In celebration of National Doctor’s Day on March 30, we thought it might be fun to shine the spotlight on Dr. Robert K. Hunter, our practice director, and get to know him a little better.
Dr. Hunter is a native of Birmingham, Ala., and attended Emory University for his undergraduate degree in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology, earned his medical doctorate at AUC School of Medicine. He completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Staten Island University and his fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility right here in Louisville at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.
He’s also earned his MSc from the University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Sciences and his MBA from the University of Louisville College of Business.
Dr. Hunter been recognized locally and nationally for his work, and his list of achievements is long. But what’s really impressive about Dr. Hunter is his heart for his patients. We asked him to tell us more, and he answered. Get to know Dr. Hunter:
What do you like most about what you do?
I like making people’s dreams come true—it’s a very rewarding service to be able to provide. When I have a good day at work, that usually means one of my patients is having the best day of her life!
In practice, what are you most proud of?
Kentucky didn’t have a provider of comprehensive fertility services before we opened. I’m really proud of the progress we’ve made in helping local residents gain access to a full spectrum of reproductive healthcare—including IVF, elective fertility preservation, oncofertility services, advanced reproductive surgery, third party reproduction, etc. Some of our treatments can be rather involved—requiring frequent office visits and timely communication/coordination—and I’m glad patients no longer have to travel out of state to receive these types of interventions.
Why did you choose to work in the field of reproductive medicine?
I have always been fascinated with biology—the study of life. As I refined my interested through college and early medical training, I think the clinical science of where life begins—reproductive endocrinology—was a very natural fit for me. It’s a very dynamic field to be a part of, with rapid changes in the science, procedures, tools, and technologies that are available for us to use with our patients. Riding the wave of progress is part of what makes this field so exciting—every new breakthrough represents another subset of our patient population that we can better serve with more reliable success rates and treatment outcomes.
What do you consider your special areas of interest in reproductive medicine and why?
I’ve always been very interested in IVF treatment. IVF gives us the greatest degree of control over reproductive processes and the greatest chance of treatment success for most patients. We’re continually finding new ways to improve medication protocols and laboratory techniques to help more and more patients successfully conceive with IVF—many of whom may not be able to conceive by other methods. I also really enjoy minimally-invasive surgery in reproductive medicine. It’s very rewarding to be able to diagnose and repair an anatomic barrier to fertility, and then see that a successful surgery will commonly lead to a subsequent conception within the next few months.
What is your approach to medicine?
I’m a big proponent of shared decision making. I feel my role as a physician is to explain the science and evidence-based interventions that may be relevant for a patient’s situation, but it’s then up to her to filter that information through her unique perspective–applying her preferences and priorities to ultimately determine what path forward makes the most sense for her as an individual. You really can’t practice “cookie cutter” medicine in this field.
Share something unique people don’t know about you.
My favorite Beatles song is “Doctor Robert.”
What do you do for fun in your spare time? What are your hobbies?
Most of my time away from the office is spent with my wife, two kids, and cat. Any time that I have to myself is usually spent at the piano or organ. I love the art of music composition and performance and am constantly trying to learn more about the theory and science of how great music is made.
Recent Awards & Accreditation’s
- American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology: Double board certified, Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility and Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Louisville Magazine: Top Surgeons (2018)
- Louisville Business First: Business of the Year (2017)
- Louisville Business First: Forty Under 40 (2017)
- Louisville Business First: People to Know in Healthcare (2017)
- Kentucky Colonels (2017)
- Consumers’ Research Council of America: America’s Top Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)
To request a new consultation with Dr. Hunter, please visit here
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