Take 5 With…Irene Woo, MD

What inspired you to enter the field of women’s health and fertility?

I strongly believe women are the backbone of society. Whether fulfilling roles as devoted daughters, dedicated sisters, trusted friends, committed coworkers, inspiring leaders, or cherished wives, women contribute immeasurably to the fabric of our communities.

I chose to specialize in women’s health because I wanted to be an advocate on the unique journey to motherhood. The love and fulfillment I derive from both my role as a mother and a doctor inspire me to utilize my medical knowledge and skills to help other women achieve their goal in family building. This dual perspective allows me to approach patient interactions with a unique understanding and dedication. It is a profound privilege to support women on their transformative journey to embrace the role of motherhood, and this responsibility fills me with immense honor.

What can you tell us about your role with HRC Fertility? 

I hold board certification in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, signifying my expertise in diagnosing obstacles to fertility. My role involves educating and presenting tailored treatment options to patients and facilitating their journey toward building a family.

What makes HRC Fertility stand out in the world of fertility treatment? 

HRC Fertility stands as a preeminent clinic in the greater Los Angeles area, distinguished by its scale, technical expertise, and commitment to patient-centered care.

I joined HRC due to this esteemed reputation, grounded in a commitment to exemplary medical practices. I firmly believe in prioritizing the principles of good medicine, patient safety, and transparency in care, and HRC’s steadfast dedication to these values resonates with my professional ethos.

Is there anything special you’re working on at the moment that you’d like to share? 

I am enthusiastic about fostering a heightened awareness of oncofertility and fertility preservation among the local oncologists. Given the trend of women delaying childbirth until later in life, and improvement in cancer survival rates, a significant number of women may not have had children prior to receiving a cancer diagnosis and may desire future fertility and reproductive options. My hope is to ensure that both patients and their oncologists are well-informed about the most recent advancements in technology and the array of available options in this area.

What advice would you give to a woman with fertility issues who is unsure how to find the right support?

Initiating a conversation with a fertility specialist can be daunting, but it’s a crucial step worth taking. Start by reaching out to your ob/gyn—they can provide initial evaluation, guidance, and referrals if needed. Don’t underestimate the power of sharing your concerns with friends; fertility treatments are more common than many realize.

My advice is simple: seek a fertility specialist with experience and one you can trust. In fertility treatment, there are many ups and downs. There’s no universal “right” answer—the one that aligns with your needs and desires is the one that truly matters.

How can our readers contact you or find out more about HRC Fertility? 

If you would like to make a new patient appointment with me, please call 866.HRC.4IVF or email my team at: Teamwoo@havingbabies.com. Our website is www.havingbabies.com.  

*This interview is sponsored by HRC Fertility.