Is your gynaecologist really an IVF specialist?
Is your gynaecologist really an IVF specialist?
Patient: Dr. Malpani, I’m honestly overwhelmed. Every gynaecologist I meet today claims they are an IVF specialist. How do I know who is genuinely trained? And whom can I trust?
Dr. Malpani: I completely understand your confusion—and frustration. Unfortunately, this is a growing problem in India. The title “IVF specialist” is being used very loosely these days, and most patients have no idea what to look for—or what red flags to avoid
The Reality: Anyone Can Claim to Be an IVF Specialist in India
Dr. Malpani: Here’s the truth: In India, any MD in Obstetrics and Gynaecology can legally call themselves an IVF specialist, even if they have never actually performed a single IVF cycle during their residency training.
There is no regulatory body in India that defines the training, certification, or qualifications required to call yourself an IVF specialist. That’s in stark contrast to countries like the USA, where reproductive endocrinologists must complete a rigorous three-year fellowship in infertility and IVF after completing their OB-GYN training.
The Rise of “Weekend IVF Courses”
Patient: So how are these doctors getting trained?
Dr. Malpani: Many of them aren’t. Some attend short-term "certificate courses" or weekend workshops that promise to “train” them in IVF. These are often conducted by corporate IVF chains that are more interested in expanding their referral networks than in improving medical competence.
They attend a few lectures, maybe observe a few cases, and come out with a certificate—and suddenly they start advertising themselves as IVF experts.
It’s extremely misleading—and potentially dangerous for patients.
The Commission Model: Kickbacks Over Care
Patient: That’s shocking. But what happens to the patient in this setup?
Dr. Malpani: These doctors often act more as middlemen than actual treating physicians. They function as referral agents, sending patients to IVF clinics for egg retrievals and embryo transfers—and in return, they get a kickback or commission from the clinic.
The tragedy is that they have little involvement in the actual treatment cycle. The patient may never meet the embryologist, never see their embryos, and never understand what happened during the IVF process.
And when the cycle fails—as it often does—there is no accountability.
The Red Flag: No IVF Lab of Their Own
Patient: Is there any clear sign that a doctor isn’t actually doing the IVF themselves?
Dr. Malpani: Yes—this is the biggest red flag: the doctor does not have their own IVF laboratory.
An IVF lab is the heart of any IVF clinic. That’s where the actual magic happens—the eggs are fertilised, embryos are cultured, and embryo quality is determined. If a doctor doesn’t have an IVF lab in their clinic, then they are not performing IVF—they are just referring you to someone else who is.
And yet, most patients don’t know to ask about this. They assume the doctor they’re consulting will do everything themselves.
The Aftermath: Patients Are Left in the Dark
Patient: That explains why I never got any embryo photos or lab updates after my last cycle. The doctor just said, “Trust me.”
Dr. Malpani: That’s precisely the problem. The lack of transparency is what hurts patients the most.
A true IVF specialist will:
- Show you photos of your embryos
- Involve you in every step of the decision-making
- Explain the treatment plan in detail
- Share lab reports openly
- Never hide failure or sugarcoat results.
If your doctor isn’t doing this, you’re being short-changed—and it’s your right to demand better.
What to Ask Your IVF Doctor Before You Start
Dr. Malpani: Here’s a quick checklist of questions every patient should ask before trusting someone as their IVF specialist:
- Do you have your own IVF lab on-site?
- Who will be doing the egg retrieval and embryo transfer—yourself or someone else?
- Can I meet your embryologist?
- Will I get photos and details of my embryos?
- What IVF training have you received after your MD?
- How many IVF cycles have you personally managed from start to finish?
If your doctor hesitates or evades these questions, consider it a warning sign.
The Solution: Educated Patients = Ethical Practice
Dr. Malpani: I’ve always believed that informed patients get better care. The only way to raise the standard of IVF in India is to empower patients with knowledge.
Don’t get dazzled by fancy clinic interiors, big billboards, or social media followers. Ask hard questions. Demand transparency. Trust your gut.
And remember—a real IVF specialist will never be threatened by your questions. They’ll welcome them.