In episode 6 of The Surrogacy Scoop, host CJ sits down with two incredible guests from the Southern California Center for Reproductive Medicine (SCCRM) — Dr. Don Royster, a seasoned fertility specialist, and Egypt Fitts, an IVF and third-party coordinator. Together, they discuss the evolving landscape of surrogacy, the advancements in fertility care, and the critical importance of personalized treatment in helping families build their dream of parenthood.
Dr. Don Royster’s Journey: From Military Medicine to Fertility Leadership
Dr. Don Royster’s career path is anything but conventional. A graduate of the Air Force Academy, Dr. Royster spent over 20 years in the military, where he not only served as a bioenvironmental engineer but also performed over 5,000 surgeries and delivered more than 1,000 babies during global deployments and humanitarian missions. His work, which often took place in high-pressure, life-or-death environments, laid the foundation for his calm, disciplined approach to medicine.
After retiring from the military as a Colonel in 2020, Dr. Royster transitioned to reproductive health, becoming a double board-certified physician in reproductive endocrinology, infertility, and OBGYN. His military background brings a unique perspective to his work in fertility care, where the emphasis is not on urgent interventions, but on long-term, proactive planning to help individuals and couples grow their families.
During the episode, Dr. Royster discusses how his transition from military to fertility medicine felt like a natural progression. "In the military, you’re trained to deal with high-stakes, fast-paced situations. In fertility, we work closely with patients over an extended period, helping them navigate the ups and downs of their fertility journey. It’s a very different kind of challenge, but equally rewarding,” he reflects.
Dr. Royster's move to Southern California during the pandemic to join SCCRM allowed him to bring his expertise to a community-focused fertility practice, where he continues to help families achieve their dreams of parenthood.
Egypt Fitts’s Path to Fertility Care: Empathy Meets Experience
Joining Dr. Royster on this episode is Egypt Fitts, an IVF and third-party coordinator at SCCRM. Egypt’s journey into the world of fertility care was influenced by her own personal experiences as an egg donor. After graduating from nursing school in 2017, Egypt worked in family practice before transitioning into fertility care during the pandemic. Her decision was inspired by the profound impact that her experience as an egg donor had on her life, as well as her desire to be part of a field that offers “happy medicine” and hope to people longing to become parents.
At SCCRM, Egypt works closely with patients as a coordinator, providing support and education throughout their fertility journeys. Known for her empathetic approach, Egypt has a unique ability to connect with patients, particularly those navigating complex fertility challenges. She emphasizes that empathy is key in a field where patients often face emotional and physical hurdles. Egypt’s personal experience as an egg donor allows her to relate to patients on a deeper level, ensuring they feel heard and supported.
Surrogacy and Fertility Treatment: The Evolving Landscape
Throughout the episode, Dr. Royster and Egypt dive deep into the world of surrogacy and fertility care, providing valuable insights for anyone considering these paths to parenthood. Here are some key takeaways:
A. The Role of Gestational Carriers (GCs)
One of the most important topics discussed is the role of gestational carriers (GCs). Gestational carriers are women who carry an embryo for another family, but they are not biologically related to the child. The process of selecting a GC involves a comprehensive screening of their medical history, mental health, and physical evaluations. Dr. Royster and Egypt explain that first-time GCs may also undergo a mock embryo transfer cycle to optimize the chances of successful implantation.
They emphasize the significance of trust and compatibility between the intended parents and the gestational carrier, with many families choosing to interview GCs to ensure they are aligned in their values and expectations.
B. Advancements in Fertility Care
At SCCRM, fertility care is tailored to each patient’s unique needs, which is why the clinic is known for its personalized treatment plans. One of the innovations discussed is the Endometrial Receptivity Analysis (ERA) test. ERA testing helps improve implantation rates for first-time gestational carriers, increasing success rates from 82% to 92%. These advancements in diagnostic tools have revolutionized fertility care, making treatment more effective and increasing the chances of success.
SCCRM’s emphasis on compassionate care ensures that emotional support is given equal importance alongside medical treatment. Dr. Royster explains that the fertility journey is often emotionally taxing, and his team works hard to create an environment where patients feel understood and supported throughout the process.
C. Challenges in the Surrogacy Industry
One of the biggest challenges in surrogacy is the varying legal and financial landscape. Access to surrogacy and fertility care can differ greatly by state due to differing laws and insurance coverage. This can present a significant barrier for many families.
Additionally, the financial burden of fertility treatments remains a critical challenge for many prospective parents. Both Dr. Royster and Egypt agree that surrogacy, while an incredibly fulfilling path to parenthood for many, requires careful financial planning and consideration.
Another important development discussed is the expansion of the definition of infertility in California. Recent legislation now includes conditions that require third-party assistance, such as surrogacy and egg donation, making it easier for a wider range of families—including LGBTQ+ couples and single parents—to access fertility services.
The Importance of Personalized and Compassionate Care
The heart of SCCRM’s approach is its focus on personalized, patient-centered care. Both Dr. Royster and Egypt emphasize that fertility treatments are not just about the medical aspects, but about the emotional journey as well. Building strong, supportive relationships with patients is key to ensuring their success and well-being throughout the process.
Dr. Royster encourages families to remain open to alternative paths to parenthood, noting, "Fertility journeys are often marathons, not sprints. Whether it’s surrogacy, egg donation, or embryo adoption, the goal remains the same—building a family.”
Egypt adds, “Everything happens for a reason and in its own time. Don’t feel discouraged if you require third-party assistance—it’s just a different route to the same goal.”
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