Meet Dr. Lora Shahine Dr. Lora Shahine, reproductive endocrinologist at Pacific NW Fertility and clinical faculty at the University of Washington in Seattle, completed her fellowship in reproductive endocrinology at Stanford University and residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California in San Francisco. She is dedicated to educating and advocating for increased awareness of infertility, miscarriage, and the impact on environmental toxins on health through an active social media presence, teaching, clinical research, her books including best-selling, Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, and her podcast, Baby or Bust. Find her at www.drlorashahine.com and on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter. How did you decide to do the work that you do? I always knew I wanted to be a physician as a way to combine my passions for service of others and love of science, the toughest part for me was deciding on a specialty - until I found reproductive endocrinology. The field of reproductive health is an incredible mix of fast changing technology, constant learning, and the privilege of helping people build families. What are you most proud of in your work? It’s the human connection and being a part of someone’s journey that gives me joy. I help people through a scary and vulnerable part of their reproductive journey and I am most proud of the ability to educate and provide compassion each step of the way. What is a challenge you have overcome in your work? Or, what is the biggest challenge you are currently facing in your work? The work of a fertility specialist is quite humbling. One of the toughest parts is not having all the answers as to why but providing options, support, and hope along the way. What do you wish people knew about fertility and reproductive health? I wish people didn’t take their fertility for granted or assume that we are in control of our family building. Middle school and High school health class focuses on NOT getting pregnant before we’re ready and contraception works well - I just wish that building a family was as easy and predictable as we wish it could be for everyone. Is there anything happening in the reproductive health field that you're especially excited about? I am excited about how genetics is changing the success rates in assisted reproduction. With chromosomal screening of embryos we have increased the chance of success with a single embryo transfer and decreased risk of miscarriage due to aneuploidy. We’re just scratching the surface of the ability of what we can learn and do with genetic screening - I’m excited to see what the future holds. Who inspires you in this field? My patients 1000% - these brave people have goals, have the strength of will, and put themselves out there with success and failure as potential outcomes. The definition of brave is proceeding despite fear and my patients are some of the bravest people I know! What are you working on next? I’ve just released the second edition of my book, Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Miscarriage. First published in 2017 — it’s amazing how much the field has changed in 5 years. Thrilled for the update. I’m enjoying the creative and educational potential with social media and loving YouTube as 'a new for me’ way to help. Want to meet some more Changemakers? Read on here.
