For Melanie Landay, being a fertility doctor is more of a calling than a job. It seems like from a young age, the universe conspired to make that calling a reality.

First, Dr. Landay’s father was a doctor, and being close with him, Dr. Landay had an affinity for medicine early on. Second, she loved science and helping people, and dreamed of a career where she could do both. And third, in her 20’s, she started seeing a whole lot of someone special in her life – her gynecologist. Experiencing ovarian cysts on two occasions that required surgery, she became familiar with both the wonder and complexity of the female reproductive system and developed a deep-seated respect for its mechanisms – and all the women who navigate them with grace.

And so, the Pittsburgh native enrolled in medical school at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where, knowing she would pursue women’s health, she stayed for her residency in obstetrics and gynecology.

During her last year in residency, when fellow residents were decided on a sub-specialty, and women all around her were busy starting their families, a close childhood friend of Dr. Landay’s was having trouble starting hers. Saddled with a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis, Dr. Landay’s friend chose to pursue In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and often came to Dr. Landay for advice and support.

In an instant, she knew she would specialize in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI), and in 2010, when she completed her fellowship at the University of Southern California (USC), she was ready to realize the path she had conspired all her life to walk – even if she was a recent post-partum mother herself, juggling two kids under two.

“It was hard to leave them so soon,” Dr. Landay said, “but knowing I was going back to work to help other people have their family was the most energizing thing in the world.”

“I feel so grateful that this is the profession I’ve chosen, and it is a privilege that I have the opportunity to help so many wonderful people realize their dreams of having a family.”

Dr. Melanie Landay is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI).

In addition to being a reproductive endocrinologist with extensive experience in IVF, IUI, egg freezing, egg donation and gestational surrogacy, she is also skilled in reproductive surgery – including laparoscopy and hysteroscopy – and managing PCOS, both for women trying to conceive and those looking to improve symptoms.

Southern California Super Doctor 2024, 2023, 2022, 2018, 2017, 2016

Board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Board-certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI)

Fellow, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Member, American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)

Member, Pacific Coast Reproductive Society (PCRS)