a way that dedicated nurse who works with them makes them feel cared for and comfortable . through every facet of the process . Financial From top : Dr . Arthur J . Castelbaum , As Dr . Thorne suggests , there’s no such consultants help each patient untangle com - Dr . Jeffrey T . Thorne , Dr . Jacqueline N . Gutmann thing as a “ traditional ” family . plicated insurance questions . The organization “ When we say full - service fertility practice , also provides access to other resources — dedicated care team will hopefully help in we mean it , ” he says . “ That looks different acupuncture , mental health , and legal services , reducing some of the anxiety associated for everyone , and our services reflect that . for example — to ensure the entire range of with seeking care . We also want patients to Many people are intimidated to see a fertility a patient’s needs are met . know that there is not a one - size - fits - all ap - doctor , but we move at your pace and your “ We want our patients to be as comfort - proach . For patients experiencing infertility , speed . We want this process to be educa - able as possible in what can be a very stressful miscarriages , or other reproductive challenges , tional ; I want my patients to know what situation , ” says Jeffrey T . Thorne , M.D . , a re - our job is to evaluate what’s going on and I’m looking for and why . By doing that , productive endocrinologist who joined RMA work with each patient to determine what we’re able to demystify fertility treatments in 2019 after completing a fellowship in the right path forward for them should be . ” and customize the care provided to each of infertility and in vitro fertilization , or IVF . “ We our patients . ” offer personalized care and a dedicated team Most importantly , the physicians and fer - for each patient , eliminating the need to re - Opportunity through Innovation tility specialists at RMA of Philadelphia strive introduce themselves to a new face each RMA of Philadelphia’s approach to care in - to help patients achieve their goal : bringing time they come in for treatment . ” corporates the full array of the medical and ? new life into the world . For all patients , the process begins with laboratory advances pioneered by RMA’s in - an initial consultation . This is where members ternational team of specialists . IVF is a good of the medical team get to know each per - example . RMA of Philadelphia D son’s history — medically and personally , as “ RMA is at the forefront of next - gen - RMA of Philadelphia has multiple well as any previous fertility treatments they eration sequencing and preimplantation o?ces in the area , both in the city may have tried . genetic testing with IVF , ” explains Dr . and surrounding suburbs . Call ( 215 ) “ Coming to see a fertility specialist may Thorne , whose research interests include 922 - 1556 or visit RMANetwork.com seem overwhelming and scary , ” says Dr . investigating how preimplantation genetic for more information . Gutmann . “ Knowing that you will have a testing facilitates successful IVF outcomes . SUBURBANLIFEMAGAZINE.COM AUGUST 2021 | 39