LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The Sher Institutes for Reproductive Medicine (SIRM(R)) announced today that their physicians across the country will offer free fertility consultations in support of National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW), which runs October 19-25, 2008. Conceived by Resolve: the National Infertility Association, NIAW is in its 19th year. The theme this year is “Taking Charge of Your Fertility.” Consultations with fertility specialists normally range from $250-$500. However, Individuals/couples that call before the end of October to schedule a consultation with an SIRM physician won’t be charged. During the consultation, the physician will spend approximately 45 minutes reviewing the patient’s medical and reproductive history in depth and discussing her reproductive options.
“We have always considered ourselves consumer advocates,” said Dr. Geoffrey Sher, Executive Medical Director for the Sher Institutes. “With something as important and potentially life-changing as infertility treatment, we believe that knowledge is power. The more information a woman can get, the more confident and comfortable she’ll be in making those vital decisions.”
Sher Institutes recently launched a nationwide initiative to increase awareness of fertility issues among women. Heading this campaign is internationally known patient advocate Pamela Madsen, founder and former Executive Director of the American Fertility Association. Ms. Madsen was recently appointed Director of Public Education for the Sher Institutes and hosts an educational website and blog with fertility related content at www.thefertilityadvocate.com.
“This year’s theme, ‘Taking Charge of Your Fertility’ is a perfect fit with our initiative to help educate women about their reproductive life cycle,” said Madsen. “In the majority of cases, women don’t know much about it until they face fertility issues. Our goal is to get them the information before they get into crisis mode. These free consultations are a perfect way for women to be proactive about their fertility.”
The Sher Institutes for Reproductive Medicine have 13 offices across the country from New York to California, but for those who don’t live near an office, SIRM physicians are offering consultations via telephone. Those interested should call the SIRM Patient Resource Center at 866-428-3222.
About The Sher Institutes for Reproductive Medicine
SIRM is one of the largest networks of infertility medical practices in the country. Founded in 1998 by Drs. Geoffrey Sher and Ghanima Maassarani, the Sher Institute family of practices has since grown to include 13 offices across the United States. Dr. Sher founded the first private In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) clinic in the U.S. in 1982. The SIRM philosophy is centered on individualized patient care, backed by ongoing scientific and technological breakthroughs.
SIRM has offices in Los Angeles, Chino Hills, Sacramento and Pleasanton, CA; New York City, Westchester and Long Island, New York; Bedminster and Phillipsburg, New Jersey; Dallas, Texas; St. Louis, Missouri; Peoria, Illinois; and Las Vegas, Nevada. More information can be found on the SIRM(R) website at www.haveababy.com.
