Clinical Corner: Meet Dr. Anne Martini

Anne “Annie” Martini, DO, joined the NIH in 2018 as a clinical fellow in the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Training Program. She received her DO degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) in Downers Grove, IL and subsequently completed her residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL.

Dr. Martini studies in vitro fertilization outcomes in patients who created embryos with oocytes that had been previously cryopreserved for fertility preservation. As part of a fellowship thesis in the Macfarlan lab, she investigates the role of ZCWPW1, a protein involved in homologous chromosome recombination, in female mice. In particular, she explores if this protein’s interactions with DNA during meiosis can be used to map ‘hot spots’ of chromosome recombination in female embryos.

We asked Dr. Martini a few questions about her interests to get to know the person behind the degree. Introducing Dr. Martini:

What influenced you to go into reproductive endocrinology and fertility?

I have always been fascinated by the physiology of reproduction. In medical school, this interest drew me towards a residency in OB/GYN. In residency, I found my REI rotations to be the perfect blend of meaningful patient interactions with my basic scientific interests. Fellowship has continued to confirm that I made the best career choice—being able to use my knowledge to help individuals and couples begin a family is the ultimate reward.

What led you to the NIH—why did you choose to do your fellowship here?

I did a month-long rotation during residency in the REI clinic at NIH. Having the opportunity to see and converse with patients with the rarest of endocrine and genetic disorders was an incredible experience and I knew that I would thrive in that type of setting for fellowship.

What is your most memorable experience so far while at the NIH?

I would absolutely say my most memorable experience is when I found out that the first three patients whom I performed an embryo transfer for all became pregnant. Our fellowship program places great emphasis on fellows getting hands-on experience, including embryo transfers. I felt so grateful in that moment for my training and to be able to help families in this special way. Another wonderful experience was traveling to Paris with the whole NIH fellowship to present our research at the Society for Reproductive Investigation conference in 2019!

Do you participate in any volunteer activities or hobbies?

For the last one and a half years I have been one of the co-chairs for the Clinical Fellows Committee. It has been a great experience that has allowed me to network with fellows outside of my program and institute. I also appreciate having the opportunity to interact with NIH and Clinical Center leadership.

I am very dedicated to fitness and spending time outdoors. Hiking is a favorite pastime for me and my husband. Being a native Chicagoan, we fell in love with the DMV area for its ample hiking spots and warmer/more tolerable weather!

Don’t forget to check out our recap of Dr. Martini’s 2020 Scientific Retreat Virtual talk, “Obese patients are less likely to pursue fertility treatment and take a longer time to do so, after initial infertility consultation”!