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The Fertility Center

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Michigan, United States

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About The Fertility Center

The Fertility Center is a reproductive medicine clinic located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, specializing in personalized, patient‑centered fertility care with additional offices in Kalamazoo, Mason and Petoskey to serve the broader Michigan community; the practice emphasizes a shared‑decision‑making approach that tailors treatment—whether ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination, IVF, or alternative options—to each individual’s goals and beliefs, noting that for over 95% of patients IVF is not the first step. Founded in 1991, the center has helped thousands of families achieve parenthood and offers comprehensive services including diagnostic testing, fertility preservation, minimally invasive procedures, and coordinated multidisciplinary support across all locations. The physician team—featuring Drs. Valerie Shavell, Emma Giuliani, Gary Jones, Sarah Bjorkman, Mili Thakur and Dr. Dodds—combines extensive expertise with a compassionate bedside manner, fostering a supportive environment highlighted by patient testimonials praising the caring staff and individualized attention. Unique features include seamless communication between sites, flexible scheduling to accommodate work and life demands, and dedicated patient‑support resources such as counseling, education seminars and a responsive scheduling hotline, all aimed at maximizing comfort, transparency and successful outcomes.

Why choose The Fertility Center?

  • check_circle Compassionate staff

    Front‑line team members—including Erica, Amanda, Ashley, Laurel, Hannah, and Shana Broxup—consistently provide friendly, empathetic support that eases anxiety during scans, trigger shots, and appointments. Their attentiveness is frequently cited as a key factor in a positive patient experience.

  • check_circle Skilled physicians

    Doctors such as Dr. Bjorkman, Dr. Shavell, Dr. Giuliani, and Dr. Heidtke are described as knowledgeable, thorough, and willing to spend time reviewing records. Patients note clear explanations of procedures and individualized treatment recommendations.

  • check_circle Efficient communication

    The clinic’s use of MyChart and prompt responses from nurses and counselors (e.g., Amanda) ensure patients receive timely updates on test results, medication instructions, and next steps, which is especially valuable during IVF cycles.

  • check_circle Clean, comfortable facilities

    Multiple reviewers comment on the modern, well‑maintained environment, describing it as welcoming and conducive to a relaxed treatment experience.

  • check_circle Strong emotional support

    Counselors and nurses provide ongoing encouragement, helping patients cope with the emotional highs and lows of fertility treatment, and many patients feel genuinely cared for throughout their journey.

What to watch out for at The Fertility Center?

  • warning Billing and insurance confusion

    Patients repeatedly encounter unclear billing statements, lack of pre‑authorization guidance, and contradictory information from the billing department, leading to unexpected out‑of‑pocket expenses and delayed reimbursements.

  • warning Inconsistent nursing care

    Frequent changes in nursing staff during IUI and IVF cycles result in mixed messages, missed notes, and a sense of being treated as a number rather than an individual patient.

  • warning Medication errors

    Serious dosing mistakes, such as an over‑prescribed Cabergoline regimen, have caused physical side effects and compromised treatment cycles, highlighting gaps in prescription verification processes.

  • warning Scheduling difficulties

    Patients report long wait times for appointments, limited flexibility for work schedules, and multiple phone calls needed to secure convenient slots, which can delay time‑sensitive fertility procedures.

  • warning Limited transparency on policies

    Restrictions such as a BMI limit for IVF and unclear refund policies create uncertainty, and some patients feel insufficiently informed about procedural options and associated costs.


Prices

POPULAR

IVF Treatment

99999 EUR

Prices are indicative only. The clinic will provide the exact price upon request.


The Fertility Center - Patient Reviews

4.3

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H

Haley K*****

2 months ago

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So far I've been very happy with the level of care and kindness I've received from the team in Kalamazoo!
K

Karly N*****

3 months ago

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Rather disappointed with TFC in GR. I did 3 years with them before learning they just want your money. They treat you like a minion..only medicate you and send you on your way with directions on a scrap piece of paper. Not many resources available and numerous errors made. Very unprofessional environment. Diagnosed me with infertility on my medical file BEFORE my procedures and didnt even talk to me about it. Clearly only want stat numbers. Use CNY and travel over using TFC.
L

L*****

3 months ago

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Trying to have a baby is already emotionally and physically exhausting, and this clinic has only made the process harder. I attempted to set up an IUI appointment and was met with nothing but the runaround—conflicting information, delays, and no clear guidance. For a place that claims to be “understanding,” the lack of empathy and organization is extremely disappointing. Families going through fertility challenges deserve compassion, clarity, and support, not added stress and frustration.
R

Ro*****

3 months ago

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Dr. Giuliani is great! She listened and I felt heard and valued. I was given great feedback and resources until our next appointment.
s

s*****

3 months ago

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Always a great experience, despite the circumstances of needing to be there. Everyone is always positive and helpful.

The Fertility Center - FAQ

smart_toy AI-generated based on information from the clinic's website

Does The Fertility Center provide fertility treatment for same-sex couples? expand_more
The Fertility Center is fully inclusive of same‑sex couples and offers tailored assisted reproduction pathways for both female and male partners. Female couples can utilize donor sperm or pursue reciprocal IVF (ROPA), allowing both partners to be biologically involved—one provides the eggs, the other carries the pregnancy. Male couples are supported through egg donation and gestational carrier coordination, with the clinic handling donor egg retrieval, IVF, and embryo transfer to a screened carrier. All same‑sex patients receive counseling, legal guidance, and personalized care from fertility specialists to ensure a supportive, successful family‑building experience.
What IVF laboratory technology does The Fertility Center use? expand_more
The Fertility Center partners with Ovation IVF Laboratory, a CAP‑ and CLIA‑certified facility that employs state‑of‑the‑art assisted reproduction technology. The lab utilizes electronic witnessing and continuous sensor monitoring platforms to ensure precise embryo handling and culture conditions. Cryostorage tanks are equipped with automated temperature and alarm systems for optimal frozen embryo and egg preservation. Advanced time‑lapse imaging and blastocyst culture systems support embryo development to the blastocyst stage before transfer. The laboratory also performs preimplantation genetic testing through Ovation’s accredited PGT platforms, enabling selection of chromosomally normal embryos. These technologies collectively enhance IVF success rates and maintain the highest standards of safety and quality.
Who are the fertility doctors and specialists at The Fertility Center? expand_more
The Fertility Center’s medical team is led by board‑certified reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialists. Dr. Valerie I. Shavell, MD, a Cornell‑trained reproductive endocrinologist, focuses on recurrent pregnancy loss, PCOS, and fertility preservation. Dr. Emma Giuliani, MD, completed her fellowship at the University of Michigan and brings expertise in oncology‑related fertility preservation, endometriosis, and recurrent loss. Dr. Gary R. Jones, MD, a former Naval Hospital director, treats uterine abnormalities, ovulation induction, and IVF cycles. Additional specialists include Dr. Sarah Bjorkman, MD (board‑eligible REI), and Dr. Mili Thakur, MD, who support a full spectrum of assisted reproduction. The founders, Dr. William Dodds and Dr. James Young, established the practice in 1991, and their legacy continues through the current faculty and a dedicated staff of embryologists, nurses, and counselors.
Does The Fertility Center treat single women seeking fertility treatment? expand_more
The Fertility Center welcomes single women who wish to pursue parenthood and offers dedicated support for solo motherhood. Single patients can access the full range of assisted reproduction services, including IVF with donor eggs, embryo freezing, and fertility preservation. All single patients are required to meet with a fertility counselor to discuss emotional and psychological aspects of third‑party reproduction, ensuring informed decision‑making. The clinic’s comprehensive donor egg program, combined with personalized treatment plans from board‑certified reproductive endocrinologists, provides single women with the same high‑quality IVF and embryo transfer options available to couples.
Does The Fertility Center offer egg donation for IVF treatment? expand_more
Yes, The Fertility Center provides a full donor egg program for patients who require or choose third‑party oocytes. Prospective recipients meet with a fertility counselor and a nurse to discuss emotional, medical, and legal considerations before proceeding. The clinic works with accredited egg banks and offers both anonymous and known donor options, coordinating screening, testing, and matching processes. Donor eggs are thawed, fertilized via IVF, and cultured to the blastocyst stage before embryo transfer. The program also includes ongoing counseling throughout the treatment cycle to support patients emotionally and ensure a smooth, successful journey toward pregnancy.
What is the history and background of The Fertility Center? expand_more
The Fertility Center was founded in 1991 by Dr. William Dodds, with Dr. James Young joining in 1994 to expand the practice across Michigan. Over three decades, the clinic has grown into one of the largest reproductive medicine groups in the state, serving patients in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Mason, and Northern Michigan. The center’s philosophy emphasizes individualized, patient‑centered care and affordable fertility treatment, a commitment reflected in its REI Protect Seal of Approval for safety and quality. Throughout its history, The Fertility Center has earned recognition for clinical excellence, board‑certified reproductive endocrinologists, and a robust donor program, while consistently submitting outcomes to the CDC and SART for transparent reporting.
What fertility treatments and services does The Fertility Center offer? expand_more
The Fertility Center provides a comprehensive suite of fertility treatment options designed to meet diverse family‑building goals. Core services include in vitro fertilization (IVF) with ICSI, blastocyst culture and embryo transfer, and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT‑A and PGT‑M) for chromosomal screening. The clinic also offers intrauterine insemination (IUI), ovulation induction with oral or injectable medications, and comprehensive fertility preservation such as egg, embryo, and sperm cryopreservation. Third‑party reproduction is supported through donor egg, donor embryo, and donor sperm programs, as well as gestational carrier coordination for same‑sex male couples. Additional offerings include recurrent pregnancy loss evaluation, treatment of PCOS, endometriosis surgery, and personalized genetic counseling. All services are delivered by a multidisciplinary team of fertility specialists, embryologists, and counselors to optimize pregnancy rates and patient experience.

Contact

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Phone +1 877-904-4483
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Address 3230 Eagle Park Dr NE #100, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, USA (Find on Google Maps) open_in_new
schedule
Opening Hours
  • Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed