IRH In Scope

It's VIP only, and you're all invited.

Dr. Angie Beltsos, Chief Executive Physician at Kindbody and founder of reproductive health conference MRSi, has an all-inclusive philosophy.

 

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By Tara Bellucci

“Are you ready to make music together?” Dr. Angie Beltsos asked a room full of fertility professionals at the 2024 Midwest Reproductive Symposium international (MRSi) in June. She then had them all sing.

Adding music to learning situations like conferences helps with information retention, she says. It’s also good to stand up and stretch—not only your body, but your comfort zone. “I like to tell people on my team, always put yourself in a place where you're a little uncomfortable…So when you stretch and you do it, it's an icebreaker for your brain and your confidence.”

“Every person’s journey to parenthood is unique, and it’s our job to support them every step of the way.”

Beltsos’ journey, marked by a commitment to patient-centered care and a pioneering spirit, has seen her ascend to founder of MRSi and physician then practice founder, then Chief Executive Physician at Kindbody. Through these roles, she brings her “whole purpose,” leading in a way that is “low silos, high teamwork. Check your egos at the door.”

Dr. Beltsos’ early career, which began in obstetrics and gynecology, laid the foundation for her deep understanding of women’s health. However, it was her encounter with the struggles of patients trying to conceive that ignited her passion for reproductive medicine. “It was the stories of the women, the couples, who were desperately seeking to build their families that drew me into this field,” she reflects.

 

Dr. Beltsos with Louise Brown, the first baby born via IVF.
Image credit: Jeff MacInnis/WIN Thinking

 

She recalls having one of those rare moments of clarity of purpose: "I walked by a door that said IVF lab and I was like, are you kidding me right now? Are they helping people have babies by creating embryos in that room? That is so cool. That's what I'm going to do." She herself is a mother of four: three by C-section and one by surrogacy, and a compassion-driven approach would become a hallmark of her leadership style.

Beltsos also loves teaching, and considered staying solely in academia and focusing on research. But she realized that if she made more in private practice, she could take part of her income to fund her own studies. “I am going to be an anomaly where I am a private practice doctor who's very into academics,” she says.

Fostering global collaboration

One of Dr. Beltsos’ most significant contributions to the field is the founding of the Midwest Reproductive Symposium international (MRSi). What began as a regional gathering of fertility specialists has grown into one of the most influential conferences in reproductive medicine. Dr. Beltsos envisioned MRSi as a platform for global collaboration, where professionals from around the world could share research, discuss challenges, and explore new frontiers in fertility treatment.

“MRSi was born out of a need to connect with others in the field, to learn from one another, and to push the boundaries of what we can achieve in reproductive medicine,” Dr. Beltsos explains. Her vision for MRSi was not just about scientific advancement, but also about building a community of like-minded professionals committed to improving patient outcomes.

 

Image credit: Jeff MacInnis/WIN Thinking

 

Under her leadership, MRSi has become a beacon for innovation, attracting thought leaders and fostering partnerships that have led to groundbreaking advancements in the field; North American Proceedings in Gynecology and Obstetrics (NAPGO) notes 30 abstracts from the 2023 conference alone. The symposium’s impact is a testament to Dr. Beltsos’ ability to inspire and unite others around a common goal in her inclusive way.

There was a party planned at this year’s MRSi, and Beltsos went around handing out invitations to the VIP event. Of course, everyone got one.

The same is true in her operating room. “Everyone in the room is respected, empowered, important. I want them to own their position, not look for me to direct them,” she says. Everyone sets up, everyone cleans after—no one, even her, is above sweeping the floor or taking out the trash. “It's a deliberate expression that I'm here with you.That idea that we're all doing this together starts to instill a culture.”

That culture is crucial to uniting everyone as a team. When you work with highly skilled and educated people, how do you get them to work synergistically? “Not by bossing them around, but by making them feel important.” The magic of teamwork, Beltsos says, is additive. One plus one equals three.

“She invests in people at every level of the team and the community around her,” says Dr. Amber Cooper, Chief Medical Officer, Genomics and Laboratory Sciences at Kindbody, who has been a colleague, mentee, and friend of Dr. Beltsos for 20 years. “She listens and strives for success in places others often don’t look. She is creative and compassionate as well as strong and determined and those around her find energy through her leadership.”

“When she asked me to join her in starting what would ultimately be Vios Fertility in 2015, and we put the first steps on the back of a napkin in 2012, it was a conversation I always came back to,” Cooper adds. “Watching her leadership style and ability to grow teams and inspire those around her showed me that it was a risk worth taking. What I have learned over those years and watching her continued leadership through the growth of Kindbody and the challenging path of trying to improve access to care and change the narrative is truly priceless.”

 

Dr. Beltsos interviewing Oscar Munoz at MRSi in June 2024.
Image credit: Jeff MacInnis/WIN Thinking

 

A new era of care

In 2022, Dr. Beltsos took on a new challenge, merging with Kindbody, a startup that is approaching fertility care with a tech-forward, patient-centric lens. Kindbody’s mission is to make fertility services more accessible, affordable, and inclusive—a vision that aligns perfectly with her values.

“We’re rethinking how fertility care is delivered. It’s not just about the treatment itself, but about the entire experience—from the moment a patient walks through our doors,” Beltsos notes. “Every person’s journey to parenthood is unique, and it’s our job to support them every step of the way.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Beltsos is optimistic about the future of fertility care. She sees a world where advancements in technology and medicine will continue to improve success rates, reduce costs, and make treatment more accessible to people everywhere. However, she also recognizes the need for continued advocacy and education to ensure that these advancements benefit everyone.

“Fertility care is evolving rapidly, but we must ensure that no one is left behind. That’s why it’s so important to continue the conversation about access, affordability, and equity,” Beltsos says.

As she continues to lead Kindbody and MRSi, Dr. Beltsos remains focused on her ultimate goal: to help as many people as possible achieve their dreams of parenthood. Her journey from a compassionate OBGYN to a leader in reproductive medicine is a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose.

The content and themes expressed within the article above are that of the news. The advertiser does not have editorial control over the content of the article, and Inside Reproductive Health maintains full editorial independence. The views and opinions expressed in this article do not represent the views of the Advertiser or of Inside Reproductive Health.

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All external links active as of 09/12/2024

External links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by Fertility Bridge or Inside Reproductive Health of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. Neither Fertility Bridge nor Inside Reproductive Health bears responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.

 
 
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Dr. Rob Kiltz's struggles, triumphs and vision [] The doctor fixing healthcare's information crisis eyes the fertility sector

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Also in this issue:
The Digital Doctor: How Dr. C. Anthony Jones is Fixing Healthcare’s Information Crisis
Continue reading below

 
 

Dr. Robert Kiltz, founder of CNY Fertility and avid potter, blends Western medicine and holistic practices–with a side of steak–in his quest to make fertility more accessible and affordable.

By Tara Bellucci

In the world of fertility medicine, where treatments often come with hefty price tags, Dr. Robert Kiltz stands out for making fertility care accessible and affordable. As the founder and director of CNY Fertility, Kiltz has disrupted the delivery of reproductive medicine by integrating holistic practices with traditional treatments, all while keeping costs manageable for his patients. His journey from a struggling student to a pioneering fertility specialist is marked by a pursuit of innovation and inclusivity.

Youthful struggles

Today, his life in central New York is very different from his early years growing up in Los Angeles. The author of multiple books, including The Fertile Feast: Dr. Kiltz’s Essential Guide to a Keto Way of Life, started off as a struggling student that couldn’t read. “I couldn’t read, until I had to. I was kicked out of school…I didn’t get into medical school the first time,” he says. “These experiences made me resilient.”

“Healing isn’t just strictly with shots, pills, and surgeries.”

And those weren’t the only challenges of his youth. “I was arrested in a gang,” he shares. But a young Rob Kiltz found pottery, an outlet for stress and anxiety that he’s kept up to this day. “I bought a potter's wheel in high school. I still have it. And it's always a place to go when I need to.” Over his 55-plus years as an accomplished artist and potter, he’s created everything from tea sets to large platters, though his favorite thing to make are cups which at one point he even sold on Etsy. “Pottery is something pretty amazing in that you take mud and it forms into something,” he muses. “It’s a place for me to de-stress, refocus, and clear my mind.”​​

 
 

Flying is another of Kiltz’s passions. Having become a pilot 12 years ago, he finds parallels between aviation and his medical practice. “In the operating room, if you’ve got a bleeder, you just put pressure on it, take a breath, and then move forward,” he explains. “Our breath is so powerful.”​​ This ability to stay calm under pressure is a trait he values highly, whether navigating the skies or performing delicate medical procedures.

“Clinicians frequently overestimate patients' understanding and recall of instructions, while patients, even when confused, hesitate to admit their lack of comprehension.”

Next article, continue reading ↓

Helping vs. hurting

Stress management is something he also looks to provide to his patients. “[Western] medicine can be very stressful,” Kiltz admits. “We go into a health practice to help people, but we often find that it doesn’t work, and sometimes it hurts people.”​​ This realization has driven Kiltz to explore alternative therapies, including acupuncture, massage, meditation, and yoga. He believes these practices can alleviate the emotional and physical stress that often accompanies fertility treatments, providing a more comprehensive approach to patient care​​.

Kiltz’s personal struggles with health issues, including migraines, dyslexia, depression, and anxiety, fueled his interest in holistic health. “Through the years, it got worse,” he says, listing a litany of ailments from bowel bleeding to kidney stones​​. His quest for relief led him to adopt a ketogenic diet and eventually the Carnivore diet, which he credits with transforming his health and well-being. “I went to strictly a meat-based diet, eliminated plants of any significance or frequency, and I suddenly felt better.”​​

Eat meat

While the scientific community at large has concerns about keto and its more restrictive carnivore version, Dr. Kiltz is his own proof. After noticing patients who practiced keto diets having improved fertility results, the doctor left his omnivorous, Mediterranean-style eating habits behind. He says this dietary shift not only improved his own health, but also became a cornerstone of his practice.

Despite others who may not agree with his strategy, Kiltz advocates for a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, emphasizing the importance of ketosis—a metabolic state where the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. “Ketosis is very anti-inflammatory and helps heal a lot of diseases,” he explains, suggesting that our modern diet, rich in processed foods and frequent meals, is a primary cause of many chronic illnesses​. “That’s why I talk a lot about nutrition and meditation and other modalities, because what if we can help you remove the cause of your diseases and infertility, and you don't need us? I’m committed to that.”

 
 

Kiltz’s approach to medicine is deeply spiritual, reflecting a journey from Catholicism to a broader spiritual philosophy. “Spirituality is a big part of my life and my practice,” he shares. “It helps me stay grounded and connected with my patients on a deeper level.” This spiritual perspective permeates his work, as he encourages patients to adopt a positive mindset and incorporate faith into their healing processes. “Faith, in whatever form it takes, is essential for healing,” he says. “It’s about believing in something greater than ourselves.”​​

Removing barriers

One of the defining features of Kiltz’s practice is its affordability. He says he has made it a mission to provide high-quality fertility treatments at a fraction of the cost. “Our goal is to make fertility care accessible to everyone,” he says. “We believe that financial barriers should not stand in the way of building a family.”​​ This philosophy is reflected in the pricing structure at CNY Fertility, where treatments are offered at significantly lower rates than the national average, and the practice offers interest-free self-financing to those patients who need it.

“Just because you have more money than someone else doesn't mean you have more of a right to have a family,” says Justine Taylor, Clinical Chief Nursing Officer at CNY Fertility, who has been working with Dr. Kiltz for 18 years. “And he truly believes that.”

“Our business model is focused on efficiency and affordability. We constantly look for ways to reduce expenses and pass those savings on to our patients,” says Kiltz. Through bundling services and streamlining processes, his team makes it happen. “We work hard to keep our costs low without sacrificing the quality of care. It’s a delicate balance, but it’s essential for our patients.”

Accessibility is also a huge focus. The company currently has eight locations across the US with more in the works.

Kiltz’s unique blend of holistic practices and conventional medicine has not only set him apart in the fertility field, but also garnered him a dedicated following. He has amassed over 300,000 followers across social media, where regularly goes live on Instagram at 5 a.m. to chat to his carnivore community. His patients appreciate his willingness to explore every possible avenue to improve their chances of conception. “We incorporate nutrition, faith, positivity—love yourself, love the environment, love your life,” he says, summarizing his philosophy​​.

“We believe that financial barriers should not stand in the way of building a family.”

“He gives everyone a chance,” Christina Salzberg, COO of CNY Fertility, says. And that was the case with a couple she knew. 20-plus years ago, IVF was even less accessible, relegated to celebrities and the pages of People magazine. Salzberg shares that back then, her friends dealt with a genetic disease that impacted their ability to conceive naturally. When other doctors were turning them away, not knowing if having embryos share a tank that were possible carriers might have a larger impact (which is not an issue today, of course), “Dr. Kiltz was like, ‘that’s ridiculous, I can do it, send them here.’ And they have two beautiful children today.”

Looking ahead, Kiltz remains committed to pushing the boundaries of fertility medicine. He continues to advocate for a holistic approach, believing that true health comes from a combination of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. “Healing isn’t just strictly with shots, pills, and surgeries,” he asserts. “We have to look at a lot of these ancient modalities and how they help humanity.”​​

In a field often focused on the latest technological advancements, Dr. Robert Kiltz’s holistic and affordable approach offers an additional perspective. While some of his methods are considered controversial, his career is a testament to the power of integrating mind, body, and spirit in the pursuit of health.

The content and themes expressed within the article above are that of the news. The advertiser does not have editorial control over the content of the previous article, and Inside Reproductive Health maintains full editorial independence. The views and opinions expressed in this article do not represent the views of the Advertiser or of Inside Reproductive Health.

And what he plans to do in the fertility space…

By: Inside Reproductive Health

In the hushed corridors of medical innovation, where the clash between innovation in patient care and business often sparks as much friction as it does progress, stands a physician-entrepreneur.

Dr. C. Anthony Jones’ journey from medical school to the helm of Frontive  is a narrative woven with the threads of necessity, punctuated by a singular mission: to transform healthcare information management.

Dr. Jones’ fascination with the failings of the healthcare system began in medical school. He found himself increasingly distracted by a recurring theme: the pervasive disarray in how medical information was managed.

Errors, ranging from scheduling mishaps to potentially fatal miscommunications, seemed to sprout from the chaotic handling of data.

The urgency of these issues led him to a pivotal decision: eschew a traditional residency in favor of a postdoctoral fellowship in medical informatics at Columbia University.

Dr. Jones’ professional trajectory took him through large consulting firms and burgeoning healthtech companies, each step marked by a relentless pursuit of making the healthcare experience smoother, more intuitive, and cost-effective.

From this foundational experience emerged Frontive, a venture that Dr. Jones regards as a natural progression in his career.

The inception of Frontive was not without its tribulations. Startups, particularly in the unforgiving arena of healthcare, are fraught with challenges.

Exclusive Pilot Opportunity-FREE for One Group Only

Choosing only one fertility clinic or network, Frontive Health, led by Dr. C. Anthony Jones, wants to replicate the results they’ve achieved in other healthcare sectors in the fertility space.

  • 60% Reduction in Patient Questions

  • 25% Reduction In Nurse Time

  • 20% increase in patient satisfaction

Dr. Jones is willing to pilot Frontive Health’s program for free…. But for only one fertility clinic network.

One clinic or network will receive several thousand dollars in value for free, but they must be innovative leaders and have an integrative EMR.

To see if your group qualifies, simply e-mail Dr. Jones and say hello.

FUNDING, FOCUS, AND FEAR

The so-called three Fs—funding, focus, and fear—loom large, but for Dr. Jones, the real adversary was the entrenched skepticism of healthcare providers. Their default posture of caution, while vital for patient safety, often becomes a barrier to the adoption of genuinely transformative technologies.

Dr. Jones approached this skepticism with a methodical strategy: focus on solving substantial problems, delve into the nuances of these issues from multiple perspectives, and substantiate claims with rigorous data.

Following a minor outpatient procedure, he observed the disorienting confusion faced by patients and their families as they navigated the whirlwind of pre-op and post-op instructions. The disheartening realization was that even educated individuals struggled to grasp the often convoluted instructions they received.

This was exacerbated for non-native English speakers, who battled not only a knowledge gap but a language barrier. What struck Dr. Jones was not just the confusion but the reluctance of patients to seek clarification, driven by a fear of seeming uninformed or judged by their clinicians.

This observation led to a profound insight: clinicians frequently overestimate patients' understanding and recall of instructions, while patients, even when confused, hesitate to admit their lack of comprehension.

 
 

DATA AND INTEGRATION

Addressing this disconnect became a central focus of Frontive, where digitization was employed not as a goal but as a means to deliver clarity, timeliness, and personalization.

Frontive Health™, the company’s flagship product, employs a novel approach to information personalization and dissemination. It dissects each physician’s  clinical instructions into digestible pieces, creating a repository of searchable FAQs and integrating real-time data to generate a daily Health Briefing™. This briefing—categorized into what to expect, what to do, and what to avoid—is dynamically tailored to the patient’s journey, streamlining information delivery and enhancing patient autonomy.

By interfacing directly with practices’  electronic health records (EHRs), the platform works seamlessly with a clinic’s workflow and ensures that patients receive accurate and timely information, thus alleviating staff burden and improving overall efficiency.

The success of Frontive Health™ is illustrated by a compelling case study with a cosmetic surgery practice. After implementing the platform, the practice saw a 60% reduction in patient inquiries and a 20% increase in satisfaction. More remarkably, the practice was able to cut its front-desk staff in half, reallocating resources to new patient intake and consultations, which in turn bolstered revenue and staff satisfaction. These metrics underscore not only the platform’s effectiveness but also its role as a strategic asset in a competitive market.

VISION FOR THE FERTILITY SPACE

Now, Dr. Jones’ vision extends into the realm of fertility medicine, a field rife with emotional and procedural complexities. Here, Frontive aims to mitigate patient anxiety and streamline protocol adherence, a goal that is particularly poignant given the emotional and financial stakes involved. The platform’s flexibility allows for rapid adjustments based on pilot feedback, a testament to Dr. Jones’s commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation.

In conversations about the future, Dr. Jones is both pragmatic and visionary. He acknowledges that Frontive will have to prove themselves in the fertility space, and is eager to do a pilot program with one forward thinking fertility clinic or network.

Ultimately, Dr. Jones’ work embodies a commitment to reshaping healthcare into a more intuitive, patient-centered experience. His journey from a disillusioned medical student to a pioneering tech entrepreneur reflects a deep-seated resolve to address systemic inefficiencies with innovative solutions.

In an industry often bogged down by inertia and skepticism, Dr. C. Anthony Jones’ story is one of relentless curiosity and a vision for a more coherent, compassionate healthcare system.

Exclusive Pilot Opportunity-FREE for One Group Only

Choosing only one fertility clinic or network, Frontive Health, led by Dr. C. Anthony Jones, wants to replicate the results they’ve achieved in other healthcare sectors in the fertility space.

  • 60% Reduction in Patient Questions

  • 25% Reduction In Nurse Time

  • 20% increase in patient satisfaction

Dr. Jones is willing to pilot Frontive Health’s program for free…. But for only one fertility clinic network.

One clinic or network will receive several thousand dollars in value for free, but they must be innovative leaders and have an integrative EMR.

To see if your group qualifies, simply e-mail Dr. Jones and say hello.

 
 

All external links active as of 09/05/2024

External links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by Fertility Bridge or Inside Reproductive Health of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. Neither Fertility Bridge nor Inside Reproductive Health bears responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.