Dr. Michael Alper co-founded Boston IVF in 1986. He is double board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology/Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
He specializes in all aspects of infertility care.
Dr. Alper is also an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology at Harvard Medical School, where he teaches the next generation of fertility experts and performs crucial research to improve future care. He contributes to infertility articles, abstracts, letters, and actively lectures at scientific meetings throughout the world.
He is the author of "The Boston IVF Handbook of Infertility” - which is widely considered the preeminent print resource in the field of reproductive medicine.
His continued dedication to improving the efficiency of fertility treatments has led to Boston IVF becoming the first ISO-certified IVF clinic in North America. This prestigious designation underscores his commitment to quality and safety in the field.
Dr. Alper grew up in Canada and received his undergraduate and medical school degrees from McGill University in Montreal. Following medical school, he spent an internship year at the University of Toronto before being accepted to the Harvard Medical School Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program at the Beth Israel Hospital in Boston. After completing his OB/GYN residency, Dr. Alper returned to Canada to focus on clinical research in reproductive medicine at the University of Ottawa. Subsequently, he returned to Boston to complete his research fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Beth Israel Hospital and the Harvard Medical School in Boston.
IVF technology was in its very early stages in 1986 when Dr. Alper co-founded Boston IVF, one of the nation’s first free-standing IVF centers. The goal was to transform state-of-the-art technologies into a patient-centered, outpatient setting.
Dr. Alper has led Boston IVF as its Medical Director for 25+ years and remains instrumental in helping to make it one of the most well-respected, academically-affiliated IVF centers in the world.
Why Did You Become a Fertility Expert?
I have always been fascinated by human reproduction and how a sperm and an egg ultimately becomes a human being. Even after practicing reproductive medicine for so many years, it still seems so amazing to me. More importantly, I remain in awe of the positive impact that children have on their parents, even during the teenage years! The emotional rewards and close bonds that parents have with their kids is just a wonderful thing!
What About Boston IVF Makes You Proud?
Most certainly our staff. It's what truly differentiates Boston IVF from the rest. Our doctors, nurses, administrative staff and so many others work so hard to help our patients. Boston IVF is my second family! We would do anything to help each other on both a personal and professional level. The respect we have for each other and our patients is something I'm so proud of. I have only had one professional job – and it started some 30 years ago when I co-founded Boston IVF.
What is Your Approach to Patient Care?
My missions to provide solutions and hope. At the end of the day, we cannot control so many things that come "onto our plates" in our lives - but WE CAN control what we do about them and how we react. My role as a physician is to be transparent in any situation and provide hope and optimism during the good time and bad.
Have Any Patients Truly Inspired You?
I am so incredibly inspired by patients who seek my care after having been unsuccessful with treatments elsewhere. In the face of an unsuccessful IVF, they have placed their trust in me to help resolve their issues and I am honored to have that opportunity.
How Do You Spend Your Free Time?
I especially love spending time with my kids and wife, Karin. Additionally, I am fascinated by aviation and have been a licensed pilot for many years.
What Music Do You Enjoy Listening to?
I've been listening to Los Lonely Boys as of late.
How Would You Describe Your Personality?
I am serious and quite focused while at work. Otherwise, I think I am the opposite! I like to laugh and be a bit goofy.
Publications
- Ovarian Stimulation Protocols for IVF: Is More Better Than Less?
- The One and Done Approach; How Many Oocytes are Optimal to Achieve Multiple Live Births With One Stimulation Cycle? (2016)
- A randomized clinical trial to determine optimal infertility treatment in older couples: the Forty and Over Treatment Trial (2015)
- A randomized clinical trial to determine optimal infertility treatment in older couples: the Forty and Over Treatment Trial (2014)
- Experience with ISO quality control in assisted reproductive technology (2013)
- A randomized clinical trial to evaluate optimal treatment for unexplained infertility: the fast track and standard treatment (FASTT) trial (2011)
- Impact of group mind body intervention on pregnancy rates in IVF patients (2011)
- Impracticality of egg donor recruitment in the absence of compensation (2011)
- A prospective investigation into the reasons why insured United States patients drop out of in vitro fertilization treatment (2010)
- Preclinical validation of a microarray method for full Molecular karyotyping of blastomeres in a 24-h protocol (2010)
- Pharmacokinetics and follicular dynamics of corifollitropin alfa versus recombinant FSH during ovarian stimulation for IVF (2010)
- Preclinical validation of a microarray method for full Molecular karyotyping of blastomeres in a 24-h protocol (2010)
- The impact of acupuncture on In Vitro Fertilization outcome (2009)
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome: Current Views on Pathophysiology, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Management (2009)
- Patients with severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome can be managed safely with aggressive outpatient transvaginal paracentesis (2009)
- A randomized clinical trial to determine optimal infertility treatment in older couples: the Forty and Over Treatment Trial (FORT)
- Assessment of the biopotency of follitropin alfa and lutropin alfa combined in one injection a comparative trial in sprague-dawley rats (2008)
- Pregnancy loss in the first in vitro fertilization cycle is not predictive of subsequent delivery in women over 40 years (2008)
