Kindbody launches training institute to broaden access to fertility treatment

The US fertility clinic and family-building benefits provider Kindbody has launched a training programme to help more people access fertility treatment.

Kindbody will see its first cohort of fertility doctors graduate after completing didactic training and in-clinic technical training.

The new offering will aim to address the need for better reproductive care and solve “industry-wide challenges” which contribute to preventing the millions of Americans who need, but can’t afford, fertility care.

KindInstitute is hoped to help participating specialists to provide assistance in fertility practices nationwide and improve their skills.

Under the supervision of certified reproductive endocrinologists and infertility specialists (REIs), the OB-GYNs participating in the programme will perform retrievals, transfers, ultrasounds, surgical procedures, and manage patient care at Kindbody clinics.

This, the company says, will allow Kindbody REI physicians to devote more of their time to their patients.

The need for fertility care

According to “The Supply Demand Mismatch”, published in peer-reviewed medical journal Fertility & Sterility in January last year, there were approximately 12.2 million people experiencing infertility in the US and just 448 clinics, staffed by 1,351 fellowship-trained REI physicians.

While IVF demand has tripled over the last two decades, the number of reproductive endocrinologists has not kept up with the high volume of patients who need care. Millions of people are seeking reproductive healthcare and the need for these services is expected to continue to rise.

Long waiting times of three to six months to see a REI can do a disservice to a diminished ovarian reserve patient, since getting treatment quickly is critical to success.

“KindInstitute will spearhead this mission by increasing the number of physicians available,” explained Dr Angie Beltsos, chief executive physician of Kindbody.

“With the introduction of our institute, we are increasing accessibility and volume by training OB-GYNs and advanced practice providers so REIs who have historically treated 20-25 cases/month can increase that by 50 per cent or more.

“In addition to training OB-GYNs, we’re expanding our online offerings in the new year, allowing our patients to take their appointments from the comfort of their homes at convenient times.”

“Kindbody has invested in ensuring it has properly trained staff to provide patients the best experience and the best chance at success,” Beltsos added.

“REIs are a critical piece of providing care and we have over 500 KindWAYS (standard operating procedures based on clinical excellence) to optimise the delivery of care by the REI and clinical staff. Nurses and clinical staff also have a separate nurse curriculum to ensure we are providing the guidance and oversight that are required to provide the best experience.”