Tennessee Reproductive Medicine (TRM), the newest full-service fertility and reproductive endocrinology clinic in the Chattanooga area, opened October 27 at 6031 Shallowford Road, Suite 101.
TRM specializes in the treatment of reproductive disorders that affect women of all ages, including infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, fibroids and women needing minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.
Statistics show that approximately 10-15 percent of couples experience infertility, defined as 12 months of unsuccessful attempts at conception. Recent advancements in reproductive medicine have increased success rates with in vitro fertilization, enhancing many couples’ ability to conceive. TRM offers the newest, most advanced technologies, which range from ovulation induction to intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization. They also offer donor sperm, donor egg and gestational carrier treatment options for couples needing these alternatives.
Dr. Rink Murray and Dr. Jessica Scotchie are excited about the opportunity to serve the people of Chattanooga. The experience, passion and dedication they bring to their work will be valuable assets to the Chattanooga community. Dr. Murray and Dr. Scotchie met while in residency at the University of North Carolina. They both completed a four-year residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and a three-year fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. They were both recipients of numerous patient care, research and teaching awards. Dr. Murray is originally from Chattanooga and has long desired to move home and practice medicine in the city he loves. He has practiced in Memphis the last two years with the Fertility Associates of Memphis, and he was recently named one of “America’s Best Doctors.” Dr. Scotchie’s husband’s family resides in Chattanooga. Family and the desire to work with her trusted colleague, Dr. Murray, drew her to Chattanooga.
Dr. Murray’s decision to become a reproductive endocrinologist was influenced by his and his wife’s experiences with infertility.
“I think it’s made me a better doctor, because I have been in the chair where my patients now sit. By being one, I learned a great deal of what is important to a fertility patient. A direct and honest answer from a person who truly cares makes all the difference in the world.”
Dr. Scotchie chose her field to help patients through this difficult time. “As a female, I understand the anxiety that accompanies reproductive disorders among women. Becoming a mother has further committed me to my mission of helping others achieve parenthood, as I know of no other love as overwhelming as the love felt by a parent towards a child. I want to help others experience this wonderful gift.”
At TRM, understanding the emotional side of infertility is important, according to Dr. Scotchie.
“Infertility is incredibly stressful and affects all aspects of a person’s life including their physical, mental and emotional well-being, as well as their relationships. We feel fertility treatments should include therapies for all of these areas. While we are not equipped to provide psychological counseling at TRM, we routinely inquire about mental and emotional well-being and strongly encourage counseling by a licensed professional, trained in the aspects of infertility if possible, when needed.”
TRM is committed to treating all women and couples with the highest level of care. For women who are having trouble with reproduction, there are several reasons to consider coming to TRM.
“Our staff is dedicated to creating an environment of excellence, using state-of-the-art treatments, and delivering compassion and understanding to help you through whatever reproductive obstacles you currently encounter,” Dr. Scotchie says, “We promise to treat every person with the respect and dignity they deserve as they navigate down the difficult path of infertility. While we will be able to help most patients conceive, the statistics of fertility treatments dictate we will not be able to help all people. However, our mission is to ease the path so that, no matter the outcome, each person has a better experience because we are there for them.”