As Florida prepares for the impending onslaught of Hurricane Irma, many residents are evacuating to safety. However, one dedicated fertility specialist has chosen to remain behind, prioritizing the welfare of his patients and the future they hope to create. Dr. Eric Thompson, a renowned reproductive endocrinologist, is steadfast in his commitment to protect his fertility clinic and the precious biological materials it houses.
For countless couples struggling to conceive, Dr. Thompson’s clinic is often their last resort. With a facility brimming with sperm, eggs, and embryos, he understands the immense responsibility resting on his shoulders during this precarious time. He took to social media to share his reasoning and the extensive measures he has implemented to safeguard his clinic and its contents.
Commitment to Patients
Dr. Thompson’s clinic, Fertility Solutions, conducts around 400 in-vitro fertilization cycles annually, and he is acutely aware that for some patients, this might be their final opportunity to become parents. “We have a significant number of samples stored here,” he explained in an interview. “Our partnership with a cancer center means we are entrusted with storage for men preparing for chemotherapy. Losing their samples would mean losing their chances of fatherhood.”
As the hurricane approaches, alternative storage facilities overwhelmed by demand were unable to accept the materials, making Dr. Thompson even more determined to protect them. He recounted a conversation with a patient, a fellow physician in her 40s, who expressed her anxiety about the fate of her one remaining embryo. “She was in a panic, leaving town but worried about what would happen to her embryo,” he shared. Dr. Thompson assured her that the clinic was equipped with a generator, liquid nitrogen capable of preserving samples for up to two weeks without power, and fortified windows and sandbags to withstand the storm.
Preparedness and Experience
“Every building has to meet stringent safety standards since Hurricane Andrew,” he noted, emphasizing that his clinic is well-prepared. Yet, he is also mindful of the unpredictable nature of hurricanes. “Anything can happen. I just felt uneasy leaving with the possibility of something going wrong,” he said.
Dr. Thompson has firsthand experience, having lived through Hurricane Andrew, and recalls the efforts of his colleagues during Hurricane Sandy to rescue embryos when a fertility center lost power. He relocated his family to a motel nearby, all while keeping a close eye on his clinic. “I’m cautiously optimistic that we’ll be fine. The city might face significant damage, but I need to protect what’s in the tanks.”
Dedication to Dreams of Parenthood
In times of crisis, it’s reassuring to know that patients have a doctor so dedicated to their dreams of parenthood. For those interested in alternative options for starting a family, consider exploring resources like this home insemination kit and check out this excellent guide for more information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary: Amid Hurricane Irma’s approach, Dr. Eric Thompson, a Florida fertility specialist, remains at his clinic to protect the embryos and samples of patients who rely on his expertise for their chance at parenthood. His dedication highlights the critical role of reproductive health professionals during crises.