The Fertility Center
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Michigan, United States
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Open
3.8
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About The Fertility Center
The Fertility Center is a comprehensive fertility clinic located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with additional offices in Kalamazoo, Mason and Petoskey, specializing in personalized infertility evaluation and treatment including IVF, IUI, ovulation induction and a full spectrum of assisted reproductive technologies; founded in 1991, the practice has helped thousands of patients achieve parenthood by emphasizing a shared‑decision‑making model that respects each individual’s preferences and beliefs, offering a treatment plan tailored to the patient rather than defaulting to IVF for over 95% of cases, and its multidisciplinary team of physicians—Dr. Valerie Shavell, Dr. Emma Giuliani, Dr. Gary Jones, Dr. Sarah Bjorkman, Dr. Mili Thakur and Dr. Dodds—provides compassionate, evidence‑based care supported by coordinated communication across all locations to ensure seamless scheduling and continuity; unique features include flexible appointment timing, the ability to transition between offices without interruption, and extensive patient support services such as counseling, educational resources and a dedicated scheduling line (877‑904‑4483) that assists with insurance and logistics, all delivered in a professional, patient‑centered environment that consistently strives for high success outcomes while maintaining a warm, supportive atmosphere.
The Fertility Center - Patient Reviews
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Kaila*****
1 year ago
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Fantastic fertility center with friendly, cooperative and diligent staff, resulting in successful treatments and children.
This fertility center is nothing short of absolutely amazing, because of them, I have our beautiful almost 2 year old son, and pray-fully soon another addition! They are incredible people, always friendly, cooperative, intelligent and diligent in all that they do. I am happy to recommend them to anyone searching for answers in their fertility journey. These doctors are a true gift.
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Lauren Goe*****
1 year ago
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The Fertility Center helped me make my dream come true, and now I have a beautiful baby daughter. Through every step of the process, they are professional, kind, encouraging, and always willing to take the time to listen and answer questions. I very highly recommend them to anyone struggling with fertility issues.
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Becca Lon*****
2 years ago
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Giving 2 stars because we have 2 beautiful children out of it HOWEVER... One of the doctors, who has since retired, was horrible with bedside manner. Said, "I don't know why we're bothering with the transfer, this embryo is junk."
After 2 rounds of IVF, everyone in this office seems burnt out and completely ruins the experience. The nurse didn't even show me how/where to do injections... a huge part of IVF, no?
From calling reception to transfer day it's no smiles and barely a hello. They're just plain rude. Even after knowing all this, we called back a few weeks ago to schedule a consult and got sent a bill for $225 for a 15-minute phone consult. Do more research and don't base your office choice on location. Dealing with infertility is a lot, go someplace that is warm and empathetic.
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Robin L*****
2 years ago
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I started going to the Fertility Center in the fall of 2020. I primarily went to the Kalamazoo location, but all my procedures were done in Grand Rapids. I cannot say enough good things about the care team and staff in Kalamazoo and in Grand Rapids as well.
Dr. Emma Giuliani was my doctor who was new at the time. She always took the time to explain complicated terminology and concepts to my husband and I and put it in layman's terms. She never gave up on us and has a wonderful bedside manner. We were not a number. I could tell that she and the other doctors and nurses cared about us.
Amy was my clinical nurse the first year and Erica was my IVF nurse thereafter. Both are incredibly smart and compassionate women. They guided me through my fertility journey which took lots of twists and turns, but in the end my husband and I got our happy, healthy baby boy.
Even if we had not have gotten the outcome we wanted, I would still have given The Fertility Center a glowing review for the care and expertise we received.
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J*****
3 years ago
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Absolutely the worst I have ever experienced! Dr. Giuliani was the doctor I was working with, I had two video appointments with her before the in office visit and explained to her my concerns she reassured me it was something that could be worked with. During the in office visit she didn’t knock to make sure I was covered before entering the room , did not introduce herself, never warned me before touching me nor did she warn me before inserting instruments into my body. Everything was very rushed and she was very aggressive with the insertion and repositioning of equipment, never checked in on me during the procedure to make sure I was doing ok and was very dismissive when I mentioned it to her post appointment. If you need someone that will actually listen to you and communicate with you she is not the one.
The Fertility Center - FAQ
smart_toy AI-generated based on information from the clinic's website
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 cannot conceive with their own oocytes. The process begins with a physician consultation, followed by mandatory counseling to address emotional considerations. Patients can choose between anonymous egg donors from accredited banks or known donors, with all donors screened according to FDA and CLIA standards. After donor selection, eggs are thawed, fertilized via IVF, and resulting embryos are transferred in a fresh or frozen embryo transfer cycle. The clinic’s experienced embryology team and REI Protect accreditation ensure high‑quality handling of donor eggs and embryos, contributing to strong pregnancy outcomes.
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. Key physicians include Dr. Valerie I. Shavell, MD, a Cornell‑trained reproductive endocrinologist with expertise in PCOS, recurrent pregnancy loss, and fertility preservation; Dr. Emma Giuliani, MD, a Michigan State‑trained specialist focusing on oncology‑related fertility preservation, endometriosis, and genetic counseling; Dr. Gary R. Jones, MD, who brings naval hospital experience and a focus on ovulation induction and IVF; Dr. Sarah Bjorkman, MD, a board‑eligible reproductive endocrinologist and OB/GYN; and Dr. Mili Thakur, MD, who also practices reproductive endocrinology. The founding physicians, Dr. William Dodds and Dr. James Young, established the practice in 1991, and their legacy continues through a multidisciplinary team that includes senior embryologists, fertility nurses, and dedicated counselors.
What fertility treatments and services does The Fertility Center offer? expand_more
The Fertility Center provides a comprehensive suite of assisted reproductive technologies and supportive services. Core treatments include in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and ovulation induction using oral agents (Clomid, Letrozole) or injectable hormones (FSH, HMG). The clinic also offers egg freezing, embryo freezing, and fertility preservation for oncology patients. Third‑party options are robust, featuring donor egg, donor embryo, and donor sperm programs, as well as reciprocal IVF for same‑sex female couples and gestational carrier services for same‑sex male couples. Advanced genetic services such as preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT‑A) and monogenic disorders (PGT‑M) are available through Ovation. Additional support includes counseling, emotional support groups, and a Family Building Fund to assist with financing.
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 throughout Michigan. Over three decades, the clinic has helped thousands of patients achieve parenthood, becoming one of the largest reproductive medicine practices in the state. The center earned the REI Protect Seal of Approval, reflecting rigorous safety standards and accreditation. Leadership transitioned to Dr. Valerie Shavell and Dr. Emma Giuliani, who continue the founders’ philosophy of patient‑first, individualized care. The clinic’s growth includes multiple locations in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Mason, and partnerships in Northern Michigan, supported by a multidisciplinary team of physicians, embryologists, and counselors.
Does The Fertility Center treat single women seeking fertility treatment? expand_more
The Fertility Center explicitly supports single women who wish to build a family. The clinic offers individualized treatment plans that may include IVF with donor sperm, donor egg, or embryo donation, as well as fertility preservation options such as egg or embryo freezing. All single patients are required to meet with a fertility counselor to discuss emotional and psychological aspects of third‑party reproduction, a service provided at no charge. The comprehensive approach ensures that single women receive the same high‑quality assisted reproduction services, laboratory technology, and support as any other patient.
What IVF laboratory technology does The Fertility Center use? expand_more
The Fertility Center partners with the Ovation IVF Laboratory, which operates under CAP or TJC accreditation and holds CLIA certification. The lab employs electronic witnessing and IVF‑specific sensor monitoring platforms to ensure precise embryo handling and reduce human error. Cryostorage tanks are monitored continuously for temperature stability, and the facility utilizes time‑lapse imaging for embryo development assessment. Quality control is reinforced through regular policy reviews and a dedicated embryology team that maintains optimal caseloads for focused attention. These technologies, combined with the REI Protect Seal of Approval, support high‑quality embryo culture, blastocyst transfer, and frozen embryo transfer (FET) procedures.
What are the IVF success rates at The Fertility Center? expand_more
The Fertility Center reports IVF outcomes that consistently exceed the national average, reflecting the clinic’s commitment to high‑quality assisted reproduction. Success data are submitted annually to both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), ensuring transparent, third‑party verification of live‑birth rates. While specific age‑stratified percentages are not disclosed on the website, the clinic highlights that its success metrics are audited and published through these national registries, providing patients with reliable, benchmarked results. The emphasis on personalized treatment plans, advanced laboratory protocols, and a REI Protect Seal of Approval further supports the strong pregnancy and live‑birth outcomes reported by the practice.
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 reproductive options. For female couples, the clinic provides donor sperm services and reciprocal IVF (ROPA), allowing both partners to be biologically involved in the pregnancy. Male couples can access egg donation and gestational carrier programs, with the clinic coordinating donor egg procurement, embryo creation, and carrier selection. All third‑party pathways include mandatory counseling and legal guidance to ensure a smooth process. The clinic’s LGBTQ‑friendly policies, combined with its REI Protect Seal of Approval and experienced team, make it a supportive environment for building families of all configurations.
Contact
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Phone
+1 877-500-1658
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schedule
Opening Hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed