Get to know our expert team of nine fertility doctors by watching their bio videos and reading more about them.
January 5th, 2023 | 18 min. read
Illume Fertility is led by a group of nine top fertility doctors that are experts in infertility and reproductive endocrinology. Double-board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility as well as Obstetrics and Gynecology, our physician team treats a wide variety of issues to help patients achieve their fertility and family-building goals.
In this article:
Why choose an Illume Fertility doctor?
In addition to being recognized each year with Castle Connolly's Top Doc awards, our physicians bring a wide range of specialties, interests and expertise to our practice. Here are a few of the unique programs and areas of focus our doctors are passionate about:
- Our PCOS Program, which offers symptom management and lifestyle support for adolescents and adults with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs in preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and fertility treatment technologies
- Helping LGBTQ+ families grow with specialized support from our Gay Parents To Be team
- Fertility preservation for those diagnosed with cancer or preparing to transition
- Helping those in the Jewish community grow their families with cultural competency
- Egg freezing to help safeguard future fertility for those not ready to conceive
- Collaborating with our Integrated Fertility & Wellness program to promote holistic wellness and comprehensive support for fertility patients
- Providing culturally-competent resources for Spanish-speaking patients
Meet Illume Fertility's Doctors
Get a quick introduction to each of our nine top fertility doctors by watching their bio videos and reading about their educational backgrounds below. Want to dive deeper? Explore their full bio pages here to view patient testimonials, recent press, and more about each physician.
Ready to meet Illume's physician team? Let's go!
Dr. Mark Leondires
Mark P. Leondires, MD is Founder, Medical Director, and Partner in reproductive endocrinology at Illume Fertility and Gay Parents To Be. He is board certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and a parent to two children through egg donation and surrogacy, Dr. Leondires (lovingly referred to by his patients as "Dr. L") combines his personal and professional experience to help a diverse range of patients become parents.
"Whether it’s helping someone preserve their fertility, maximize their fertility potential, or guide them through the donor conception process, helping people on their pathway to parenthood is an incredible honor and privilege that energizes me every day."
- Dr. Leondires
Education & Honors
- Colby College, BS
- University of Vermont College of Medicine, MD
- Maine Medical Center Residency Program, OB/GYN
- National Institutes of Health, Fellowship in REI
- Crain's Notable Healthcare Leader
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor, NY Metro and Fairfield County
- Best Doctors in America
Professional Affiliations
- Member, RESOLVE's Physician Council
- Member, ASRM's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force
- Past President, ASRM's LGBTQ Special Interest Group
Visit Dr. Leondires' full bio page to read patient testimonials and learn more.
Spencer S. Richlin, MD, is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist with extensive reproductive surgical experience. He has been practicing at Illume Fertility since 2004, where he is a Partner and the Surgical Director.
In addition to his role at Illume, Dr. Richlin hosts his own weekly podcast, Fertility Now, which tackles fertility-related issues with expert guests to demystify reproductive health, and educates residents at Stamford Hospital.
“I look at infertility as a puzzle we need to solve. When I help my patients solve this frustrating puzzle and achieve their goals – it’s a complete joy."
- Dr. Richlin
Education & Honors
- The University of California at Berkeley, BS
- University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, MD
- The Stamford Hospital/Columbia University Residency Program, OB/GYN
- Emory University School of Medicine, Fellowship in REI
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor, NY Metro and Fairfield County
- US News Top Doctor
Professional Affiliations
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology National Faculty Award
- Expert Advocate, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
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- PROLOG Task Force Member for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (7th and 8th Editions), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Visit Dr. Richlin's full bio page to read patient testimonials and learn more.
Dr. Joshua Hurwitz
Joshua M. Hurwitz, MD is a Partner in Reproductive Endocrinology at Illume Fertility, board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
Dr. Hurwitz joined the practice in 2006 with a passion for patient care and teaching. In addition to his role at Illume, he is the Director of Fertility Preservation for Nuvance Health Network and the Division Director of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) services in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences of Danbury Hospital.
"It is an incredible gift and privilege to be part of each patient’s journey. I meet them when they are at the toughest point in their lives and then help them get to the best part of their lives."
- Dr. Hurwitz
Education & Honors
- Cornell University, BS
- Jefferson Medical College, MD
- Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Residency Program, OB/GYN
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, Fellowship
- Named Best Laparoscopic Surgeon at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor, NY Metro and Fairfield County
- Vitals Compassionate Doctor Award
- U.S. News & World Report Patients' Choice Award
Professional Affiliations
- Member, Society of Reproductive Endocrinologists
- Member, International Society for Fertility Preservation
- Fellow, American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Member, American Society for Reproductive Medicine
- Director of Fertility Preservation, Nuvance Health Network
Visit Dr. Hurwitz's full bio page to read patient testimonials and learn more.
Dr. Cynthia Murdock
Cynthia M. Murdock, MD is a Partner in Reproductive Endocrinology at Illume Fertility, board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
Dr. Murdock earned her BA in biology at Cornell University and her MD at Creighton University School of Medicine, where she graduated magna cum laude. She completed her residency at Creighton University Medical Center, where she was named Berlex Best Teaching Resident. In 2003, she completed a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the National Institutes of Health. She joined the physician team at Illume Fertility in 2008.
"It's so rewarding when I hear patients say, 'I had such a good experience at Illume Fertility, I felt like family and I felt like I was cared for - because that's what we all strive for at the end of the day."
- Dr. Murdock
Education and Honors
- Cornell University, BA
- Creighton University School of Medicine, MD
- Named Berlex Best Teaching Resident
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor, NY Metro and Fairfield County
Professional Affiliations
- Fellow, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Member, American Society for Reproductive Medicine
- Member, Society for Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility
Visit Dr. Murdock's full bio page to read patient testimonials and learn more.
Ready to take the first step?
Request an appointment today and one of our New Patient Liaisons will reach out within 48 hours.
Dr. Shaun Williams
Shaun C. Williams, MD is a Partner in Reproductive Endocrinology at Illume Fertility, board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
Dr. Williams earned his undergraduate degree from University of Texas at Austin and went on to study medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, where he was part of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He conducted his internship and residency at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, then completed a residency at Parkland Hospital, one of the busiest maternity wards in the country.
He joined the Illume Fertility physician team in 2006.
“I view my role as a physician as more than just a source of medical advice and care. Communicating my knowledge in an understandable way to provide confidence in the choices that are made is as important to me as the data is used to shape our recommendations."
- Dr. Williams
Education & Honors
- University of Texas at Austin, BS
- Baylor College of Medicine, MD
- The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Residency Program, OB/GYN
- The Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Fellowship REI
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor & Most Compassionate Doctor, NY Metro, Fairfield County
- Berlex Resident Teaching Award
- Best Doctors in America
- Vitals Patients' Choice Award
Professional Affiliations
- Assistant Professor of OB/GYN, Netter School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, North Haven, CT
- Fellow, American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Member, American Society for Reproductive Medicine
- Member, Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Visit Dr. Williams' full bio page to read patient testimonials and learn more.
Dr. Ilana Ressler
Ilana B. Ressler, MD is a Partner in Reproductive Endocrinology at Illume Fertility, board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
Beginning her education at Duke University, Dr. Ressler earned her BS in Psychology. She then received her medical degree at Case Western Reserve University and completed her residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago. In 2013, she completed a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Cincinnati.
She joined the team at Illume Fertility in 2017.
"My goal when working with patients is that they feel they're being heard - that they have a voice in everything that we're doing. I really value what their feedback is."
- Dr. Ressler
Did you know? Dr. Ressler can often be found at our newest location in Harrison, NY, where she (alongside Dr. Meyer and Dr. Kucherov) leads Illume's only Westchester County office.
Education & Honors
- Duke University, BS
- Case Western Reserve University, MF
- University of Illinois at Chicago Residency Program, OB/GYN
- Professional Dedication to Residency Award
- Excellence in Gynecologic Care Award
- Fertility & Sterility Star Reviewer Award, American Society for Reproductive Medicine
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor
Professional Affiliations
- Serves as Medical Advisor for Yesh Tikva
- Fellow, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Member, American Society for Reproductive Medicine
- Member, Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Visit Dr. Ressler's full bio page to read patient testimonials and learn more.
Dr. Laura Meyer
Laura J. Meyer, MD is double board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Obstetrics and Gynecology. After graduating from the NYU School of Medicine, she completed both her residency and fellowship at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
Prior to joining Illume Fertility in 2020, she was an Assistant Professor at the NYU School of Medicine, practicing in Westchester and Fairfield counties.
"I love hearing updates from families when their babies are born and as their children grow. It is an honor to be a part of each family’s story." - Dr. Meyer
Did you know? Dr. Meyer can often be found at our newest location in Harrison, NY, where she (alongside Dr. Ressler and Dr. Kucherov) leads Illume's only Westchester County office.
Education and Honors
- Duke University, BS
- New York University School of Medicine, MD
- Administrative Chief Resident, New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology
- New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
- Distinguished Housestaff Award, Cornell Alumni Council
- Outstanding Laparoendoscopic Resident, Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgery
- NYU School of Medicine Solomon and Dora Shapiro award for excellence in scholarship, personality, and character
Professional Affiliations
- Fellow, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Member, American Society for Reproductive Medicine
- Member, Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Visit Dr. Meyer's full bio page to read patient testimonials and learn more.
Dr. Alexander Kucherov
Alexander M. Kucherov, MD is double board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He joined the physician team at Illume Fertility in 2021, and brings both professional experience and personal empathy to every patient he works with, as he and his wife went through fertility treatment themselves.
Dr. Kucherov graduated from the University of Rochester with a BA in Political Science prior to attending the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. From there, with the Distinction in Research honor under his belt, he completed his residency and fellowship at Montefiore Medical Center and performed specific research on recurrent pregnancy loss, male factor infertility, and improved birth outcomes with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT).
“When I get to send fertility patients back to their primary OB/GYN providers after they have successfully conceived, it is a truly joyous moment for my patients and brings me tremendous joy as well. It is the culmination of energy, time, effort, and devotion to their goal.” - Dr. Kucherov
Did you know? Dr. Kucherov can often be found at our newest location in Harrison, NY, where he (alongside Dr. Ressler and Dr. Meyer) leads Illume's only Westchester County office.
Education & Honors
- University of Rochester, BA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, MD with Distinction in Research
- Residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center
- Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center
- Board Certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology
Professional Affiliations
- Member, American Society for Reproductive Medicine
- Member, American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Visit Dr. Kucherov's full bio page to read patient testimonials and learn more.
Dr. Barry Witt
Dr. Barry Witt is double board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Obstetrics and Gynecology. Prior to joining Illume Fertility in 2024, Dr. Witt practiced reproductive medicine at Greenwich Fertility in both New York and Connecticut, helping individuals and couples achieve their goals with his more than 30 years of expertise in the field.
After a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology at Tulane University School of Medicine, Dr. Witt has held successive academic appointments at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, and Yale School of Medicine.
He directed the Donor Oocyte Program at Montefiore’s Institute for Reproductive Medicine & Health (where he was also Program Director for IVF), and served as the Medical Director for Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) at Greenwich Fertility for many years.
Dr. Witt’s areas of special interest include egg freezing, in vitro fertilization (IVF), preimplantation genetic testing , and reproductive surgery.
Fun fact: Dr. Witt is a big Beatles fan, and enjoys playing music in his spare time!
Education & Honors
- Residency: Jacobi Medical Center
- Medical School: New York Medical College
- Fellowship: Tulane Medical Center
Professional Affiliations
- Fellow, American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Member, American Society for Reproductive Medicine
- Member, New York Obstetrical Society
Visit Dr. Witt's full bio page to read patient testimonials and learn more.
Get Matched with a Fertility Expert
The bottom line? Choose the right fertility doctor for you - one you connect with and trust. Your doctor should provide not only medical expertise, but also hope and compassion as you work towards your goals together. You deserve exceptional care as you navigate this journey.
We'd love to hear more about your plans and match you with one of our physicians.
Whenever you're ready, we're here to help you get started!
Get started on your journey.
Take the first step - reach out to schedule a consultation with one of our fertility doctors today. We look forward to meeting you!
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It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by fertility challenges and wonder if your dreams of having a family will ever come true. That's why we are dedicated to guiding you through the entire process with compassion, expertise and support.