This month, Laurel Fertility Care is proud to celebrate the birthday of our founder and medical director, Dr. Collin Smikle. For decades, Dr. Smikle has been a guiding light for individuals and couples navigating one of life’s most profound journeys: building the family of their dreams. We sat down with him to discuss his philosophy on holistic fertility care and why personalized fertility treatment is the key to reproductive success.
1. What first drew you to reproductive endocrinology, and how has your vision evolved since founding Laurel Fertility Care?
“Honestly, it was the ‘why’ behind the science. I’ve always been moved by the dream of starting a family, and seeing people struggle to reach that goal really struck a chord with me. I wanted to be the physician who offered both high-tech clinical solutions and a supportive hand to hold.
Since founding Laurel Fertility Care, my vision has matured. I quickly realized that medicine is only half the battle. Today, my focus is much more holistic. We look at the whole person—their stress, lifestyle, and emotional state—because those factors dictate how a patient responds to treatment and, more importantly, how they feel throughout the process.”
2. You often emphasize personalized, whole-body care. What does that look like in practice for your patients?
“It means we reject ‘cookie-cutter’ medicine. Every person who walks through our doors has a unique life story and a unique biological makeup. In practice, patient-centered fertility care means your plan might include a synergy of cutting-edge hormonal treatments alongside acupuncture or targeted dietary changes.
We might spend as much time discussing your sleep hygiene and stress levels as we do your lab results. Our goal is for you to feel seen as a human being, not a case file. When you are supported physically and emotionally, you are in a much stronger position to navigate the complexities of this journey.”
3. You’ve recently championed medical weight loss and stress-aware care. Why is metabolic health so vital to fertility?
“I like to think of it as ‘preparing the soil.’ Your metabolic health and fertility are inextricably linked. Take PCOS fertility care, for example: it’s the perfect illustration of how your metabolism and your ovaries are in a constant dialogue.
By integrating medical weight loss and stress management, we are essentially clearing the lines of communication within the body. This balances hormones and makes ovulation more predictable. It’s not just about achieving pregnancy; it’s about optimizing your body’s healthiest state so that every clinical intervention works more effectively.”
4. Many patients feel overwhelmed or ‘behind’ when they start. How do you help them move from fear into confidence?
“The first thing I tell them is: ‘Take a deep breath. You’re here now, and that is the most important step.’ We tackle fear with radical transparency. Much of the anxiety in fertility care comes from the ‘unknowns,’ so we explain the science, the timing, and the ‘why’ in plain English.
When you have a clear roadmap and know exactly what to expect next week or next month, that mountain starts to look like a series of manageable steps. We want our patients to feel they are back in the driver’s seat of their own lives.”
5. As both a physician and a leader, what are you most proud of at Laurel Fertility Care?
“I’m incredibly proud of the culture we’ve built. It’s one thing to maintain high success rates—which we do—but it’s another to have patients tell us they felt truly cared for during one of the hardest times of their lives.
I’m also proud of our community advocacy. Whether through workshops or local events, we are helping break the silence surrounding infertility. We aren’t just a clinic; we are a lifelong resource and a support system.”
6. What is the one message you wish every patient knew before starting?
“I wish I could tell everyone: ‘You don’t have to carry this burden alone.’ People often arrive feeling isolated, but you are part of a vast community. The road might be bumpy, and it may not look exactly how you imagined, but there is so much hope and so many options. Just know that we are in your corner every single step of the way.”
Ready to start your journey? Whether you are exploring family planning for the first time or seeking a second opinion, contact Laurel Fertility Care today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Collin Smikle.
