“Maintaining a balance is crucial. It’s important to leave work at the office and not bring stress home. Creating a clear separation between work and personal life helps in managing both effectively.”
In a freewheeling chat with Entrepreneurs Today, Dr Md. Fazalunnisa talks about her journey of navigating her work and the lessons she learned in her journey as a fertility specialist.
As a prominent gynaecologist and fertility specialist based in Hyderabad, Dr. Md. Fazalunnisa founded Hira Fertility, shortly after leaving her previous position due to disagreements over terms. She reveals,
“I decided to launch my own practice right before giving birth to my baby. We began operations about 40 days after the birth and officially opened in July 2021.”
In the three years since its inception, Hira Fertility has grown to include three branches across Hyderabad.
Founding Hira Fertility
Dr. Md. Fazalunnisa co-founded Hira Fertility with her father. The clinic began with a team of five employees, including some from her previous workplace, and has since expanded to approximately 25 staff members.
In terms of the services that are provided at the facility, she shares,
“We offer advanced treatments such as IVF, ICSI, and various genetic tests like Teza multi-gene testing. Our services are technologically advanced, and we have a high success rate, which has contributed to our rapid growth.”
Navigating Challenges
Establishing Hira Fertility during the lockdown presented significant challenges for Dr. Md. Fazalunnisa.
The restrictions made it difficult to complete essential tasks, but the clinic moved forward despite these obstacles. A further personal and professional setback occurred with the passing of her father, who was a crucial part of the clinic’s foundation. Following his death, Dr. Fazalunnisa and her team continued his legacy and took on the responsibilities he once held.
Additionally, patient education, particularly in IVF, posed a challenge. Ensuring that patients fully understood the process required extensive counselling and transparent communication. Addressing these needs has been essential in preparing patients for their treatments and managing their expectations.
Interviewer: What misconceptions about infertility have you encountered till now in your practice?
Dr. Md. Fazalunnisa: “Many people hold misconceptions about alternative treatments and superstitions. We emphasise that if there are any issues, we will always provide professional advice and obtain consent before proceeding with any treatment. We ensure transparency through consent forms and clear communication.”
Celebrating Feats
Even though the clinic is relatively new, they have gained recognition for its innovative approach, transparency, and empathetic care.
Dr Fazalunnisa has been honoured with a state award for contributions to healthcare during India’s 75th year of independence, an APJ Abdul Kalam Award for her work during the pandemic, and a Forbes award as a trailblazing young entrepreneur.
One standout success story involves a 41-year-old woman from the USA who had experienced failed IVF treatments twice before coming to Hira Fertility. Despite facing challenges, including extensive uterine cleaning, the clinic successfully helped her conceive. She now has a two-year-old daughter and has referred several relatives to the clinic. She believes,
“Being attuned to our patients’ needs and maintaining a high level of knowledge is crucial, even more than experience alone.”
Lessons Learned
One of the lessons Dr. Md. Fazalunnisa has learned is to follow one’s intuition and not underestimate its power. She asserts,
“Taking risks is essential for achieving more. Support from family is also vital, and with determination and support, you can achieve your goals.”
She also believes that every day is a learning experience. Interacting with patients provides valuable insights and feedback, which helps in continuous improvement.
Future Looks Bright
Dr Md. Fazalunnisa plans to expand Hira Fertility to 10 or more branches in the coming years. The clinic is committed to supporting women’s health and raising awareness about infertility.
By providing essential support and helping individuals achieve parenthood, Dr. Fazalunnisa and her team aim to make a significant impact on the lives of those struggling with infertility.
To reach out to Hira Fertility, you can visit their YouTube channel for information in Telugu. Additionally, you can contact them online, and their staff will assist in arranging a personal consultation or appointment at the clinic.
