Kids & Family
3 Minutes on a Park Bench with Dr. John S. Rinehart, Reproductive Medicine Institute
Dr. Rinehart tells the Patch about what inspired him to pursue a career in medicine and his favorite part about working in the Chicago area.
Dr. John S. Rinehart, M.D., Ph.D. from the Reproductive Medicine Institute talks about the signs people should look for to know if they may need to see a fertility specialist and shares the one book he would give as a gift.
Patch: Can you tell us a little bit about the Reproductive Medicine Institute?
Dr. Rinehart: Reproductive Medicine Institute provides patients with the expertise of six board certified specialists in the area of reproductive endocrinology and immunology -- including the area of recurrent miscarriage, along with the treatment of endometriosis. Our team is committed to providing academic excellence, cutting edge technology and skilled experience in a patient-oriented practice. Together we are able to offer patients the highest possible odds of achieving pregnancy.
Find out what's happening in Oak Lawnfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Patch: What services does the institute offer?
Dr. Rinehart: RMI offers a full spectrum of diagnostic and treatment services for female and male infertility, including but not limited to: In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Egg/Sperm/Embryo Freezing, Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and screening (PGD, PGS), access to egg/sperm/embryo donors as well as Diagnosis and treatment of PCOS and Endometriosis.
Find out what's happening in Oak Lawnfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Patch: If you had to give one book as a gift, what book would it be and why?
Dr. Rinehart: The Black Swan by Nassim Taleb would be my book of choice, as it is a fascinating way to look at statistics.
Patch: What made you want to pursue a career in medicine?
Dr. Rinehart: I really can’t remember a time when I did not want to be doctor. My mother encouraged commitment and academics throughout my schooling, which in turn, tunneled into medicine.
Patch: Why did you choose to specialize in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility?
Dr. Rinehart: REI actually was not my first choice. I had originally wanted to be a trauma surgeon. But in graduate school my research was on estrogen and its receptors and that got me interested in reproductive endocrinology. To pursue this, I needed to do a residency in OB/GYN and once I visited Johns Hopkins to explore their program, I knew that was where I wanted to study. At that time, Dr. Howard Jones (the first physician to perform successful In vitro Fertilization in the United States) was still there, and Hopkins had a very strong endocrine division. Following this, I was fortunate enough to obtain a fellowship at Harvard in REI and that solidified my pursuit of a career in REI.
Patch: What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
Dr. Rinehart: Debunking the myths that abound about infertility, especially the influence of age on reproductive capability. Patients ‘source’ the Internet and its collection of cases or situations that support their own beliefs (e.g. getting pregnant after 40 is easy). Patients then refer to these examples, also known as case-based medicine, which we as medical professionals have proven to be the least reliable way to make a quantitative prediction about what treatments are effective.
Patch: How has the field of REI changed over the years?
Dr. Rinehart: The field has moved from a low chance of success, surgery based field to a high chance of success, IVF based field.
Patch: What is your favorite part about working in the Chicago area?
Dr. Rinehart: My wife’s family is from Chicago. I enjoy the privilege of having them as a family, which is what I consider the most important thing in my life.
Patch: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received and who gave it to you?
Dr. Rinehart: The best piece of advice I received was from Dr. Donald Woodruff, the Emil Novak Professor at Johns Hopkins: “Doing the same thing wrong for ten years does not make it right.”
Patch: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Dr. Rinehart: In my free time, I enjoy football, learning and my new grand baby.
Patch: How does someone know he or she should go see a fertility specialist?
Dr. Rinehart: Some individuals may start out knowing that they need fertility treatment due to pre-existing conditions which may affect fertility such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) or Endometriosis. Others may have compromised fertility due to cancer treatment or other issues. For an otherwise ‘healthy’ individual, the best rule of thumb is if you fail to conceive through unprotected sex after one year, it’s time to see an REI. For those over 35, we recommend a visit if you do not conceive after six months of trying. Generally speaking, for those over 40, it’s a good idea to start the process of trying to conceive with an REI evaluation in order to prevent wasting any time.
Patch: How can readers contact you or learn more about the Reproductive Medicine Institute?
Dr. Rinehart: Readers can contact us through our website at www.teamrmi.com or directly by phone at our Oak Lawn office at (708) 741-7012.
