Chicago IVF Team
| Joel G. Brasch, MD Josef Blankstein, MD |
Tarun Jain, MD Allison Rodgers, MD |
Tammy Chavarria, RN, APN Nancy Corsbie, RN, APN |
Yelena Pasman, MD Charles Turk, DO |
Dr. Misha Payant Howard Weissman, PhD |
Joel G. Brasch MD, FACOG - Medical Director
- Fellow: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- Board-Certified: American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Fellowship-Trained: Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
- Assistant Professor: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago Medical School
- Medical Director: Advanced Reproductive Health Centers, Ltd. dba Chicago-IVF
- Director: Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Mt. Sinai Hospital Medical Center
Sharing His Dream Of Optimal Care
"When I set out to create a center devoted to treating infertility and helping couples achieve their dreams, I envisioned the ultimate combination of outstanding medical care and a human, caring touch. I'm proud of the family we've become and the countless families we've touched along the way."
- Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Northwestern University
- Medical Degree: University of Illinois College of Medicine
- Residency, Obstetrics and Gynecology: University of Cincinnati
- Fellowship, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility: Rush Medical College
Setting The Standards In Outstanding Results
"Our national-caliber results give patients the peace of mind that we're able to help them through their toughest struggles. The people I've hand-selected to staff our centers are committed to exceeding our patients' highest hopes."
- Member: National Board of Medical Examiners, The American Fertility Society, The Endometriosis Association, American Medical Association, Chicago Medical Association, American Association of Gynelogical Laparoscopists,
- Academic Appointments: Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago Medical School; Clinical Instructor, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center
A Leader In Fertility Medicine
"By sharing expertise with medical professionals around the globe, I'm proud to be making a difference in the treatment not just in the Midwest, but throughout the world."
- Honors and Awards: Berlex Resident Education Award, 1990; Chief Executive Resident, 1990-1991; Most Significant Research, 1993; The Endocrine Society
- Publications: Multiple publications in peer-review journals, abstracts and presentations at local and national meetings and societies
- International Lecturer: Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Operative Gyne-Endoscopy
Personal Information
Dr. Brasch lives in the Chicago Area with his wife, Maryanne, his wife of 14 years, and his 6 children, Hanah, Spencer, Maxwel, Lilian, Abigail, and Noa.
Tarun Jain, MD, FACOG
Tarun Jain, MD is a nationally recognized expert and leader in fertility treatments and health insurance coverage. He is a Harvard-trained specialist who was formerly the Clinical IVF Director at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
EDUCATION:
• Master's: University of Texas at Austin (Engineering)
• Medical: University of Southern California (Valedictorian)
• Residency: University of Washington
• Fellowship: Harvard University / Brigham & Women's Hospital
CERTIFICATIONS:
• Board Certified: Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Board Certified: Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility
AWARDS & HONORS:
• Annually selected to 'Best Doctors in America' & 'America's Top Obstetricians and Gynecologists'
• AMA National Leadership Award in Medicine
• National Committees of ASRM & SART
• Over 50 medical publications including 3 in New England Journal of Medicine
• Featured expert in several hundred National and International media outlets (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, CNN, Wall Street Journal, WebMD, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Associated Press, Reuters, United Press International)
HARVARD TRAINED SPECIALIST:
“I absolutely love what I do. Having trained at Harvard, I have learned from some of the best minds in medicine. That training has already led to my helping hundreds of couples in building their family."
PHILOSOPHY OF CARE:
“I am committed to provide personalized and state-of-the-art care to meet the unique needs of each patient. My philosophy is to listen carefully and work closely with each couple to tailor a treatment plan that will lead to a successful outcome.”
SELECT PUBLICATIONS:
- Jain T, Harlow BL, Hornstein MD. Insurance coverage and outcomes of in vitro fertilization. N Engl J Med 2002.
- Jain T, Hornstein MD. To pay or not to pay. Fertil Steril 2003.
- Jain T, Missmer SA, Hornstein MD. Trends in embryo-transfer practice and in outcomes of the use of assisted reproductive technology in the United States. N Engl J Med 2004.
- Jain T, Soules MR, Collins JA. Comparison of basal follicle stimulating hormone versus the clomiphene citrate challenge test for ovarian reserve screening. Fertil Steril 2004.
- Jain T, Missmer SA, Gupta RS, Hornstein MD. Pre-implantation sex selection demand and preferences in an infertility population. Fertil Steril 2005.
- Jain T, Barbieri RL. Website quality assessment: mistaking aples for oranges. Fertil Steril 2005.
- Jain T, Hornstein MD. Disparities in access to infertility services in a state with mandated insurance coverage. Fertil Steril 2005.
- Jain T. Socioeconomic and racial disparities among infertility patients seeking care. Fertil Steril 2006.
- Jain T, Gupta RS. Trends in utilization of intracytoplasmic sperm injection in the United States. N Engl J Med 2007.
- Stern JE, Cedars M, Jain T, Klein NA, Beaird M, Grainger D, Gibbons W. Assisted reproductive technology practice patterns and the impact of embryo transfer guidelines in the United States. Fertil Steril 2007.
- Missmer SA, Jain T. Sex selection demand and preferences among infertility patients in Midwestern United States. J Assist Reprod Genet 2007.
- Jain T, Missmer SA. Support for embryonic stem cell research among infertility patients. Fertil Steril 2008.
- Jain T, Luke B, Leach RE. Assisted reproductive technology and perinatal outcomes: What you and your patients should know. ACOG Update 2008.
- Fujimoto VY, Luke B, Brown MB, Jain T, Armstrong A, Grainger DA, Hornstein MD. Racial and ethnic disparities in assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes in the United States. Fertil Steril 2010.
- Missmer SA, Seifer DB, Jain T. Cultural factors contributing to health care disparities among patients with infertility in Midwestern United States. Fertil Steril 2011.
Joseph Blankstein, MD, FACOGJoseph Blankstein M.D. has trained abroad and in the United States in obstetrics, gynecology, infertility, and In Vitro Fertilization. He is a senior Physician and is highly respected in the medical community. He currently is Residency Program Director Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mt. Sinai Hospital Medical Center. Dr. Blankstein also is Professor & Chairman of the OB/GYN Department, Chicago Medical School/Rosalind-Franklin University. Additionally, he directs and coordinates the entire Mt. Sinai residency program in obstetrics and gynecology.
Dr. Blankstein is Board-Certified: American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Fellow: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Fellowship-Trained: Reproductive Endocrinology—In Vitro Fertilization
Dr. Blankstein has an extensive background in obstetrics and gynecology. His medical education began at Tel Aviv University School of Medicine. Additional academic positions include the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
Dr. Blankstein has also shared his expertise with aspiring physicians while teaching at various medical schools including Tel Aviv University, Chicago Medical and Mt. Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Blankstein has published over 100 articles in medical journals, textbooks and medical publications. His special expertise in reproductive endocrinology and In Vitro Fertilization make him an asset to the ARHC group.
“I’ve studied with fertility specialists around the world, and I'm proud to be a member of the family of professionals here. We combine our expertise to provide a level of care you’re unlikely to find elsewhere. This way, you benefit not just from my expertise, but from the experience of an entire team of devoted experts.”
Awards
Dr. Blankstein has received dozens of awards, presented hundreds of medical lectures and has over 100 scientific publications. He is the principal author of Introduction of Ovulation and In Vitro Fertilization. Additionally, he has authored multiple textbook chapters and manuscripts. Dr. Blankstein is a member of the American Fertility Society as well as a founding member of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology.
Allison Rodgers, MD, FACOGChicago IVF welcomes Dr. Allison Rodgers to our staff of physicians!
• Residency: MetroHealth Medical Center / The Cleveland Clinic
• Fellowship: University of Texas at San Antonio
CERTIFICATIONS:
• Board Certified: Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists
• Member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine
• Selected as one of America's Top Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• Published original research in Fertility & Sterility, Reproductive Sciences, American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Obstetrics & Gynecology
PHILOSOPHY OF CARE:
"I strive to care for patients with the compassion and expertise that I would appreciate from my own physician. It is so rewarding to help couples overcome fertility problems and have the family they desire. My clinical interests include In Vitro Fertilization, Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency."
PERSONAL JOURNEY:
"After beginning my fertility training, I was diagnosed with secondary infertility. Having gone through the full range of infertility therapy, as well as pregnancy loss, these experiences have deeply impacted the way that I care for patients. I can appreciate the physical and emotional stress that often accompanies infertility in a unique way."
Yelena Pasman, MD, EMB (ACE), CLS, CG
Dr. Yelena Pasman is a Senior Embryologist and Laboratory Manager at Chicago IVF, with over 20 years of experience in the areas of Genetics and Assisted Reproductive Technologies. Dr. Pasman received her doctoral degree in Europe and started her Clinical laboratory carrier in 1988 at Reproductive Genetics Institute (RGI) and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine where she received her training from the world's leading scientists.
Dr. Pasman has been an active member of American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) and American College of Embryology (ACE). For the past 11 years Dr. Pasman focused largely in Preimplantation Genetics Screening and Quality Improvement in the field of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Based on education, experience, and level of practice, Dr. Pasman received the Certificate of Embryologist (Level IV), EMB from the American College of Embryology (ACE). Through the years, Dr. Pasman provided training and support in all areas of Clinical Reproductive Laboratory Services to several medical centers in Brazil, Mexico, and USA.
The clinical activity of Dr. Pasman consists in managing IVF laboratories, and in providing services including Preimplantation Genetics Screening (PGS). Dr Pasman has performed well over 1000 IVF cases and more than 300 PGS cycles for chromosome abnormalities related to advanced maternal age and family balancing. Dr. Pasman is also a certified Clinical Laboratory Specialist in Cytogenetics, (CLS (CG), (NCA)) and CG (ASCP).
Dr. Pasman worked as an IVF laboratory Manager at The Fertility Institutes in Los Angeles before she joined Chicago-IVF. Under Dr. Pasman direction, IVF laboratory was accredited by a regulatory agency to perform embryo biopsy for Single Gene Disorders using Microarray and Fluorescence PCR techniques, and aneuploidy, gender and chromosome translocation screenings within a facility.
"I have been privileged to work with wonderful patients, and talented professionals in this constantly evolving field. I will remain totally dedicated to our patients and will continue to work on improving the laboratory services related to Assisted Reproductive Technology and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD). We have a tremendous responsibility to help our patients and to provide the best possible outcome."
Building Trust and Sharing Values
"I find it a tremendous strength and have enjoyed participating in the care of women through a wide range of areas surrounding reproductive health. I have educational training not only in infertility, but also with gynecology, obstetrics and genetic counseling. My experience and education in advanced practice nursing includes a background as both a clinical nurse specialist and a nurse practitioner. It has enabled me to provide excellent patient care, and also to share with our patients my significant dedication and commitment to counsel and educate patients regarding their personal health care."
- Nurse Practitioner Certification; Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA,
- Master of Science in Nursing with Specialization in Women's Health and Genetics; Rush University, Chicago, IL
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, North Park University, Chicago, IL
- National Certification as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner by the National Certification Corporation
Tammy's extensive education and commitment to providing outstanding health care brings a new facet of patient care to our practice she excels in not only caring for patients, but also educates and mentors the ARHC clinical team. Working side-by-side with the physicians, as well as independently meeting with patients in their treatment, allows continuity of care with a very personal interaction throughout each patient's experience.
A "Golden Rule" Philosophy
"The most important commitment a health care provider can make, outside of maintaining a current knowledge base, is to remember to always treat others as we would want to be treated. I value integrity and respect of individual concerns, and I wholeheartedly appreciate accessibility to my patient's health care providers to maintain extensive open communication in their continuing care."
"Although I have never experienced the difficulty of becoming pregnant, I have endured my own sense of reproductive failure through recurrent pregnancy loss/fetal abnormalities. I deeply empathize with the emotional issues and sense of loss that surrounds desiring a child but struggling to conceive and carry."
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Nancy Corsbie, RN, APNLooking Forward To Expanding My Knowledge
"Chicago IVF bring so much hope and joy to so many couples. Being part of such a hard working team is very rewarding and motivating."
Nancy is a well-educated nationally recognized Nurse Practitioner and has full knowledge in women's health. She provides excellent patient care, and fulfills patients needs and expectations in meeting their fertility goals.
- Degree in Nursing : Purdue North Central University, IN,
- Womens Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program Indiana University, IN
- National Certification as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- National Certification Health Care
- Multiple National Academic Recognitions
- Many years of university training
Sharing The Value Of Experience
"I have over 25 years of experience in women's health, which includes labor and deliver, OB/GYN office nursing and as a Certified Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner in private practices."
Nancy is devoted to sharing the value of 25 years of experience by giving couples appropriate guidance and treatment plans.
- Chicago area Reproductive Endocrinology
- National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)
My Work Is My Joy
"My mission in women's health is to enable women to take control of their health and fertility needs. Educating and counseling couples with realistic expectations and treatments allow them to take on an active role in their fertility plans."
"Becoming a parent is a very personal and emotional time of couples lives. It is critical that we give accurate assessments for success to couples and emotional support to make good informed decisions."
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Dr. Turk has decades of experience and is board certified in Urology, with special expertise in Male Infertility. He also received certification from the American Osteopathic Board of Urological Surgery. Dr. Turk received his B.A. in Biology from Indiana University, followed by years of residencies at Michael Reese Hospital, Children's Memorial Hospital, North Chicago Veteran's Hospital and the Chicago Osteopathic Medical Center. Today, Dr. Turk is involved in hospital appointments at Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights, IL and Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, IL.
Awards
As a nationally recognized speaker, Dr. Turk served as President of the Chicago Urological Society from 2006-2007. In addition, he is a member of several medical committees including the American Urological Association, Fellowship of the American College of Surgeons, American Fertility Society, Medical Practice Committee, and the Chicago Medical School. Dr. Turk has presented at numerous conferences throughout the country speaking on topics such as, “The Evaluation of Impotence: What is Necessary?” and “Male Reproductive Physiology.” Dr. Turk has also performed extensive research and publicized various articles in the Journal of Urology. Dr. Turk has received numerous peer recognized awards and honorable mentions.
Procedures
Dr. Turk is available for consultations and surgical sperm extraction procedures. His fertility expertise includes Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) and Epididymal Sperm Removal (PESE).
Howard Weissman, PhDDr. Howard Weissman is Director of Psychological Services for Chicago IVF. Dr. Weissman has worked with Chicago IVF patients since 1996. He is also Director of Psychological Services for Chicago’s Stress Relief Center. Dr. Weissman earned his PHD in teaching experience at Illinois School of Professional Psychology.
Awards
Dr. Weissman is currently a member of American Psychological Association, American Society of Reproductive Medicine, Associate in Advancement of Psychology, Illinois Psychological Association, and Resolve/Infertility Resources Support Group. He has written multiple articles, medical documents, and has received multiple awards. Dr. Weissman’s contributions in the psychological community were recognized in 1999 when the Republic of South Africa invited him to visit as part of the professional delegation.
Personal Information
Dr. Weissman lives in the Chicago Area with his wife.
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