Arizona Center for Fertility Studies - Medical Team
Jay S. Nemiro, M.D.
Medical Director
An infertility practice is more than statistics, procedures, or the latest technological advancement; it is about helping women become pregnant when they want to become pregnant- plain and simple. With the explosion of fertility awareness over the past decades in the medical community and the media, the emphasis has been on what is the best way, the newest technology, the "surefire" solution (or who's the "best doctor"), for getting patients pregnant; which, I feel is missing the point entirely. I tell my patients, getting you pregnant is the easy part. The hard part is "keeping you in the game". That's because the heart and soul of an infertility practice is the service- not the technology. The emotional component of the fertility process is more complex and demanding than any procedure- and that's the part that's getting overlooked. While a procedure-centered, rather than a patient-centered, approach could be described as a characteristic flaw of western medicine in general, and certainly not limited to infertility practice, infertility specialists have a unique opportunity to empower women in ways that other physicians do not. It doesn't matter whether you have a 19 year old who's never tried to have a baby or a 43 year old who's spent year after heartbreaking year trying. The despair that comes with not being able to get pregnant is not definable by any one age or situation, which is why I feel as though my job is not, just to help these women get pregnant, but to treat them like I would my sister, my daughter, my best friend. To respect them, but most importantly, to listen, not just to what they are saying, but to what they're not saying, the silence. It is only by listening and hearing, that you are able to be effective and offer treatment options that are best suited for each individual couple. It is not until you fully understand all the pros and cons of each treatment option, that you can choose the best option. Treatment options are a couple's choice, not the clinic's choice. I look forward to meeting and working with you and your partner to achieve a successful outcome.
Robert W. McGaughey, Ph.D.
ART Laboratory Director
I met Dr. Jay Nemiro twenty-six years ago, when we got together to discuss the potential startup of a program for assisted reproduction. After a few short meetings, we organized and set up the program within a relatively short period, beginning the ongoing odyssey. We shared very similar philosophies on how assisted reproduction should work and that our number one goal was to treat our patients with utmost respect, with understanding of the difficulties relating to infertility and with the highest standards of medical/laboratory care. Those philosophies have been applied unwaveringly throughout the many years we have worked together. The greatest joy in our works has come with the knowledge that so many families have been established over the years, families that we helped through the laboratory, surgical and endocrinological methods we have applied to achieve successful pregnancies. I have lost count now of the numbers but know there are thousands of babies who were born through our assistance and through the continued persistence and commitment of our patients. My pleasure in working with our patients, with the people at the Arizona Center for Fertility Studies and especially with Dr. Nemiro has been immense. The patients have always come first in our program. Modern science and medicine have developed to nearly unbelievable levels in recent years. We have continuously upgraded, updated and improved our procedures as the field has undergone tremendous growth and sophistication during the past quarter century.
Andrew (Drew) Barker, B.S. M.S., T.S. (ABB)
ART-IVF Laboratory Supervisor
Hi, my name is Andrew (Drew) Barker. I am a board certified Technical Supervisor in the areas of embryology and andrology by the American Association of Bioanalysts. Growing up in the Midwest and attending the University at Northern Illinois, I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master of Science degree in Evolutionary Biology. I have over 10 years extensive hands on experience in human embryology including intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), assisted hatching (AZH), biopsying embryos (polar body, blastomere and trophectoderm), and oocyte/embryo cryopreservation. I have published in peer review journals on vitrification (rapid freezing) of human blastocyst embryos.
Over the years, I have traveled extensively, and I am actively committed to continuing to improve ACFS already excellent IVF success rates and bringing Arizona Center for Fertility Studies to the cutting edge of modern technology through the utilization of blastocysts culture, vitrification and micro-array analysis for PGD/PGS. I routinely attend continuing medical education activities and committed to remaining at the forefront of ART and the continuing technological challenges and advances the field offers.
When not in the lab, I can be found at a local golf course or in the air; as I am an avid pilot and actively involved in promoting general aviation. I am always happy to answer any questions you may have and, along with Dr. Nemiro, actively involved in the treatment decisions of the valued patients at Arizona Center for Fertility Studies. I look forward in meeting you and to having a successful outcome.
Gina M. Caiazza, R.N., R.N.F.A.
Program Coordinator
As program coordinator and RN First Assistant at the Arizona Center for Fertility Studies, my days are very busy. Although I enjoy spending time with all of my coworkers, my favorite part about working at the ACFS, are the people I meet and have the opportunity to care for and help in their journey to becoming parents. Since 1996, there have been a countless number of patients who have touched my life with their strength, courage, and determination in pursuing their dreams. We have shared laughter, joy, and tears while riding a sometimes "emotional roller coaster." Their joys have been my joys. Their sorrows are my sorrows. A successful outcome makes the sacrifice and hard work by all definitely worth it. Personally for me, there is no greater thanks than that which is expressed by the "look" I see when we are able to view your baby for the first time on the ultrasound screen. It still takes my breath away each and every time. I have learned from working with thousands of patients that each conception is "truly a miracle" and it is certainly not taken for granted. I hope that in this journey, my expertise, compassion and commitment to all of you will somehow make this process a little bit easier. Whether you are attending one of my classes, undergoing a surgery, or participating in a procedure, I look forward to the opportunity to participate in your care. Good luck and God bless. Gina
Adrianna Holden, BS, RN
Patient Care Coordinator
Hello, my name is Adrianna. My introduction to the field of infertility and reproductive medicine came in 2004. At the time, I read an article about a groundbreaking fertility preservation company in Boston, MA that was marketing a (then) new egg-freezing technology known as vitrification. Fascinated by the science, I applied and was granted an internship opportunity for the summer. During my summer in Boston I researched and complied data on the history of oocyte cryopreservation - egg-freezing - and varying success rates based on different freezing methods. After receiving my Bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Washington, I ran the endocrinology lab of a Seattle-based fertility clinic. I processed all the fertility-related hormone assays and eventually learned andrology techniques used to prepare sperm samples.
After working in the lab for 2.5 years, I decided to return to school for nursing, with the hopes of entering a more patient-care oriented career. Having graduated from the accelerated nursing program at the University of Arizona I am excited to be back in the fertility industry, and using my knowledge and skills in a new capacity.
Outside of work, my passions include traveling - anywhere with beaches, boating, watching college sports, bbqs, running, and generally spending time outside. Being new to the Scottsdale area I am having a great time exploring all this wonderful city has to offer!
I look forward meeting you and in helping guide you through your journey to a successful outcome.
Nikki Ratliff, MA
Patient Care Educator
Hi, my name is Nikki and I am the back office medical assistant and patient care educator. Prior to working at ACFS, I started my career as a medical assistant at an OB/GYN office in the valley where I worked for several years. During my time working with OB patients, I realized that I would love to work with patients that "want" and have tried to become pregnant but had not had success. Therefore, joining the ACFS group was a wonderful opportunity for me. I enjoy working one on one with patients and getting to know each and every one of them. Working in the medical field has been very rewarding; and I am currently taking classes at Glendale Community college and continuing my education as I work towards my RN degree. I spend the rest of my time raising my two children. I am an extremely hard worker and pride myself on excellence. I look forward to meeting and working with you in having a successful and ongoing pregnancy.
Andrew Howard, B.S.
Andrologist
Hi, my name is Andrew and the newest person to join the team at ACFS. I am very excited to have this opportunity to begin my medical career here at Arizona Center for Fertility Studies. In 2009, I graduated from the University of Arizona College of Science (GO CATS) with a bachelors of science degree in molecular & cellular biology with a minor in chemistry. My extensive academic and laboratory studies will be put to good use in helping our patients build their families.
I was born in Colorado and moved to Arizona sixteen years ago. I have always had a passion for science and determined to find my niche in the medical field. In high school, I was diagnosed with melanoma cancer and completed 2 years of therapy. I am happy to say that I am healthy and cancer-free today. My experiences with this illness solidified my desire to continue on a path towards a health care career.
During my free time I enjoy playing sports, attending sporting events, musical concerts, and traveling. I am a huge Arizona Wildcats fan. In the summer, I spend my time at the lake, the mountains, or the beach in order to stay cool; and in the winter I frequent the slopes to snowboard with family and friends.
I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity to work with such a great team of people and excited to be on the cutting edge of reproductive medicine at ACFS. I look forward to meeting and working with you.
Michelle Christie
Practice Manager
For the past 11 + years at ACFS, I have had the pleasure of working with an amazing doctor that I believe in as well as a wonderful healthcare team that I consider my family. I continue to admire how each team member acknowledges and encourages the skills and contributions of one another, as together we strive to treat each patient with individuality, commitment, encouragement, honesty, and compassion. Additionally, working with a team that understands the emotional and financial sacrifices patients endure is a key component, as the quality of our staff represents the quality of ACFS as a whole. I am both honored and humbled to be a part of each patient's journey to fulfill their dreams of becoming a parent. I feel I am privileged to have experienced many rewarding moments, sharing in the happiness and excitement with our patients and their successful outcomes. The gift of a child is precious and being a part of a team that can help provide such a special gift is priceless.
Misty A. McElroy
Administrative Assistant
Hi, my name is Misty. As one of the newest members to the practice, I'm extremely excited and proud to work with such a fine medical and support staff. I've long aspired to work in this type of environment.
As a woman who has sought out this type of expertise in my own personal life, it's an honor to be able to help provide the very best service to our patients. Another friendly face and caring attitude is here for your support.
Prior to coming to ACFS, I was a level III operations processor with Wells Fargo Auto Insurance. Prior to that I worked as an executive administrative assistant for Shurgard Self-Storage and Southern Directory Company coordinating all office functions for a multi-state area, as well as be responsible for all the accounting services.
I continue to be blown away by the unparallel service and commitment that I witness each day. So, stop by and say hi whether you have a billing question or any other general concerns. I will be more than willing to assist.
Janet Ortiz
Front Office / Billing
Hi, my name is Janet. Prior to joining ACFS, I worked with infertility patients for over two years. In addition to being the front office manager, I coordinated and helped develop and run the donor egg program for the practice. This was truly the most rewarding employment I ever had. I found great joy in meeting the new additions to the families that we helped.
In my prior position in the front office, I performed all aspects related to a medical practice including insurance billing and checking eligibility, scheduling appointments and greeting patients, answering phones, and coordinating the conversion to electronic medical records.
The compassion I see here at ACFS is what made me join this practice. Helping couples achieve their goal of having a child is their main focus. My expertise at the front office will help guide you throughout your experience here, hopefully making it bit easier and less stressful. Whether you are a new patient or an already established one, I really enjoy getting to know you and helping you through what can sometimes be an overwhelming and confusing process. With a genuine smiling face, I look forward to meeting you.
2nd Floor
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
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