Robin Scott is a veteran Nurse Practitioner in REI and ART. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Ohio State University, then quickly decided that advancing her education was a must for her personal and professional development. Strongly affected by her own personal struggle with infertility she decided to complete a Master of Science degree in Perinatal Nursing at Indiana University, for which her thesis was “The Infertile Couple”. A passion for learning and continuing education led to complete the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program at Indiana University. Her latest academic pursuit was to begin the Doctorate of Nursing Practice program at Purdue University (currently on hiatus after approximately 5 semesters of part-time enrollment). She helped establish the first IVF program in the state of Indiana, at Indiana University Medical Center (now IU Health). Her career went on to include practicing in a variety of REI settings: multi-provider to solo-practitioner; private practice to academia; established practices to start-ups and expansions. With each setting she built upon her experiences and knowledge base of procedures, technologies and the science of REI, as well as taking on nursing management responsibilities. Ready and wanting to take on a new challenge, Robin decided to leave clinical practice*; she joined a large pharmaceutical company in the Endocrine Medical division, and remained there for more than 10 years. During her industry tenure, she managed a global observational research program, presented and published data at international congresses and peer-reviewed journals, served as medical consultant for a then-burgeoning concept in the industry (research done via Electronic Data Capture), and ended her pharma career as an Endocrine Clinical Research Scientist. *(During her time in industry, Robin volunteered her time and continued to work with patients in the Reproductive Endocrinology resident clinic ). An overwhelming passion for patient care in the REI / ART field of medicine led Robin to return to clinical practice in 2012. Robin obtained certification as an advanced practice nurse in REI the first year the specialized examination was offered, in 1989. She has maintained her certification though rigorous continuing education sponsored by a wide variety of US and international programs: locations from Bourn Hall, Cambridge UK to Tel Aviv, Israel; on topics from fertility preservation to disorders of sexual differentiation. She has been a member of the following professional societies and lay support/education groups for many years (some for decades): The American Society for Reproductive Medicine, The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Resolve: The National Infertility Association, and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Areas of experience and expertise include: Clinical Patient Care, Patient Education, Research, Administration and Management, Teaching, Patient Support and Advocacy.
On a personal note…
“I sat in my RE’s waiting room, there to find out if I was facing a miscarriage or a possible ectopic pregnancy. I noticed a stack of brochures from the Indiana chapter of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. I read cover to cover, and joined that day! I would go on to serve on the Indiana Chapter Board of Directors, hold the offices of Professional Liaison and Chapter President, and participate – including testifying before the state legislature – in two campaigns to establish mandated insurance coverage for fertility care (we came so very close on that second try!). I remain a member of the National organization to this day!”
Robin brings a very personal perspective to her work with patients facing infertility. Of the many hats she has worn over the years, her favorite by far is that of patient advocate. “The empathy I have for patients struggling with infertility is very genuine. In my experience, patients need a safe, reliable place to turn when questions arise preparing for, during, or after treatment for their fertility issue(s). REI practices are often minimally-staffed (to help keep costs down), and the amount of information given to patients while in the office or clinic can be overwhelming.” Robin welcomes direct contact from patients—by phone, text or e-mail.