The Best Fertility Specialist for You in Sandton, Johannesburg – South Africa
As you search for a fertility specialist in Sandton, you will most likely begin to wonder how you will be able to tell which fertility specialist is the best one for you.
It is always helpful to define the concepts involved. Fertility is defined as the ability to conceive children. A specialist is defined as a person highly skilled in a particular field; who possess detailed knowledge and/or is involved in the study of this specific field.
In a fertility specialist, then, you are looking for a person who is highly skilled and has detailed knowledge of fertility issues and studies the field of fertility. There are, fortunately, many highly skilled fertility specialists in South Africa, particularly in Sandton and in Johannesburg, the economic hub of the country.
So how would you choose the best fertility specialist for you?
In addition to ensuring that the fertility specialist you choose is indeed a specialist, in other words – highly skilled and with advanced knowledge – you also need to make sure your fertility specialist is qualified and registered, has extensive experience and an encouraging success rate, is up-to-date with the latest fertility advances and research, has facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and extensive medical support, and – perhaps most importantly – is the best “fit” for you as a unique individual.
Let’s look at each of these points a little closer.
Qualifications
The right qualifications and credentials are minimum requirements when choosing a fertility specialist.
For example, listed below are the impressive qualifications held by Medfem’s four fertility specialists.
Dr Johan van Schouwenburg
One of Medfem Fertility Clinic’s founding members and directors, Dr van Schouwenburg is a Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, registered as Subspecialist in Reproductive medicine with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa. Along with Professor Kruger, he performed the first IVF treatment in South Africa at the Tygerberg hospital in 1983.
- MB.Ch.B. 1970 (Pretoria)
- D.A. (FRCS + FRCP) 1974 (London)
- M.Pharm.Med. 1977 (Pretoria)
- M.Med.(O+G) 1981 (Stellenbosch) Cum Laude
- M.C.O.G. (SA) 1981 (Stellenbosch) Prize for best candidate.
- M.R.C.O.G.1981 (London)
- M.D. 1984 (Stellenbosch)
- F.R.C.O.G.1996 (London)
Dr Antonio Rodrigues
Dr Antonio Rodrigues, a founding member and director of Medfem Fertility Clinic, is a qualified Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, a specialist in Time Urgency Stress and its effect on fertility, as well as an expert and leader in minimally invasive surgery.
Dr Rodriques was also part of the team that developed the antioxidant, vitamin and mineral complex, StaminoGro, which is known to assist with fertility. He is a recognised author in the field of infertility, speaks nationally and internationally on the subject, and is in high demand for his excellent teaching presentations.
- M.C.O.G. 1979 (University of the Witwatersrand)
- F.C.O.G. 1989 (University of the Witwatersrand)
- M.B.A. 2000 (Henley Management College London)
- Member of the S.A. Association of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy (SASREG)
- Member of the South African Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (SASOG)
Dr Nicholas Clark
Dr Nicholas Clark is a qualified Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, with experience gained across the world, and a director of Medfem Fertility Clinic. He worked with Professor Lord Robert Winston, a pioneer of his time in the field of fertility and particularly IVF. His specialities are fertility, fertility preservation and minimally invasive (laparoscopic) reproductive surgery, and he has an active interest in the role of complementary therapies.
- M.B. B.S. 1989 (University of London, University College & Middlesex School of Medicine Speciality: Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
- F.R.A.N.Z.C.O.G. 2012 (Royal Australia New Zealand College of Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
- F.C.O.G. 1999 (South African College of Medicine)
- Subspecialty Reproductive Medicine 2009 (Health Professions Council of South Africa)
- American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE)
- Royal Society of Medicine (RSM)
Be sure to check that the fertility specialist you select has the right qualifications. It would also be smart to check the qualifications of the medical and nursing professionals supporting your selected fertility specialist, such as the embryologists, theatre staff and pharmacists.
In addition, ensure that the fertility specialist you select operates from a clinic registered as an accredited IVF (In-vitro Fertilisation) unit with the Southern African Society for Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy (SASREG).
Experience
Another important factor to consider when selecting among various fertility specialists is their experience.
For example, the reproductive specialist team at Medfem Fertility Clinic has more than 100 years of collective experience diagnosing and treating infertility. Furthermore, when you join the Medfem Fertility Clinic team as a patient you will benefit not only from the expertise of their reproductive specialists but also from the combined knowledge and innovation of the entire team, including embryologists, theatre staff, lab technicians, pharmacists and nursing personnel.
During their more than 30 years of practice at Medfem Fertility Clinic, the team has performed an average of 1,100 IVF treatment cycles a year. This extensive experience will most certainly work in your favour as you undertake your journey to parenthood.
Expertise
Given the fact that fertility treatment can be a challenging journey, medically, emotionally and financially, give preference to fertility specialists with proven expertise in their field.
The fertility specialists at Medfem Fertility Clinic are nationally and internationally recognised as pioneers and innovators in the field of infertility treatment. For example, Dr Johan van Schouwenburg was involved in the first successful IVF treatment carried out in South Africa in 1983, while Dr Rodrigues is a well-known expert and leader in minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. Dr Clark’s experience extends across several countries, including working with Professor Lord Robert Winston, a pioneer of his time in the field of fertility and particularly IVF.
In addition, Medfem Fertility Clinic is a centre of excellence in research and development (R&D), developing new procedures and achieving scientific breakthroughs, while receiving international acclaim for the results and insights gleaned from their research. In this way, Medfem’s fertility specialists not only continually improve their own expertise and practice but also contribute to the development of the entire fertility community.
Success Rate
The success rates achieved by fertility specialists will also provide you with an indication of their skill to help you build a family.
For example, the pregnancy rates achieved by the fertility specialists at Medfem Fertility Clinic are among the highest in the nation, and well above the South African clinical pregnancy rates per embryo transfer for IVF and ICSI.
The team at Medfem Fertility Clinic is very proud of their high rate of pregnancies and live births per transfer, and to have assisted in over 16,000 successful pregnancies!
Facilities
Ensure that your chosen fertility specialist has access to world-class facilities, advanced equipment, a range of treatment options and a committed and qualified support team of medical and nursing professionals including embryologists, theatre staff and pharmacists.
The fertility specialists at Medfem Fertility Clinic have access to purpose-built facilities, with consultation offices, exam rooms, state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, a surgical suite and a pharmacy specialising in fertility medicine, all in one convenient location. As an independent practice, Medfem Fertility Clinic maintains the capacity to provide patients with cutting-edge technology and medical advancements that smaller clinics are unable to provide. Medfem Fertility Clinic also offers the full spectrum of fertility treatments including in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), assisted hatching, egg and sperm donation, gestational surrogacy, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), as well as more basic fertility procedures such as intrauterine inseminations (IUI).
In addition to the fertility specialists at Medfem Fertility Clinic, you will also find a highly qualified and experienced team including nursing specialists, embryologists, lab personnel, pharmacists, theatre and support staff, as well as a clinical phycologist specialising in fertility.
“Fit”
It is often difficult to know which fertility specialist is the best “fit” for your unique requirements.
However, the approach a fertility specialist takes to your fertility journey, as well as the testimonials from other patients will provide an indication of whether you and your fertility specialist will work well together.
For example, all the fertility specialists at Medfem Fertility Clinic share a commitment to earning the continuing trust and respect of their patients and colleagues. Proud of the enduring relationships created with the many individuals who have passed through Medfem’s doors, everyone at Medfem Fertility Clinic is dedicated to your success – from the receptionist, administration and finance team, and the nursing staff to the fertility specialists and embryologists.
It is Medfem’s mission is to provide patients with state-of-the-art fertility treatment, in a caring and comfortable environment, with One Goal: To Help You Build a Healthy Family.
Medfem’s promise to you is to remain a world-renowned fertility clinic driven by a team who cares, while offering a sanctuary for those with difficulties conceiving.
This approach is reflected in the individualised treatment plan, tailored to your unique situation, created with you by your Medfem fertility specialist, whether you are new to fertility treatments or have had treatment before or elsewhere. In addition, Medfem’s specialists, nurse practitioners, embryologists and clinical staff hold weekly patient care meetings, during which every patient’s protocol plan is reviewed, providing you with a well-coordinated, well-executed, holistic fertility experience… and some of the best success rates worldwide.
It is also helpful to read about the experience of other patients and the feedback they provide about a specialist.
Here are a few examples of what people have written about Medfem’s fertility specialists:
Not only are the doctors at Medfem Fertility Clinic leading experts in their field, but they are also accepting and compassionate towards anyone who wants to start a family. I will never be able to fully express my gratitude towards the staff at Medfem who consistently treated us with respect and dignity, and help us complete our family. Beth Rosen-Gouws
With sincere thanks to Dr Rodrigues, Sr Heather and Sr Krina, Mandy, and all the other staff who assisted in the creation of our little miracle baby girl. From the front receptionists to the back rooms, everyone was so personable, and very helpful in every aspect of our procedures. Everyone went out of their way to turn a difficult infertility journey into a more comfortable experience. Our little girl is the most precious gift we could ever be bestowed with. We are eternally grateful. Angela
The staff at the clinic were amazing. One never felt just like another patient number. My life has changed with your assistance and I welcomed the birth of my beautiful baby girl this year. Connie
You can read more heart-warming stories here….
Keeping these points in mind as you look for a fertility specialist in Sandton will ensure you not only select a specialist in the field of fertility, but also that you find the best fertility specialist for you and your unique circumstances.
If you would like to know more about the fertility specialists at Medfem Fertility Clinic, simply click here to book an initial consultation or contact us telephonically on +27 (11) 463 2244.
We look forward to meeting you!
At the first consultation, you will meet one of our four specialists to discuss your medical history, conduct a comprehensive infertility work up, explore the options, and start to plan your journey to parenthood.