Panayota N. Zarmakoupis, MD, is a fertility specialist at Reproductive Medicine Associates (RMA) in Lake Mary, Florida. Double board certified in OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI), Dr. Zarmakoupis attended the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine in Greece and is licensed to practice in the US, Greece, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

By specializing in REI, Dr. Zarmakoupis could combine her interests in the endocrine system, genetics, and surgery, and she was fascinated by the collaborative and complex nature of the field. Above all, she felt that caring for people through some of their most vulnerable and emotional moments was her true calling. “To this day, I consider it a privilege that patients trust me with their infertility journey,” she says.

After medical school, Dr. Zarmakoupis completed her residency at NYU Langone Hospital in Mineola, NY, where she served as chief resident and her REI fellowship at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Her resume includes serving as the medical director for several OB/GYN and REI practices, and she has a passion for global health and teaching. She also pioneered several “firsts” in the field, including offering preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) and family balancing. She counts efficiency in infertility treatment, low responders to in vitro fertilization (IVF), recurrent implantation failure, and PGT-A and preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) among her clinical interests.

That’s what made joining IVI RMA – a worldwide leader in reproductive medicine – an easy decision. “At RMA, I can participate in groundbreaking studies and see the application of that knowledge in clinical practice. Plus, RMA’s culture of continuous learning and adapting to discoveries keeps my work dynamic and stimulating,” Dr. Zarmakoupis says. “Most importantly, my patients benefit from the outstanding embryology support that leads to such high success rates. I knew RMA’s commitment to excellence and innovation would be professionally fulfilling.”

Dr. Zarmakoupis brings that same level of commitment to connecting with patients. She creates a safe space for them to share their feelings, helps them make informed decisions, and actively involves them in their care. Having cared for patients worldwide, she leverages her strong cultural awareness to ensure that each receives an individualized treatment plan that reflects their unique needs, beliefs, and goals.

When not in the office, Dr. Zarmakoupis treasures time with her two daughters. She also loves listening to music and venturing abroad to discover new cultures. She is known to combine her vacations to places like Sub-Saharan Africa with volunteer work to help raise awareness about infertility. Dr. Zarmakoupis’s childhood in Greece cultivated a love of swimming, and she enjoys hiking. A trip to Namibia, ballroom dance lessons, and watching the Cavalleria Rusticana opera at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando are on her to-do list.

“I have cared for infertility patients on three different continents and know firsthand that every patient’s fertility journey is different. I offer personalized treatment options based on each patient’s individual circumstances and emotional needs that align with their values, beliefs, and life goals.”

Established the first pregnancy and live birth using testicular sperm in Kentucky

Pioneer in offering preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) and family balancing (1997)

Pioneer in treating LGBTQ+ patients in Kentucky (1996) via oocyte donation, sperm donation and surrogacy

Medical Student Teaching Award, Tawam Hospital (OB/GYN dept) and UAE University (2019)

Al Ain Hospital/Tawam Hospital OB/GYN Resident Teaching Award (2019, 2020, 2021)