Three Minutes on a Park Bench with Shweta Nayak MD

Patch partner Shweta Nayak MD of Reproductive Medicine Institute tells us the best business advice she's ever received and recommends three great books everyone should read.

Patch: How did you first start working in reproductive health?

Shweta Nayak MD: My first introduction to reproductive health was in medical school, during which I was exposed not only to reproductive endocrinology and infertility, but also to obstetrics, gynecology, and family planning. It was then that I realized the importance of access to care and patient education regarding reproductive health. Throughout my formative training years, I connected most with the medicine of reproductive endocrinology as well as with the couples starting their journey to build a family. For me, the most fulfilling part of the field has been the relationships built with the couples I've cared for, and simply being part of this very important journey.

Patch: The Reproductive Medicine Institute offers a lot of helpful advice about fertility treatments. How have fertility treatments changed over the years?

Shweta Nayak MD: We have become far more sophisticated with assisted reproductive technologies, including embryo culture, vitrification, and identifying strategies (morphokinetics, genetic screening) to identify best quality embryos which would lead to the highest chance for live birth. In addition, collectively as clinicians and researchers, from bench to bedside, we have improved our ability to identify the strategies that will lead to an improvement in clinically important outcomes.

Patch: If you had to recommend someone three books, what would they be and why?

Shweta Nayak MD: "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell -- if you've ever asked yourself what makes someone successful, this book may surprise you. Factors that lead to success may be more about where you're from and not necessarily who you are. "Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell -- an interesting look at factors that can lead ideas, trends, or behaviors to spread. "Lean In " by Sheryl Sandberg -- because she is an incredibly inspiring woman and role model.

Patch: Can you tell us a little bit about Reproductive Medicine Institute's mission?

Shweta Nayak MD: At Reproductive Medicine Institute, we are proud to provide fertility treatments to the greater Chicago, Illinois area. Our philosophy is to deliver a full spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the field of reproductive endocrinology/infertility (RE/I) using state-of-the-art facilities, modern technology, and the highest quality - yet completely personalized - medical care. Because we are dedicated to our patients and their goals to build a family, our 6 double-board certified physicians provide care to couples with a wide range of diagnoses and take pride in taking on challenging cases while maintaining high rate of success.

Patch: What's the best business advice you ever received?

Shweta Nayak MD: Never stop the dialogue or be afraid to ask how things can improve.

Patch: How are you involved in the Chicago community?

Shweta Nayak MD: I'm a member of the Junior League of Chicago, a community organization whose mission is to help at risk women and children in the Chicagoland area. I also volunteer for the Kevin J. Lederer Life foundation, whose goal is to provide grants for fertility services for patients in need.

Patch: What three questions should people ask themselves when choosing a fertility institute?

Shweta Nayak MD: What makes this clinic different the others? What is the clinic's experience and or treatment success with my condition? Do I feel comfortable with the provider and the staff?

Patch: What makes Reproductive Medicine Institute stand out from the competition?

Shweta Nayak MD: RMI is different from surrounding clinics because we understand the uniqueness of each couple's story and journey. Because of this, our approach is tailored, as is the recommended treatment plan. Additionally, at RMI, we aim to make the journey towards building a family a happy memory, not a stressful one- after all, we're in it together.

Patch: How can readers contact you or learn more about Reproductive Medicine Institute?

Shweta Nayak MD: www.teamrmi.com or 866.331.3336