I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the parallels between the curiosity-driven explorations my kids embark on and the journeys many of my IVF patients undertake. Just the other day, my daughter asked me why the sky is blue. As I explained, I couldn’t help but draw a mental line to the questions I field daily in my clinic. Why me? Why now? Why doesn’t this work for everyone? Much like my daughter’s insatiable curiosity about the world, the questions my patients ask stem from their desire to understand the unknown and to navigate their own path through it.
IVF is a field riddled with uncertainties. Despite our best efforts and the miracles of modern science, success isn’t guaranteed. It’s a journey marked by trial and error, much like the process of learning itself. In both arenas, the path to progress is rarely linear. There’s a beauty in this unpredictability, though it’s often hard to see when you’re in the thick of it.
I recently saw a patient who reminded me of this truth. She had been through multiple IVF cycles without success. Each round brought new hope, and with each failure, the weight of disappointment grew heavier. Yet, like my children with their endless “whys,” she persisted. Her curiosity about her own body and the process kept her moving forward. She wanted to know why her previous cycles hadn’t worked and what could be changed next time. Our conversations were reminiscent of the dialogues I have with my kids about the mysteries of life—honest, sometimes difficult, but always driven by a desire to understand and to overcome.
In both parenting and in assisting patients through IVF, I’ve learned that honesty is paramount. When my kids ask questions, I try to give them the most truthful answers I can, even when the truth is complex or uncomfortable. The same principle applies in my clinic. I can’t promise success to every patient, but I can provide them with the clarity and understanding they need to make informed decisions. This transparency is crucial, especially in a field where the emotional and financial stakes are so high.
I’ve seen firsthand how the emotional rollercoaster of IVF mirrors the entrepreneurial ventures I back. In both scenarios, you invest time, money, and emotional energy, hoping for a return that isn’t guaranteed. It’s a gamble, but one that many are willing to take for the potential of a life-changing result. In this way, IVF patients and startup founders are kindred spirits, united by their willingness to risk failure for the chance at success. I’ve written on this parallel before, highlighting how patience is a virtue both in the clinic and in the boardroom.
Just as my kids’ inquiries push them to explore and learn, the questions my patients ask drive them to discover more about themselves and their possibilities. It’s a journey of self-discovery as much as it is about biology and science. Through every setback and success, they learn resilience, patience, and the importance of hope—qualities that are invaluable not just in IVF, but in life.
There’s an undeniable connection between the inquisitiveness of children and the perseverance of IVF patients. Both are navigating their worlds through a lens of curiosity and determination. Both are learning to embrace uncertainty as part of the journey. This understanding is why I remain passionate about both my roles as a father and a doctor. Each day, I witness the power of a question, the drive to find answers, and the courage to keep asking when the answers are hard to come by.
In the end, whether in a classroom or a clinic, the journey is as important as the destination. The lessons learned along the way, the strength gained from overcoming obstacles, and the persistence built through repeated trials are what truly shape us. In both my children and my patients, I see the future—one that’s shaped by curiosity, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of dreams.