Dr. Riki Dayan, MD FRCSC is the latest fertility specialist to join Olive Fertility Victoria. With her passion for whole person care and advanced fertility technology, Dr. Dayan will be an invaluable addition to the Olive team. She is currently booking new patients for June 2024.
We spoke with Dr. Dayan to discuss her medical specialization, the motivations behind her work, what advice she would give to those starting their fertility journey, and more.
Where did you get your medical training?
Dr. Dayan: I did my honours undergraduate degree in biology at UVic. I then went on to complete medical school and a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at UBC. Following residency, I completed my fellowship in Gynecologic Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at McMaster University.
What made you decide to specialize in fertility care?
Dr. Dayan: I decided to specialize in fertility care for so many reasons. Part of it was my own experience with infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss, which helped me to understand how challenging this journey can be. And then when I finished my obstetrics and gynecology residency training, I worked as a general gynecologist at a fertility clinic and fell in love with the field of fertility medicine. I think a big part of that was the personal relationships I got to build with my patients. I found I was just in awe of my patients. They were so dedicated and keen and ready to learn about their health and their bodies. It felt like a real privilege to be able to be part of people's lives, for those good, exciting moments, and even more so for the really challenging moments.
I also love this work because it feeds my inner nerd. The use of advanced reproductive technology, which is always evolving, is really exciting. And so, you have to be up- to-date with the literature and know how to apply that knowledge to your patients.
What do you find the most gratifying about treating fertility?
Dr. Dayan: Healthy pregnancies are great and definitely gratifying! But I think the most gratifying part is being there for someone when it’s really hard, like when it really feels like things won’t change. And providing a space to both hold that and forge a path forward.
Olive Fertility is dedicated to providing whole person fertility care. What does that mean to you?
Dr. Dayan: I believe that whole person care is really understanding that the person sitting in front of you is unique. They come with their own background, their own experiences, their own hopes and desires for the future. And so, just as each person is unique, each fertility journey is unique. I love working with my patients and learning about them, so that we can make a plan going forward that really fits and feels good for them.
What advice would you give a patient starting their fertility journey?
Dr. Dayan: Fertility treatment can have a lot of ups and downs. Make sure you have your support people, whether that’s friends, family, a support group, or a therapist. And try to find some time to do something for yourself each week - tea and a book, a massage, talking with a friend - anything that allows you to reconnect with yourself and ‘fills your cup’. Something that is going to support you while you go through this journey.
At the end of the day, I think the most important thing is to be kind to yourself. Find the things that will help support you in that.
You recently participated in a study on mindfulness for fertility (MFF) How can a mindfulness practice help patients going through fertility treatment?
Dr. Dayan: The psychological stress of fertility treatment can be really difficult. Anything we can do to reduce the emotional burden is beneficial. A mindfulness practice can help people connect to the experience of what is happening moment to moment with kindness and compassion. It is one tool that has been shown to improve well being, ease distress and in some small studies, improve pregnancy rates. We have seen that mindfulness can help support people so that they can persist and continue with fertility treatment. And we know that the more you persist with fertility treatment, the higher your chances are of conceiving.
How does it feel to be back in Victoria?
Dr. Dayan: It’s great! As somebody who loves to be outside and in nature, we have everything here--the ocean, rivers, forests, lakes, mountains. I can kayak, hike, and ski, and I also get to enjoy the city!
Consultations with a fertility specialist, as well as initial investigations for infertility, are covered by MSP with a referral from a family doctor. In February 2024, the Government of British Columbia announced that they would fund one IVF cycle starting April 2025.
Olive Fertility Centre offers patients the option to book a same-day, no-fee, virtual referral appointment through their referral partner, Rocket Doctor. The referral will be automatically sent to Olive Fertility and a member of their intake team will contact you shortly thereafter to book your fertility appointment.
