5.28.2010

Levels of Training for NFP docs

Dr. Hilgers was kind enough to write me (some time ago, sorry for the delay) and let me know about the different levels of training Napro docs can get.  Many of you, especially fertilitycare practitioners yourself, already know this.  But others, like me, had no idea (thank you for those of you who did start to explain it to me under the comments section of previous posts and via email; the letter explained this in more detail).  This stemmed from the fact that at one time I saw a doc I thought was Napro (referred to by my former practitioner) and came to find out he only completed half the training once and never attended anything else to learn more.  While he was the nicest physician ever, it was frustrating.  Frustrating, but not disastrous because I am insanely fortunate to be on my second insurance that covers Dr. H as in network even though we are out of state (though I still curse them regularly, I am forever grateful)! Napro docs are listed on the fertilitycare.org site, but it doesn't distinguish the level of training, only that they've received it.  Here is what I learned.  First of all there are NFP only docs, and while arguably doing something noble and good and need our support and prayers, they have not received any training in Naprotechnology and therefore will not be qualified to just "wing it."  It is something that definitely requires specified training.  I have a wonderful ob/gyn that is NFP only at this time.  I go to him as "baby catcher" since Dr. H still manages my care.  I am excited to report to the locals that he will be attending the training in the fall, which is huge as he is the ONLY ob/gyn in this large metropolitan area that will be trained in Napro!  I digress...

The letter explained the levels of actual training available.  They are:
1. The medical consultant program, which is 16 days long and the basics are covered. There is a variety of physicians that come out of this, some good and some that just seek the certificate.
2. The next level is Certified Fertility Care Medical consultation. They do the same program but get additional certification through the organization that requires some peer review of cases and a three hr exam based on Hilger's textbook. I personally have found the good docs own and refer to this book regularly. Good is my own term, here being defined as "adhering closely to Dr. Hilgers' methods."  Dr. Hilgers himself  said this group "is the most enthusiastic and generally involved in their practice."
3. Finally, the most advanced program is the ob/gyn that has done the fellowship program to learn the surgical aspect of napro. They also know the medical components, but the surgery component allows them to be skilled at Hilgers' high tech methods of less adhesions/scar tissue and tube repair etc. In my opinion, these are the docs for sure well worth traveling several hours to go see for surgery if they are closer than Dr. H and/or Dr. H isn't covered by insurance. Personally, I would never trust another doc with even a lap again. Scarring is too big of a deal.

I am grateful for Dr. Hilgers, his methods, and his network of trained professionals.  I am sorry this information isn't more readily available, but now you have it.  Your personal experience and thoughts are welcome. 

11 comments:

airing the chapel said...

Wow! Thanks for the comprehensive explanation of NaPro training. I found a NaPro doctor myself but later found out he was on my NFP trainer's list. I detailed my experience with the doctor on my blog. He said he trained with Dr. Hilgers but "did some of his own treatment methods" which included heavy metal testing and not really looking at possible explanations for trouble conceiving.

I think it's like most things. We always have to do our own research and find the best methods and practitioners for our situations. Sharing experiences among women is always valuable and gratefully appreciated.

Simone said...

Thanks for the explanation. When I looked at the fertility care site I was confused, So I just called PPVI and asked for the name of a surgeon near me.
We now have one Napro fellowship trained surgeon in New York. Dr. Beiter is located in NYC. I had surgery with him. He is great.

Hebrews 11:1 said...

Great post, this is very informative. I agree with you about other docs--18 months ago I had cysts removed by another doctor, and that surgery left a TON of scarring that Dr. Hilgers had to deal with--my biggest regret is that I didn't go to Dr. Hilgers from the beginning.

He has two great fellows right now, both of whom I saw over the last few months. Dr S. and Dr G., both women, are terrific. It's so great to see doctors learning this and then taking their knowledge to other parts of the country. Hopefully this will make Napro more accessible--I wish every doctor knew about Napro! That's one of the first questions DH asked at PPVI when we were meeting with Dr. Hilgers--why don't more doctors know about this? It's sad to see how "mainstream" medicine refuses to look at Napro, but I think people are starting to more widely realize its wonderful (and moral!) benefits!! I have hopes that Napro will spread like wildfire. :-)

Angela said...

Yay! Thank you again (I just left you a thank you on my blog too!) This post and the comments are sooooo helpful!

So here's another question: Are ya'll local to Dr. Hilgers or do you travel across the country each time to go see him? My DH is about to faint thinking that I will be shipped out to Omaha! ;)

Angela said...

Oooooh! I just found out, my new doc is a CFCMC!!! Yay!! Getting more excited ;)

Rachel said...

Thanks for the useful info. A few months ago I went to Dr. Stegman in PA and he suggested surgery to remove Endo. He has three cycle worth of charting that I have e-mailed and I still have no answers for surgery schedule. Is this the norm for Napro Drs? I have called the office and was told he is still reviewing my charts. I am in pain and desperate to have this surgery.
Hope you don't mind me asking this question on your blog.
Thanks
RG

Second Chances said...

Great info! Thanks for posting your findings. I had suspected those three levels but it's nice to hear directly from Dr. H that they are in fact valid. Great work WBRider!!!

WheelbarrowRider said...

Glad this was helpful to folks. Rachel, you are in great hands with Dr. Stegman, several on here have gone to him with great results. They could speak specifically to his office policies, but for Dr. H (also in high demand, obviously) it felt like it took forever to get scheduled for surgery. I contacted them in the fall and surgery was in April. It was a long time before I even knew the surgery date. It was frustrating for sure, but the way they do the surgery (less scarring etc as I mentioned) is well worth the wait since you can't get that from a non-napro surgeon. I am so sorry you are in pain while waiting. Unfortunately, that is the case probably with many of the folks. They gave me the book "Women Healed" to read while waiting and I really loved it! I absolutely do not mind the question, just wish I could speak more to Dr. S. Erin from Finding Joy in Every Journey maybe saw him; Amy from this Cross I Embrace had a wedge resection with him; Karey from All You Who Hope (currently pregnant!) saw him too, so they can probably answer specific to Dr. S. There are others too, I believe, but can't think of who off the top of my head. Hope that helps a bit!

mrsblondies said...

Great info. I don't foresee any doctors at any of the levels being available in my area, but it's still nice to know.

WheelbarrowRider said...

Rachel, I just realized Jeremiah (http://theplansihaveforyou.blogspot.com/) sees Dr. S as well. Mrs. Blondies, that is too bad there is no one close to you! But then again, you were fortunate enough to see the big man himself :) I do most of my stuff long distance with Dr. H and the distance hasn't ever been an issue. Airing, looking fwd to reading your blog! Simone, I think calling Dr. H's office was def the smart thing to do-straight from the horse's mouth! ;)

Rachel said...

Dr. S office just got back to me yesterday with surgery date. I need to learn to be a little patient and all will work out.
Thank you for your help.