When it comes to infertility, the CCRM clinic in NYC is where you want to be. Best-friend duo, Jaime Knopman and Sheeva Talebian, have helped numerous close friends of mine get pregnant, and their bed-side manner is what every woman hopes for. Most fertility clinics are more like factories, where you go and sit in a big room staring at a lot of strangers before being seen. At CCRM you get the personalized attention and privacy you want when it comes to struggling with infertility. Their labs are the most high-tech in the country, with innovations that most other clinics do not have. Dr. Knopman and Dr. Talebian discuss all of their patients together as a team, to come up with the most successful plan for each individual.
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
Our current practice has been open for 2 years. However Sheeva and I have been practicing fertility medicine together for over ten years.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
Jaime: It sort of sounds crazy but I knew that I wanted to be a doctor since the 2nd grade. I remember reading a book about Elizabeth Blackwell (the 1st woman doctor) and thinking “wow, I want to do that too.” When I got to medical school I knew that I wanted to focus on women’s health and I was fascinated by hormones. Fertility medicine seemed the perfect way to marry these two passions do this.
Sheeva: As the daughter of an OB/GYN being a doctor and helping women was engrained in me. I had a particular passion for fertility medicine - attracted to the science, rapid evolution of the technology and mostly the opportunity to be so emotionally involved with my patients.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
We are definitely different from other fertility doctors out there! Firstly, we don’t wear white coats and we meet most of our patients in the locker room of Soul Cycle! But in all honesty, we are relatable, we are direct and we are honest.
In terms of our practice, we function as a team (in fact some patients can’t even tell the difference between the two of us!) We have always felt that two minds are better than one and therefore, collaborate on the care of our patients.
In terms of our fertility practice, CCRM NY provides the highest quality of fertility care. Simply stated, our IVF laboratory is the best in the country! The techniques and procedures used in our lab translate into some of the best success rates in the world.
Additionally, many IVF practices, particularly in NYC, feel very “factory like.” Women line up at the door in the early AM to have their blood drawn and their ultrasound performed—often by a doctor or an ultrasound technician who they have never met. This is not how CCRM NY functions. We offer a boutique practice experience. Patients always know the doctor who does their ultrasound and their procedure. We want you to feel like an individual not a number.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
We would say a combination of our approach to patient care combined with our lab technology. When it comes to IVF, you need to like your doctor(s) for sure, however, where the “magic” happens is in the IVF lab. If the lab isn’t good, and isn’t on the forefront of technology, then you won’t get pregnant. We are fortunate to have the best IVF lab in the country.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
We are invested in the process, and in your success. For us, patients are not another number, we know them by name and by face. For lack of a better phrase, we are totally in it with you. We stand by your side as you experience the intense highs and the lows associated with fertility. We think our commitment to our patient’s success (no matter what time of day/night they call, text or email!) makes us unique.
What is your favorite part of your job?
The journey. Fertility treatment is a journey. There are patients who we have known for years. We have helped them have their whole families. Being alongside of a couple/individual as they embark on their journey of parenthood is an unbelievable experience.
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
We would both say the Reservoir in Central Park. As two avid runners nothing beats a run around the Reservoir on a spring day!
How do you benefit mamas?
We help them build their families—we help them become mothers.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
This question is almost impossible to answer. We are blessed to receive positive feedback in the form of birth announcements almost daily. We hand off our patients to their obstetricians by about 10 weeks. Nonetheless, we've had patients call us from the delivery room to tell us they just delivered, have had husbands text us as their wives are pushing and everything in between!
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field.
Elizabeth Fino (fertility doctor at NYU)
Mary Sabo (fertility acupuncturist)
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
Jaime: As silly as it might sound, and clearly you can tell I have young children, it’s from the movie Finding Dory “just keep swimming.”
For most couples fertility treatment is a journey. To achieve success you have to hang in there. Somedays are going to be terrible, but if you can stay “afloat” you will (in some way) become a parent.
Sheeva: Surround yourself with individuals who will pick you up during your lowest lows and celebrate your highs. Live your life with resilience, grit and gratitude. And don’t forget to be kind.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
Waking up super early! Sheeva and I meet to exercise at around 6AM in the morning. Starting our day off early with a good sweat allows us to be super-productive. Not only do we get that must needed me time, but it also gives us time to clear our heads and focus on the day that lies ahead. We also think exercise and the mental benefits that it brings allows us to be better, more focused and more energized mothers.
How can our readers contact you?
Our office is located at:
CCRM NY
810 7th Ave 21st Floor
New York, NY 10019
We can be reached by phone at (212)290-8100 or on our Website.