Reproductive Medicine Staff Raleigh
Sameh K. Toma, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Medical Director
Dr. Sameh Toma is one of the most experienced fertility doctors in the Raleigh area, specializing in Tubal Reversal Surgery and In Vitro Fertilization. He graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor Degree in Science in Electrical Engineering. He then graduated from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill School of Medicine and completed his residency there as well. During his residency, he conducted significant research and published several articles regarding infertility, endometriosis and fetal wellbeing. His most significant training came under the late Dr. Luther Talbert, Fellowship Director for Reproductive Endocrinology at UNC-Chapel Hill. Dr. Talbert was well known across the state of North Carolina as he trained the majority of obstetricians and gynecologists during his years at UNC. In the early 1990′s Dr. Toma, Dr. Gerald Mulvaney and Dr. Talbert left UNC-Chapel Hill to open the North Carolina Center for Reproductive Medicine. Together, they created the most prolific and successful fertility clinic in the region. For twelve years, Dr. Toma worked side by side with Dr. Talbert on hundreds of patients being treated for infertility. That intimate training allowed Dr. Toma to take over as Medical Director of the North Carolina Center for Reproductive Medicine, per Dr. Talbert.
Dr. Toma also specializes in tubal reversal surgery. Tubal anastomosis is a surgical procedure which can restore the function of fallopian tubes which have been blocked by a previous sterilization operation. Using expert microsurgical techniques, Dr. Toma employs microscopes to visualize and bring together the narrow portions of the fallopian tubes. Your choice of provider for Tubal Reversal Surgery is critical because this decision will alter your family’s future. A patient searching the internet for the very best microsurgeon to do this procedure should evaluate proven credentials, years of training, years in practice and success rates. These are the criteria that reveal a provider’s commitment to excellence. Dr. Toma has perfomed successful Tubal Reversal Surgeries for two decades and has perfected the technique.
Dr. Toma also has used his engineering and medical expertise to develop color ultrasound. He also designed the state-of-the-art laboratory at NCCRM. It’s similar to a micro-elect clean room providing the cleanest air environment for embryology. This is a major reason for the high pregnancy success rates enjoyed at the facility. Dr. Toma actively serves on several expert forums for pharmaceutical companies that produce fertility mediciations. He also is conducting research projects with these pharmaceutical companies that focuses on predicting the most viable embryos by testing the culture media, as well as a study on egg freezing, a new development in the field of reproductive medicine.
Gerald G. Mulvaney, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Dr. Mulvaney graduated from the Boston University School of Medicine in 1978. He completed his residency in Brooklyn, New York at King’s County Downstate Medical Center in 1982. He then moved to Goldsboro and opened a private practice. In 1985, he joined the faculty of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was assigned to the AHEC/Wake Medical Center. He pioneered laser and operative laparoscopy in the Raleigh area and also has special training in pediatric gynecology. Dr. Mulvaney’s research interest is in perfecting infertility techniques, including assisted reproductive technologies and in vitro fertilization as well as reproductive surgical procedures such as tubal anastomosis. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. When you ask patients in the Raleigh area who their favorite fertility doctor is, Dr. Mulvaney is always one of the top names on their list.
Jouko Halme, M.D.
Reproductive Endocrinologist
Dr. Halme is a Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist who has decades of experience in treating couples with infertility. He graduated from the University of Helsinki in Finland and Washington University, St. Louis School of Medicine. He then finished his sub-specialty training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Halme was one of the original providers at NCCRM in the 1990′s before going out on his own in Raleigh. He is a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine and the American Medical Association.
Spyro Vulgaropulos, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Dr. Vulgaropulos graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with honors in 1988 and completed his obstetrics and gynecology residency at UNC in 1992. Dr. “V” also trained under the late Dr. Luther Talbert, Fellowship Director for Reproductive Endicronology at UNC Chapel Hill. He is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr Vulgaropulos returned to Raleigh to join Triangle OB/GYN after practicing for five years with the Fallon Clinic and the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine in Worcester, Massachusetts. His research interests include laparoscopic and hysteroscopic techniques. He has extensive training in normal and high-risk obstetrics, office and surgical gynecology, menopause management, chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, and bladder dysfunction.
Hugh C. Hensleigh, Ph.D.
Laboratory Director
Dr. Hugh C. Hensleigh is the laboratory director of the North Carolina Center for Reproductive Medicine. He has 22 years of experience in clinical assisted reproductive technologies during which time he has acted as laboratory director of three highly successful IVF programs. Dr. Hensleigh received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry and Science Education and Ph. D. degree in Human Anatomy and Reproductive Biology from the University of Kansas with post-doctoral training at the MRC Unit for Mammalian Development at the University of Edinburgh and University of London. Dr. Hensleigh established the IVF Laboratory at the University of Minnesota in 1983 and at the Reproductive Health Associates, St. Paul, MN in 1994. He was Co-Laboratory Director with the Center for Applied Reproductive Science, Johnson City, TN between 1999 and 2005. Dr. Hensleigh joined the North Carolina Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cary, NC in March, 2005. Dr. Hensleigh is board certified as a High Complexity Laboratory Director (HCLD) and is a Laboratory Inspector for the College of American Pathologists Reproductive Laboratory Accreditation Program. The direction of the laboratory is to continue to improve pregnancy rates while reducing multiple pregnancies. New techniques used in the laboratory include assisted hatching of the zona pellucida with a laser and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis.
Christina Miao, M.D.
Senior Embryologist
Dr. Miao graduated from Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. After graduation, she worked as internist in Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital. Then, Dr. Miao joined the research team of North Carolina State University, Department of Animal Science. Her most significant research training came under the late Distinguished Professor Dr. Clement Markert. During the years of research, Dr. Miao was involved in various research projects in the field of developmental biology, embryology, molecular biology, and quantitative genetics. She was recruited to embryology team of North Carolina Center for Reproductive Medicine/The Talbert Fertility Institute in February 2000. She is a senior Embryologist and Laboratory Supervisor. Dr. Miao is also an active member of American Society of Reproductive Medicine and American Association of Bioanalysts.
Stanley Huang, M.S.
Senior Embryologist
Stanley has been a Senior Embryologist at the North Carolina Center for Reproductive Medicine since 1998 where he performs oocyte retrieval, IVF, embryo transfer, ICSI, assisted hatching, fragment removing, blastomere biopsy for PGD, embryo cryopreservation, andrology, epididymal and testicular sperm cryopreservation, hormone assay, lab management, lab QA, QC, and personal training for embryology and andrology. Before that, Stanley held a similar position at the Reproductive Science Center, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. In addition, Stanley worked as a . Research Associate at InCell Inc. in California where he specialized in DNA transfer to cells by electric field, transgenic mice, DNA analysis, RNA isolation, cell chemimmunity and as a Visiting Scholar at Baekon Inc. in California. His education includes a Research Fellowship at Reproduction Department of Institute of Animal Science in China and a Masters of Science in Biology from Department of Biology Science, Zhongshan University, Guangzhow, P.R. China.
Kevin P. Khoudary, M.D.
Urologist at Cary Urology
Board Certified Urologist Dr. Khoudary attended The Johns Hopkins University and New Jersey University of Medicine and Dentistry. His internship and residency were performed at Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine facilities of Akron General and Akron City Hospitals. His fellowship through Harvard Medical School is in the areas of Male Infertility and Impotence. Dr. Khoudary has previously practiced in New Jersey and in the Western part of North Carolina. He has been a participating contributor and has published an extensive number of scientific articles. He continues to participate with clinical studies and trials to improve treatments and patient outcomes in the practice of Urology. Dr. Khoudary recently started Vasreverse.com, an organization that provides information for patients about vasectomy and vasectomy reversal. Dr. Khoudary works with NCCRM patients on a regaular basis, both at the Cary NCCRM offices as well as at his own practice, Cary Urology. (www.caryurology.com)
Ronald M. Batson, M.D.
Psychiatrist
Dr. Batson graduated from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans in 1977. He completed his residency in general psychiatry at the University of North Carolina in 1981, and is board certified. From 1981-1993, he remained at UNC Hospitals as a clinical faculty member, while maintaining a private practice in Chapel Hill. He has provided psychiatric consultation to NCCRM since 1993. He interviews donors recipients and fertility patients that need counseling. He is also currently Director of the Duke Psychology Clinic.
Sherel Lawson, MS, LPC
Clinical Psychology
Sherel Lawson received a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology at the University of Augusta in Augusta, Georgia. She is currently licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor in both North Carolina and Virginia and has 9 years of clinical experience, including having her own practice. Her experience includes working with couples having difficulty in conceiving/carrying a child as she knows the personal devastation this can have on a couple. Mrs. Lawson also works with patients who have a a variety of diagnoses including depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, pain management and more.
Luther M. Talbert, M.D.
December 30, 1926 – November 17, 2003
Dr. Talbert was a pioneer in the field of obstetrics and gynecology, complex gynecological surgery and in vitro fertilization and is credited with the first successful IVF in North Carolina. He completed his medical degree, internship and residency at the University of Virginia.
During his career, Dr. Talbert worked with Dr. Bob Edwards, who was one of the physicians who spearheaded the procedure that led to the 1978 birth of the first IVF baby in the world, Louise Brown. He also was instrumental in forming the medical board for certification in reproductive endocrinology, of which he became the first physician to earn the subspecialty certification.
Dr. Talbert was on the UNC faculty for 34 years and established and directed the in vitro fertilization program for 10 years. Along with Dr. Sameh Toma and Dr. Gerald Mulvaney, he founded the North Carolina Center for Reproductive Medicine, which was later renamed, The Talbert Fertility Institute.
Dr. Talbert has authored numerous books and journal articles and was well known by his colleagues worldwide. He served in a vast number of leadership positions during his professional career that included Director for the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology for the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
On November 2, 2003 Dr. Talbert was awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Mike Easley for his commitment to women’s health and his service to the state of North Carolina.
Dr. Talbert was a tribute to the field of surgery and medicine. He was a staunch advocate for women’s health and a hero to many. He was a teacher…..amentor…and friend.
We remember Luther M. Talbert with respect, admiration and love.
The Physicians and Staff
North Carolina Center for Reproductive Medicine
The Talbert Fertility Institute
Nurse Coordinators
Cary Office:
Folita Sherman – IVF, FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer)
Carla Yelton – Ovulation Induction, IUI
Carolyn Hopkins – Donor Egg Program
Shirley McDonald – Surgical Tech
Doris McDonald – Donor Egg Program
April Bowling – Nursing Assistant
Greensboro Office:
Left: Ronda Gulick – Administrator
Center: Jena Coltrane, RN
Right: Stephanie Rhodes – Nursing Assistant