From Psychology to Pregnancy: Dr. Schoyer’s Path in Reproductive Medicine

From Amherst tennis captain to fertility pioneer, Dr. Kate Schoyer proves medicine is more than a career—it’s a calling.

Had the honor to speak with Dr. Kate Schoyer, a leader in reproductive endocrinology and infertility! From Amherst College to Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, and Cornell, she shares her journey into medicine, the latest advancements in fertility treatment and advice for future doctors.

Finding a Calling: From Psychology to Reproductive Medicine

Dr. Katherine Schoyer didn't always know she would become a reproductive endocrinologist. In college, she was drawn to psychology, especially with the rise of groundbreaking mental health treatments like Prozac. Initially considering adolescent psychiatry, it wasn't until medical school that she discovered her passion for reproductive medicine.

"I did a rotation in my third year in reproductive endocrinology, and I was like—done. That's it."

That moment shaped the rest of her career, leading her to train at Amherst College, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, and Cornell—some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the country.

More Than Just IVF: The Complex World of Fertility Treatments

When people think of fertility medicine, many assume it's just about in-vitro fertilization (IVF). But as Dr. Schoyer explained, fertility treatment is far more advanced than most people realize.

At the Medical College of Wisconsin where she's the Director of Reproductive Medicine, they use an Embryoscope, a real-time imaging tool that captures embryo development in time-lapse. This allows doctors to select the best embryo for implantation, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

She also highlighted how cryopreservation (fast freezing of eggs and embryos) has completely changed reproductive medicine, allowing people to preserve fertility whether for medical reasons (like cancer treatment) or career/life planning.

"Fertility preservation gives patients autonomy."

The Emotional Toll of Infertility—And the Doctor's Role

Struggling with infertility is one of the most psychologically stressful diagnoses a patient can face.

"Studies show that infertility can cause the same level of emotional distress as a cancer diagnosis."

For patients experiencing recurrent miscarriages or those told they will never conceive naturally, the emotional weight is devastating. As a doctor, Dr. Schoyer has to balance medical treatment with deep empathy.

One of her guiding principles is asking patients what's most important to them at the start of every visit. She believes medicine isn't just about giving answers—it's about hearing the questions first.

Handling High-Stress Situations—From the Court to the Operating Room

Long before medicine, Dr. Schoyer was a competitive athlete. As a co-captain of her college tennis team at Amherst, she learned how to handle high-pressure situations, something that would later help her navigate the intensity of medical training.

“Playing junior and college tennis was nerve-wracking. It’s pressure, stress, and anxiety—but so is surgery, and so is taking board exams. The mental preparation is the same.”

Her sports experience taught her to stay focused under pressure, a skill she now applies in the operating room and when making critical decisions for her patients.

Teaching, Research, and the Next Generation of Doctors

Beyond patient care, Dr. Schoyer is a passionate educator. She regularly trains medical students, residents, and fellows in fertility preservation and reproductive medicine. At the Medical College of Wisconsin, she helps run the AIM Program, which offers high school students from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to shadow physicians like her and learn about careers in medicine.

"We always have students rotating through. I love teaching—it keeps us up to date and makes the work even more meaningful."

Advice for Future Doctors: Pick What Truly Interests You

For students interested in medicine, Dr. Schoyer's advice is simple but powerful:

Follow your natural interests. If you're drawn to a specialty that excites you, you'll never stop wanting to learn more.
Don't choose a field based on prestige or salary. Medicine is a lifelong commitment—pick a specialty that genuinely inspires you.
Medicine is a team effort. She emphasized that doctors can't function without the nurses, embryologists, medical assistants, and front desk staff who make patient care possible.

"The people you work with—your team—matter more than you realize."

Final Takeaways: A Career Built on Science, Compassion, and Teaching

Dr. Schoyer's journey from psychology to reproductive medicine highlights the blend of science, technology and deep empathy required to be a fertility specialist. From advancing fertility preservation to mentoring future doctors, her work is shaping the future of reproductive medicine.

For aspiring doctors, her story is proof that medicine is not just a career—it's a calling.

Want to dive deeper into Dr. Schoyer’s insights?

Watch the full interview, where we discuss fertility advancements, the emotional side of reproductive medicine, and her journey from psychology to OB/GYN!

Watch the full interview here → https://youtu.be/yJU-kTXpUWs?si=RySiXv7kWPXQadoJ
Explore more interviews with top doctors → https://www.whitecoatwonders.com/blog

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