During Collaborative Care’s early years, collaboration was quite a challenge. I would reach out to doctors of my patients, translating Chinese medical protocol to biomedical terminology as best I could. The reality is that they are very different medicines. And in many cases there would be crickets. But I persisted because of my conviction that communication between caregivers is essential to a successful outcome. I still get crickets from some doctors but have great communication with others.
When I started my practice I wanted a name that captured my beliefs and methodology. Women and couples would receive quality care from an experienced provider who would collaborate with their reproductive endocrinologist and ob/gyn.
Since then, Collaborative Care has taken on a fuller meaning. My patients are collaborators too. They are peppered with questions that seem to be unrelated to fertility. They must report bowel movements, cervical mucous, gas, as well as irritability, anxiety and depression. This, of course, is easier for some to do than others!
In keeping with my last post on gratitude, quality individualized fertility care depends to a great extent on you – showing up, keeping track of those critical details that help me formulate the best protocol on a given day. This level of engagement and openness takes work and… collaboration.
In February, my posts will be focusing on diminished ovarian reserve. I will cover common scenarios, along with patient accounts of outcomes with treatment. I hope these stories help women to understand their options and navigate their fertility journey with more comfort and confidence. Stay tuned!
