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.