I am Luann Johnson, the Patient Advocate at the Center for Applied Reproductive Science. One in six couples is infertile and the stress of coping with this disease is often likened to a roller coaster ride. Patients become hopeful one day only to crash down the next. They express feelings of anger, guilt, frustration, and depression. They often feel isolated and believe that they are alone in their struggle to conceive a child. There may also be feelings of shame, inadequacy, guilt, or embarrassment about discussing infertility issues. Infertility has a major impact on a person's life and coping with it can at times be problematic. Many patients benefit from talking with an advocate who can answer their questions and provide emotional support for them in a reasonably objective, yet totally caring way. Talking with someone who understands what you are going through can have a positive impact on your infertility experience, regardless of your specific pregnancy outcome.

We encourage individuals to take advantage of the opportunity to talk through feelings. Patients undergoing infertility treatments differ in their reactions to test results and treatment procedures depending on their gender, personality, and life experience. Your doctor may at any point in your treatment suggest that you talk with me. There is no charge to talk with me and the meetings are confidential, although I may have to let the doctor know that we have met. My role as patient advocate is to figuratively sit across the desk from the physician with the patient in a "lay person" capacity, offering empathy, explanation, emphasis, and encouragement as necessary. The advocate looks at all areas of the practice from the patient's perspective, not the physician's, in an attempt to improve areas as needed. The advocate is a liaison between the patient and physician, embryologist, or other staff members and is not a substitute for other members of the health care team such as a psychologist or social worker. The advocate works on infertility related issues in governmental and community areas as well. I am also happy to serve as a resource for you to locate a therapist or support group if necessary.

It is important to all of us here at the Center for Applied Reproductive Science that we do the very best we can for you during your treatment with us. Having a Patient Advocate in the office to provide education, offer emotional support, and smooth the "rough spots" that sometimes arise, is an integral part of offering comprehensive quality medical care.

I hope to have the chance to meet you and help you have a positive experience with our clinic. Please feel free to contact me at the Center. 423-461-8880.

Luann Johnson, Patient Advocate