Kimberly Keefe Smith

Dr. Keefe Smith is an exceptional doctor. She does an excellent job of communicating her thought process and really felt like a partner throughout our whole time working together. She listened to what was important to us and happily answered all of our questions. She never rushed us or made us feel bad for asking (a lot of) questions. Most importantly, I felt so cared for during a very difficult IVF journey. After two failed rounds we did seek a second opinion at another clinic (which she was completely understanding about!) but the experience there was much worse and we went back to Dr. Keefe Smith. I just felt that I could trust her to be honest with us and I knew she always had our best interest in mind. I knew if we had success, I wanted it to be with her and if we didn't, I also knew we could count on her to be compassionate and help guide us through next steps. We ultimately did have a successful FET, but I would write the same review even if we hadn't had success.

She often runs a few minutes late but thats just because she is so thorough and takes her time with her patients (even when she's running behind you never ever feel rushed). So it's worth it (but maybe plan ahead for that).

Antagonist protocol did not work well for me. I had the most success with the very low dose lupron (VLDL) and ultra low dose lupron (ULDL) protocols (this one is BWH-specific).

Mostly covered by insurance, we paid out of pocket for PGT-A.

strong preference for eSET

Compassionate, able to explain the process, options, risks and benefits clearly. Willing to do additional research and consider alternatives when treatment was not proceeding as hoped. When we raised some concerns and interest in seeking a second opinion (actually more related to the facility than to her), she was understanding and helped to make a referral. In the end, although we had a consultation with another physician, we ended up continuing out treatment with the same clinic and with her.

Don't be afraid to ask questions!

We started with Clomid and IUI with close monitoring (US and labs). Dr. Keefe-Smith discussed with us at each stage when we were ready to proceed with IUI (each time there was more than one leading follicle, so discussed potential risk of multiples). When we started IVF, I started a pretty standard antagonist protocol with FSH and menopur and Lupron trigger. I had high ovarian reserve, with numbers bordering PCOS territory, so wanted to avoid ovarian hyperstimulation. Had a good response, but no balanced embryos. Used same protocol next cycle, but had to increase med doses part way, with similar results (although fewer viable embryos). 3rd cycle tried VLDL cycle (low dose lupron prior, then FSH/menopur and HCG trigger). Really no better with ~same # eggs and viable embryos. 4th cycle went back to the original protocol with thought that I had responded best during that cycle. Also added ICSI after discussion (and additional research) to suggest this might be helpful. Had great response, slightly more viable embryos, and 1 euploid. Now just awaiting FET

Most of my costs were covered by insurance. I had to pay out of pocket for a lot of the genetic testing, but the clinic was helpful in getting this partially covered.

Provider had strong preference for eSET, but I think this was mostly due to my age and the much higher risk of pregnancy complications.