Meet Our Team

Why did you choose to go into this profession?

“I was lucky in my curiosity to be guided to this field. When I was finishing medical school in the 1970s, there was no such thing as fertility medicine. It began to form as a sub-specialty within obstetrics and gynecology after the first successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) birth in 1978; around the time I came to the US. And I jumped right in. The emerging science and the surgery were so exciting to me. With that, you could say that I’ve lived the entire history of fertility medicine – I was there at its conception, I’ve evolved with the field every step of the way, and I’ve also had the opportunity to conduct significant research over the decades which has helped us secure better outcomes for patients. It’s the most beautiful field in medicine.”

What do you hope to be able to give or do for patients at MRSC?

“MRSC was built with one important purpose in mind: to enhance every aspect of a patient’s surgical experience and optimize her reproductive health. And so, in addition to the convenience of offering patients the full range of advanced fertility treatment capabilities under one roof – including lab testing, examinations, and surgery – we strongly believe that this centralized approach to fertility care will significantly improve patient outcomes beyond what we are already delivering, including shorter post-surgical recovery periods and extremely low infection rates due to the facility’s advanced sterilization techniques. It will also be the first standalone reproductive ambulatory surgery center in New York State dedicated to the treatment of patients who suffer from a wide scope of gynecological conditions, including fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic pain, congenital abnormalities of the uterus, and infertility.”

Why did you choose to go into this profession?

“I decided to specialize in fertility medicine because I love helping create human life for people who can’t. Every day, I feel like I’m making a difference in someone’s life in a very positive and personal way, and through this process, I also get to know my patients very well because we spend so much time together. For me, while the medicine is important, it’s not just about tests and procedures. The emotional side to fertility treatment is tremendously important, and taking the time to know and support my patients establishes a connection that goes beyond any specific treatment. Also, growing up with my father in this field and with my mother who worked in neonatology was a wonderful introduction, though neither of them ever pressured me to go into medicine or into the fertility field, more specifically.”

What do you hope to be able to give or do for patients at MRSC?

“Everything in this facility has been designed around improving patient outcomes and optimizing our ability to serve our patients. This facility has been five years in the planning and building and has been informed by decades of experience. We calculated the space we need and designed it to support the way we work as a team. For example, we designed the operating rooms and the laboratory so that they don’t get in the way of each other, but so that we can also work together through pass-through windows. This feature, which doesn’t exist at hospitals, is absolutely essential because it will minimize the time that an embryo is outside of the incubator down to around thirty seconds. On top of that, everyone in the facility – from the surgeons to anesthesiologist to nurses to administrative staff – is dedicated to fertility medicine. We all work together every day and operate as a cohesive team.”

Why did you choose to go into this profession?

“Anesthesiology is the best way to help patients when they feel most vulnerable during surgery. Anesthesiology also demands the widest knowledge of clinical science among all medical specialties. This is a mysterious field of science that requires utmost compassion for patients, extremely high level of cognitive skill and courage. It is at the same time incredibly cerebral and extremely physical. Taking a patient through the most apprehensive part of the surgical process safely is the biggest motivation for me.”

What do you hope to be able to give or do for patients at MRSC?

“Safety of the patient is my only concern. I do my best to go through all relevant information about the patient and will come up with the best possible plan for intended surgeries. I consult with the surgical and medical team as required as I am a team member. Surgery is a team event and every team member is equally important. Respect and a helping hand for all the members of the surgical team helps me gain all the encouragement from my team members during demanding situations.

I want all patients that come to our surgery center to have a safe and pleasant experience and not to worry about the surgical process during their heavenly endeavor of having babies.

I treat my patients exactly the way I would treat my parents if they were my patients. Keeping that in mind I try to explain my patients exactly what is involved during the surgery in most honest manners. This helps me gain the confidence of my patients knowing that they are under the care of someone who really knows the process.”

I chose this profession because of its profound impact on patient care, particularly in the field of fertility. I am deeply passionate about leadership and ensuring our surgery center provides a nurturing environment for our patients. My primary focus is patient safety and ensuring there is positive experience through every staff interaction.

My daily mission is to provide exceptional care and support to our patients and team. I am dedicated to creating an environment where every patient feels safe, respected, and well-cared for from the moment they arrive. By prioritizing patient safety and fostering a culture of empathy and professionalism, I strive to ensure each patient's journey is as comfortable as possible.

In addition to patient care, I am committed to leadership and managing our skilled staff effectively. By promoting a collaborative team environment and providing ongoing training and support, I aim to empower our staff to deliver the highest quality of care.

It's a privilege to work alongside a team that shares my dedication to advancing healthcare outcomes and enhancing patient experiences. Together, we are focused on exceeding the expectations of those we serve by delivering optimal care and support.

Mr. Gabriel Figueroa brings over a decade of experience in the healthcare industry to the operational environment of MRSC. As Administrator, Gabe draws upon his expertise, skills, and strategic outlook to undertake an essential role in Manhattan Reproductive Surgery Center’s day to day provision of service to it’s patients and physicians. Gabe oversees revenue cycle management, payor relations and negotiations, clinical operations management, organizational infrastructure optimization and many other ASC developmental, administrative, and operational areas. Gabe has gained exposure and experience in all aspects of ASC creation and operation, and has cultivated the beneficial relationships necessary to create a tailored, superior and extraordinary experience while you visit MRSC.

Gabe’s approach and drive come from his experience and years of military service in the United States Army, which include multiple combat tours in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Knowing the essential importance of efficiency, innovation and leadership, Gabe focuses on creating clear and understandable objectives and plans while always exploring new innovative processes and systems to further maximize results and minimize costs. Gabe has earned the CASC Credential, has organized and presented at healthcare and ASC conferences and meetings, is a member of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, and an advocate for veteran rights and issues in his community.

During my career as a Physician Assistant, I have been fortunate to be able to form relationships with both patients and colleagues that have allowed me to become the practitioner and person I am today. My years of experience in OB/GYN and gynecologic surgery have given me a strong skillset that I continue to enhance through daily practice and patient interactions. I work to continuously stay informed of medical and surgical advancements in order to provide the best possible care for the patients of MRSC.

At Manhattan Reproductive Surgery Center, I am able to combine my passions for surgery and women’s health while helping patients take steps toward starting a family. Being an integral part of a successful ambulatory surgery center team has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. As the Chief of PA Services, I take pride in enhancing the role of Physician Assistants in our center while being an advocate for our patients to ensure the best possible care. I consider myself very fortunate to work with a team of exceptional and personable professionals who are dedicated to assisting patients in achieving their family goals.

There is no greater reward than being part of a patient’s journey. I strive to provide empathetic care with specialized attention to each patient while taking into consideration their individual story. Helping my patients feel comfortable, supported, and confident in their care is of the utmost importance to me. I want them to know that I am an ally and am genuinely invested in their care and outcomes.

Why did you choose to go into this profession?

“I feel a deep connection to the women and men who come to our practice. Their struggle is my struggle, and the bond we share drives my passion for my work. Being approachable and friendly helps create strong relationships with my patients, and because fertility care is such an emotionally charged field, a warm and caring demeanor makes a significant impact on each person’s experience. It builds trust, and solid trust is the most important aspect of my relationships with my patients.”

What do you hope to be able to give or do for patients at MRSC?

“Being a mother gives me empathy for your struggle. Raising my children has been more amazing than I’d ever imagined, and I work extremely hard to give that experience to everyone I treat.

In addition to relishing the human connections involved with fertility care, I’m also fascinated by the endocrinology and physiology of reproductive medicine. The science of fertility care is rapidly progressing, and I’m always learning about new treatments and techniques that can help my patients. Even more, I feel it’s my job as a physician to explain every step of your fertility therapy in an accessible, straightforward manner. Managing expectations is a big part of my responsibility, and educating you plays an important role in meeting that standard.”

Why did you choose to go into this profession?

“There really is no greater satisfaction than helping someone start a family who thought it was impossible. And that satisfaction is the greatest motivator you could ask for. Fertility care is all about building relationships, and while I did a lot of research in college, I chose to become a doctor because I enjoy interacting with my patients.”

What do you hope to be able to give or do for patients at MRSC?

“In particular, I am able to relate to and communicate with women very well. I come from a family of strong women, and I understand that listening and discussing the feelings that you’re experiencing — whether you’re angry or sad or hopeless — is the key to overcoming your struggle and understanding that everything will be okay."

Why did you choose to go into this profession?

I am drawn to anesthesia because it represents a unique blend of science, precision, and patient care that profoundly impacts the surgical experience. The field of anesthesia requires constant vigilance and the ability to make quick, informed decisions. Managing a patient's vital functions during surgery involves a high level of critical thinking and problem-solving, which I find intellectually stimulating. As an anesthesiologist, I am the patient's advocate while they are most vulnerable. Ensuring their safety and comfort during surgery is a profound responsibility that I take very seriously.

What do you hope to be able to give or do for patients at MRSC?

Anesthesia allows me to provide immediate and tangible relief to patients, ensuring they undergo surgery with minimal discomfort. This ability to make a significant difference in a patient's experience is incredibly fulfilling.