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Event Recap: A Team Approach to Reproductive Care – How Collaboration Benefits Patients

On September 2, Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago (AFCC), Midwest Center for Women’s Healthcare (MCWHC), and Envision Pelvic Health & Wellness co-hosted a dynamic live panel discussion, A Team Approach to Reproductive Care.

This event brought together four leading experts to share their perspectives on how OB-GYNs, reproductive endocrinologists (REIs), and holistic providers can work together to provide the best possible care for patients on their fertility journey:

• Our own Dr. Olutunmike “Tumi” Kuyoro, MD – Reproductive Endocrinologist & Infertility Specialist

• Our own Dr. Eli Reshef, MD – Reproductive Endocrinologist & Infertility Specialist

• Dr. Madeleine Durand, MD – Obstetrician-Gynecologist, MCWHC

• Dr. Erika Darbro, PT, DPT, PRPC, PRFS – Founder & Owner, Envision Pelvic Health & Wellness

A Collaborative Care Model

The discussion focused on the benefits of a truly integrated approach to reproductive health, where different specialists work together to ensure patients receive comprehensive, seamless care. Panelists explained:

• When and why to see an OB-GYN, a fertility specialist, or a pelvic health provider.
  The panel emphasized that each provider plays a unique role. OB-GYNs often serve as the first point of contact, helping patients with initial screenings and general reproductive health needs. Fertility specialists bring advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options for patients facing challenges conceiving. Pelvic health providers can address issues like pelvic pain, muscle tension, and recovery after pregnancy or miscarriage—concerns that can directly impact fertility and overall well-being.
  
  

• What to expect at different points in the reproductive journey.
  Whether someone is just beginning to think about parenthood, actively trying to conceive, or already undergoing treatment, the panel encouraged patients to see care as a continuum. Early steps might involve routine exams, hormone testing, and lifestyle changes. Later phases may include fertility testing, intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF), or complementary therapies like pelvic floor rehabilitation.
  
  

• How collaboration between providers can help identify and address issues more quickly, leading to better outcomes.
  Open communication between different specialists means less time lost to repeated tests, fewer gaps in care, and a more personalized treatment plan. The panelists stressed that when providers work together—sharing findings, treatment notes, and observations—patients benefit from a more efficient, coordinated, and supportive experience.

Guests joined both in person and via AFCC’s Instagram Live (@advanced_fertility), allowing the panel to reach patients across the Chicago area and beyond. Whether attending on-site or tuning in online, participants walked away with practical insights and a deeper understanding of how a team-based approach can make a meaningful difference in their reproductive health journey.

Next Steps

Thank you to everyone who attended and to our co-hosts at MCWHC and Envision Pelvic Health & Wellness for making this event possible. If you still have questions or aren’t sure where to start on your fertility journey, we’re here to help—schedule a consultation with Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago today.

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