UAB Fertility is dedicated to helping patients achieve fertility success with a caring, personalized approach and access to a wide range of services, including male and female fertility testing, ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination, sperm and egg banking, fertility preservation before cancer treatment, and reproductive surgery. With a state-of-the-art laboratory and multi-disciplinary specialists with experience in complex assisted reproductive technology techniques, we have expertise in IVF (in vitro fertilization), embryo biopsy for pre-implantation genetic testing, and third-party reproduction using donor eggs, donor sperm, and gestational surrogacy.
Meet some of the team behind UAB Fertility
As a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility specialist at UAB, I have the unique opportunity to help patients build their families – to be involved with them in the most intimate, rewarding, often gut-wrenching but extremely meaningful, aspects of their lives. As we work through infertility together, I have the privilege of not only encouraging them in dark times but also celebrating with them in the best of times, and ultimately, I get the chance to be a small part of their family – a gift that is truly priceless. Additionally, an aspect of this field that drew me in and that continues to inspire me daily, is the fact that my patients are the most dedicated, hard-working, committed, and compliant women – they will do anything necessary and in their power to get to the common goal of pregnancy, and I respect that so much. They juggle so many facets of life – infertility, a full-time job, family, busy schedules, etc. – with such ease and strength, which is so admirable. Last, but not certainly not least, by serving as the Director of Fertility Preservation Services at UAB REI, I get to meet with newly diagnosed cancer patients in the reproductive age range, discuss fertility goals and how to protect them, and ultimately provide a glimmer of hope for their future life of survivorship; amidst their busy schedule of chemo appointments and consults, a quick phone call or in person visit with UAB REI to talk through fertility preservation and family building goals may be the only positivity in their day, and I’m so thankful to get to provide that hope for so many.
– Sukhkamal Campbell MD MSCI
In my nursing career, my background has primarily been involved with critically ill patients in the intensive care unit. Recently, I have been fortunate enough to get involved with the care of patients in the REI field. So far, I have seen how emotionally challenging and how incredibly rewarding this job is. We are there for their cancelled cycles, negative pregnancy tests, and miscarriages. However, we also get to see the positive pregnancy tests and joy when they get to see those results. We get to bring comfort, knowledge, and support to these patients every day. We experience the journey with our patients, and I’m so happy to get to be a part of such an awesome team!
– Eleanor Cornutt RN
I previously worked as an OB/GYN nurse for 12 years, and then transitioned over to REI and have been here for almost 4 years. Being part of the beginning phases of a patients journey to conceive is both difficult and rewarding. We form close relationships with couples who sometimes remain ongoing patients for years. We are often communicating sad news to these patients and work hard to offer compassion and support during these hard times. It brings me such joy to be able to see the patients succeed in their journey and celebrate with patients when they are able to reach their desired outcomes. I have cried tears of sadness and joy, cheered the patient on, and just been there to listen when they need to vent about their journey.
– Casey Mitchell, RN | Nurse Supervisor, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
My favorite part of my job as an Embryologist is helping patients achieve their dreams of becoming parents. Last year I was privileged to be a part of my sister’s infertility journey after many years of trying to conceive. It was incredibly rewarding to share this experience with my sister, and it gave me a new perspective on what our patients go through during treatment that has helped me become a better person and Embryologist. I watched my nephew grow from a fertilized egg, to an embryo, to a little boy who will have his first birthday on April 30th and it has forever changed my life. How incredible it is to have a job that allowed me to assist my best friend (who happens to be my sister) in becoming a mommy!
– Lacey Kendall, MLS (ASCP)CM, TS (ABB)
My passion for REI stems from observing patients gain a glimmer of hope in situations they once thought hopeless. Our providers and staff walk with our patients during their entire journey. We become family throughout the process; sharing hugs, tears and glee. Many patients will send photo’s after the birth of their child. The smile of a baby can make any day bright! I should know, the photo below is one of my seven grandkids!
– Sophia
The fertility journey can be challenging and at times stressful for those having difficulty achieving pregnancy. The UAB Fertility Clinic offers a kind, optimistic approach to couples and individuals to help them through difficult times and to optimize success rates by lowing anxiety. We also try to keep expectations realistic in an effort to minimize disappointment and remind women that ultimate success usually takes more than one attempt and sometimes more than one approach. Our team tends to becomes very close to those we care for, and nothing makes us happier than sharing the joy of their success.
– Dr. William Hurd
Working in REI can be both challenging and emotional, yet very rewarding. We have an opportunity other clinics may not have, which is forming strong relationships with our patients. These bonds make you feel as though you are going through the process with them. Our patients go through such a difficult time that when we have any success; even a small success, we are overjoyed. I also work with amazing staff who are always willing to help and who sincerely care about our patient’s success and outcomes. Having great co-workers makes a huge difference not only in employee satisfaction, but also patient satisfaction.
– Lauren Davis, RN Clinical Coordinator
Infertility is stressful and emotionally difficult; some studies have compared the stress of infertility to the stress of having cancer. I do my best to help decrease my patients stress by giving them as much knowledge about their care as possible. Educating has always been an interest of mine. Fear of the unknown can be overwhelming and I want them to know that they are not alone. Supporting my patients through this process can be full of highs and lows, but I’m honored to be a part of their journey to parenthood. It can be a long journey sometimes, but seeing their smiling faces is the most rewarding part of my job.
– Courtney Gregory, CRNP
I feel extremely fortunate to be the IVF Coordinator at UAB. Being part of the process of making peoples’ dreams come true is the most rewarding job that I have ever had. Nothing beats all of the hugs and people bringing their babies back for me to take photos with (pre-COVID of course). I still get photos emailed to me of almost every baby, and it is the best feeling every single time. As the IVF Coordinator, I have such a close relationship with my patients, and that is what I like most about this job. They know I am available for them 24/7 during this process. The patients are so grateful for what we are doing that it makes it easy to give 120%.
– Tabitha Vigee- IVF Clinical Coordinator
I love being a fertility doctor, because it is truly personalized medicine and I get to create a special bond with my patients. Facing infertility can be one of the most stressful experiences in a person’s life, and many patients feel isolated (even as the wider public has become more aware of and compassionate about fertility issues). My goal as a physician is to make the process less frightening, to empower patients with knowledge about their condition and their treatment options, and to be there with them to celebrate the wins and mourn the disappointments. Helping someone achieve their dream of starting a family, sometimes after a miscarriage or years of infertility, is the most rewarding part of my job!
– Dr. Deidre Gunn
