December 5, 2024

A Journey to Restorative Reproductive Medicine

FACTS Conference Speaker Highlight: Naomi Whittaker, MD

By: Molly Franzonello

Director’s Note: In anticipation of our annual in-person FACTS conference in Pittsburgh this spring, we are delighted to introduce Dr. Naomi Whittaker, one of our featured speakers, a board-certified Ob-Gyn, and a trailblazer in restorative reproductive medicine (RRM). She will join us March 21 and 22 to present on premature ovarian insufficiency and RRM protocols, which focus on diagnosing and treating reproductive health issues by restoring natural body function, and restorative surgery using minimally invasive techniques to repair reproductive organs and enhance natural fertility. Dr. Whittaker is also a FACTS elective instructor, teaching our students about fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) and their applications in clinical practice.

 

From Dreaming Big to Finding Her Calling

Dr. Naomi Whittaker’s journey to restorative reproductive medicine (RRM) was shaped by her upbringing as the child of Polish political refugees. Inspired by her parents’ resilience under Communist rule and their sacrifices for freedom, she dreamed big from a young age. At just eight years old, she decided to pursue medicine after witnessing the compassionate care of her family physician.

“I developed a great respect for the profession of medicine,” Dr. Whittaker said. “I saw it as a vocation to heal the mind, body, and soul.”

Initially, she was not interested in obstetrics and gynecology. She had once dismissed the specialty entirely, unaware of NaProTechnology or fertility awareness-based  methods (FABMs). However, pivotal experiences during her medical training at Creighton University shifted her perspective. After witnessing the cookie-cutter care women receive via conventional approaches, Dr. Whittaker encountered the transformative potential of RRM by observing NaProTechnology-trained specialists address the root causes of women’s health issues; this solidified her commitment to RRM.

“Dr. Whittaker encountered the transformative potential of RRM by observing NaProTechnology-trained specialists address the root causes of women’s health issues.”

“I realized I could not just turn away,” Dr. Whittaker said. “I felt an obligation to these women and unborn children to provide the care they deserved.”

Another transformative moment came when she attended a lecture at the Pope Paul VI Institute and discovered the Creighton Model System. Her personal journey with FABMs revealed their potential to empower women with knowledge about their health and fertility while addressing root causes of conditions like infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Pursuing Her Goal to Provide Real Restorative Women’s Healthcare

Dr. Whittaker’s training to become a NaProTechnology surgeon was marked by significant challenges that demanded resilience and perseverance.

The process required intense study, long hours, and the ability to navigate physically and emotionally taxing situations. During residency, she often worked 28-hour shifts, balancing the demands of patient care, advanced surgical training, and complex NaProTechnology techniques. She always kept in sight the significance of working with women facing infertility, pregnancy loss, and other deeply personal health issues.

Dr. Whittaker remained steadfast in her pursuit of a practice that aligned with her values. She drew strength from her faith, her supportive husband, and the belief that her work could transform the lives of women and their families. The demanding journey helped refine her skills, deepen her compassion, and strengthen her commitment to providing restorative care that addresses the root causes of women’s health conditions.

“Dr. Whittaker remained steadfast in her pursuit of a practice that aligned with her values … and the belief that her work could transform the lives of women and their families.”

Today, Dr. Whittaker combines her expertise as a NaProTechnology-trained surgeon with her passion for restoring natural body function. She helps women reclaim their health, dignity, and hope by addressing underlying health issues. She focuses on treating the underlying condition and making women feel whole again.

Leading Through Education via the RRM Academy

Dr. Whittaker’s passion for education led her to establish RRM Academy, an online platform offering resources to patients and professionals. RRM Academy provides courses on infertility, endometriosis, postpartum mental health, and advanced surgical techniques. These courses are designed to bridge the knowledge gap in women’s health care by making complex medical concepts accessible to patients and professionals. By doing so, Dr. Whittaker empowers individuals to make more informed decisions about their care.

“Dr. Whittaker’s passion for education led her to establish RRM Academy …  to bridge the knowledge gap in women’s health care by making complex medical concepts accessible to patients.”

As a FACTS elective instructor, Dr. Whittaker educates students on foundational women’s health topics and how to incorporate FABMs into their practice. Her dedication to teaching reflects her commitment to expanding access to restorative approaches in women’s health and empowering medical professionals to embrace holistic solutions.

Preparing for the Future in RRM

For those entering the field of restorative reproductive medicine, Dr. Whittaker advises a proactive approach.

“Be hungry for reading the research, taking as many courses as possible, and shadowing people you admire,” she said.

She emphasizes the importance of confidence in this work.

“What we do is better,” Dr. Whittaker said. “This is the healthy way — the way the body is supposed to work. Having that confidence helps you get excited about learning more and solving each patient case.”

Dr. Whittaker envisions a future where RRM is seamlessly integrated into mainstream medicine. She hopes to expand access to holistic women’s healthcare, train more surgeons, and increase awareness about FABMs and RRM through education.

“I really hope this type of care becomes more widespread, more researched, and more integrated,” she said.

Join Dr. Whittaker at the 2025 FACTS Conference.

Dr. Whittaker’s story serves as an inspiration for professionals and patients alike, illuminating the profound impact of holistic and innovative care in reproductive medicine. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear her insights and expertise at the 2025 FACTS Conference. Register today to learn from Dr. Whittaker and other experts dedicated to advancing fertility awareness and women’s health.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Molly Franzonello

Molly Franzonello is the FACTS Communications & Social Media Coordinator. Molly brings extensive experience in health care management, program design, and health policy, holding a MS in Nursing and a Master of Health Administration. She is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Midwifery at Columbia University’s School of Nursing. She previously served as a Health Equity Specialist at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, working on ways to reduce maternal mortality through a special project. Molly contributed to the Defense Health Agency in several roles, improving access to primary care clinics. She will create engaging content and co-manage our online presence to promote fertility awareness and looks forward to continuing to advance healthcare through education.

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