Melanie Cole, MS (Host):  Welcome to Fertility Talk with RSCNJ, the Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey. I'm Melanie Cole. Today, we meet Dr. Alan Martinez. He's a specialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and he's the Clinical Director of the Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey. Dr. Martinez, it's a pleasure to have you with us. As always, you are one of my very favorite guests. Why don't you start by telling us a little bit about yourself and how you came to RSCNJ.

Alan M. Martinez, MD: Well, thank you for having me today, Melanie. So, I originate from California, Central Coast of California, did my undergrad at the San Diego State, postgraduate work at the NIH in Bethesda, Maryland, doing some bench work research over there, and then went back to California to UCLA for medical school, graduated there and then my education continued, my post-medical training, I did my OB-GYN residency in St. Barnabas, which is in northern Jersey. And then, following my Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship in Cincinnati, University of Cincinnati, Ohio. So, that's how my journey progressed and how I got into Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility.

And since that time, I finished my training, moved back to New Jersey where my wife is originally from, started our family. And we have lived in New Jersey for the last 10 plus years now.

Melanie Cole, MS: Thank you so much, Dr. Martinez. Why this specialty? Why did you choose fertility and infertility? Because it's really such an important field that you're in, but not one that everybody chooses.

Alan M. Martinez, MD: Yes, it's always a journey. And in medical school, I discovered that I had a love for women's health. And when I did my Obstetric-Gynecology rotation, I gravitated towards the medical problems, dealing the continuity of care with patients. And then, I was exposed to the world of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility where I was amazed by the science that was happening in our field. I was amazed by the opportunity to help my patients, couples, build their families who are struggling. And I really felt a deep connection to the counseling components, providing compassionate care to patients, and using a high level of medical expertise and molecular biology and advancements in our field in order to help my patients build families. And it just spoke to me in my rotation, and then I had to pursue this.

Melanie Cole, MS: I hear that passion, and what a rewarding field this must be. I love that you said that you really developed an admiration and love for women's health, because I think that is key and vital doing what you do, and it's just wonderful. You're just so passionate about your job Now, speak a little bit, Dr. Martinez, about your philosophy of care. What do you want patients to know about your approach to what they're going through and family planning, but wellness and care of the whole person?

Alan M. Martinez, MD: Yes. It's my motto that I want to bring my patients into the practice and really get to know them as individuals, to know where they work, where they're from, what are their dreams and aspirations for building families. I integrate and educate them on the diagnostic testing that's needed for them in order to achieve pregnancy and build their family. We discuss both medical treatments as well as maintaining their overall health in general, their lifestyle, their exposure to environmental agents, vitamin supplements, meditation, acupuncture. I have a whole mental and physical health. I discussed that with them. Figure out where they're at in their journey, and then help them formulate a plan together.

So, it's a team approach. And very important, I want them to understand why we're doing the testing we are doing, the results, and how it pertains to them. And then, so they feel empowered, and they know that they have somebody in their corner that's going to help them on their journey. And that's the main thing that I want to make that connection with patients. I want to be there for them and help them out. And so, that our victories are as a team and we could savor those victories and help them build their families.

Melanie Cole, MS: What a great philosophy of care, Dr. Martinez. Now, one of my favorite questions. I'd like you to tell us a little bit about what you do for fun outside of the office, things that patients and even your colleagues may not know that you do.

Alan M. Martinez, MD: Well, I'm very busy with two wonderful girls that my wife and I have been blessed with. And so, they keep us very busy with all their activities. But in addition to that, I love doing anything in the outdoors really. So, we enjoy hiking. I enjoy bicycling, both mountain and road cycling. In the wintertime, we love to go skiing as a family. And anything that gets me out in nature and just outside is just a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us. I love being outside. I love any activities, hiking, camping, those kind of things.

Melanie Cole, MS: Thanks for sharing that. I love all of those things too. As we get ready to wrap up here, Dr. Martinez, what do you like best about working at RSCNJ, the Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey? And what would you like to leave patients with knowing about you, what they've learned today and what you can do for them at RSCNJ?

Alan M. Martinez, MD: So, here at Reproductive Science Center in New Jersey, I love the fact that we have built a passionate, caring team from our front desk to our financial and billing department, to our medical assistants, nurses, physicians, laboratory staff that deals with embryology and all things related to reproduction. We truly work as a team and it is so rewarding to be next to individuals who share the same passion I have that really want to do the best for their patients. And we give so much to help them on their journey, but it's so rewarding when we reach our final goal. And so, to me, that is so, so important in what RSCNJ provides, we will continue to provide that in a caring, compassionate setting with a high level of medical expertise. And I guarantee that when you come to the practice, you are going to feel that care and compassion because we wear it on our sleeve and you'll become a part of something that's bigger than yourself.

Melanie Cole, MS: Thank you so much, Dr. Martinez. That was beautifully said. Thank you for joining us and telling us all about yourself. For more information, please visit fertilitynj.com to get connected with one of our providers. That concludes this episode of Fertility Talk with RSCNJ, the Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey. I'm Melanie Cole. Thanks so much for joining us today.