THE MISMATCH IN SUPPLY AND DEMAND: REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY AND INFERTILITY WORKFORCE CHALLENGES AND CONTROVERSIES
Many factors are accredited to the increased rate of fertility care and use of IVF, such as women having their first delivery at an older age and a decrease in sperm quality, the demand for physicians specializing in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility continues to grow. REI practices must balance a heightened demand for services and a high standard of care. This article discusses potential solutions to address the disparity between demand and REI specialists. Authors delve into the inclusion of basic fertility care within the OB/GYN practice, leveraging REI services with advanced practice providers and technology, expanding REI fellowship programs, as well as allowing fellows to bypass an REI fellowship.