Melissa Fudge and Victoria Schulte both found a deep passion for fertility when working in college. “I have always loved being in the lab. When I was working on my biology degree at the University of Missouri-Columbia, I always liked my classes with labs the most due to the hands- on aspect in learning new skills,” Schulte says.

But for Fudge, it was the education, combined with her own experience undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment, that inspired her to help others on their journey to starting a family. “I feel that I can inspire other women going through infertility to be proactive in their care and unafraid to ask questions about their treatment,” she says. Through her work, in three years, Schulte says she has had the honor of helping 178 women get pregnant and start their families. “I make sure I handle every patient with extra kindness, respect and understanding as I know topics surrounding fertility can be difficult to talk about,” she says.

For other women interested in this field, Fudge says it’s all about networking. “Find a mentor, and network with other professionals in the area you’re interested in. Stay up to date with current research and keep finding ways to sharpen your skills and knowledge,” she says. “My mentors have been my senior embryologist, David Wax, Gil Wilshire, MD, the medical director at Missouri Fertility, and my lab director, Jaime Hogerty. From everything that happens in the lab to patient interactions and everything in between, they have trained me and given me so much confidence in my ability to learn and grow into this position,” Fudge says. Schulte credits her growth as a professional to the guidance of mentors who helped shape her work ethic and approach. “During my time in the IVF world, I have had the opportunity to work with our lab director, Jaime Hogerty, PhD, HCLD. Her bright and cheery attitude, when put together with her intelligence, is truly something to aspire to for any woman in STEM,” she says.

Schulte says she has seen an increase in women getting started in this field and hopes the trend will only keep rising. “I currently see more and more young women getting into the lab side of IVF when I attend scientific conferences, so I really just expect that to continue.”

For both women, being a “Woman to Watch” is a way to show the community how much passion and dedication they have toward their work. “I am a woman with great potential and ambition that will go on to do amazing things,” Fudge says. “It means to me that I show great potential to do great things within my community, based on what I have achieved so far,” Schulte adds. No matter what you and your family are going through, the team at Missouri Fertility is here to help you make your family dreams come true. “Seeking help within your fertility journey is nothing to feel shame or guilt over. We are here to help whenever you and your family are ready,” Schulte says.

Missouri Fertility
1506 E. Broadway, suite 220
573-443-4511
missourifertility.com