‘Forever grateful’: Meet Gold Coast’s IVF miracles
Hundreds of parents have said an enormous ‘thank you’ to the Gold Coast’s top IVF doctors, including ‘miracle man’ Dr Kee Ong. | SEE 80+ PHOTOS OF COAST’S MIRACLE BUBS >>
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HUNDREDS of Gold Coast parents have shared heartwarming stories of their miracles babies after our special feature about IVF specialist Dr Kee Ong.
Many endured heartbreak before finally getting to hold their special bubs in their hands. But Dr Kee said he “never gives up”.
“As a husband and father of three, I understand the importance of family and the gift of children. I see how it changes lives,” he said.
“Everyone has the right to experience this joy and I never give up on anyone.”
Among those to share her story was Samantha Wright, whose daughter Indigo Rose was born in September last year.
“Thank you doctor Kee,” she said. “We will forever be grateful for the incredible specialist that you are.
“I will never forget just how much of a caring doctor you are, even as far as holding your patients’ hands before drifting off to sleep for surgery.
“You truly are a blessing to this world.”
Click through the photo gallery below to see 80+ Gold Coast children made possible through Dr Ong and other IVF specialists on the Coast.
THE COAST DOCTOR WHO HAS HELPED BRING 3000 BABIES INTO THE WORLD
WITH one-in-six Australian couples struggling with infertility, the Gold Coast has become a treatment hotspot with women and couples flocking to the care of Senior Monash IVF Specialist Dr Kee Ong.
He’s one of the sharpest minds in reproductive medicine and one of the most prolific baby makers in the country, having helped make more than 3000 babies during his career.
Dr Ong has spent the past 13 years partnering with assisted reproduction pioneers, Monash IVF, helping thousands of women and couples to conceive.
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It’s a partnership that’s seen the development of the city’s first all-encompassing fertility treatment centre in Southport where patients access consultation and early fertility treatment through to surgical procedures, IVF and allied health in one location.
At least 20 per cent of Dr Ong’s patients travel from interstate and overseas, pinning their hopes and dreams of a family on the man known for his “magic touch”.
After completing his specialist medical training, Dr Ong undertook an additional four years of training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at reputable local and international fertility centres.
“Given the complexity of reproductive medicine, it’s very important to have complete focus and not be distracted by other aspects of obstetrics and gynaecology. Hence, I decided to dedicate my practice solely to this field, including fertility, miscarriage and associated surgeries,” said Dr Ong.
Having managed thousands of IVF cycles over the years, Dr Ong has vast experience in the most difficult and complicated cases and says success lies in a number of factors.
“Like anything in life, experience counts but there must also be passion, resilience and a willingness to look outside the box to give patients the best chance to conceive,” he said.
“I offer 100 per cent of my attention and focus backed by an incredibly supportive team and the world-class technology and science of Monash IVF.
“As a husband and father of three, I understand the importance of family and the gift of children. I see how it changes lives. Everyone has the right to experience this joy and I never give up on anyone.”
PETITION TO SAVE CHILD SAFETY SERVICE HELPING AT RISK TODDLERS
Dr Ong said the last decade had bought a deeper understanding of reproductive medicine and some incredible advancements in his Gold Coast laboratory, including new genetic testing techniques and improved embryo care by better mimicking the in-utero environment.
“Women are having children later for valid reasons so it’s important for us to provide options. One of the most heartbreaking parts of IVF medicine is treating women who had no idea their fertility was declining and watching them face devastating challenges that could have been avoided,” he said.
“Rather than thinking ‘I’ll have a baby later and see what happens’, women must switch their thoughts to incorporate long-term family goals. How many children would they ideally like to have? Once we look at things like this, we can take proactive steps towards the dream.”
With a passion for empowering women to take control of their fertility future, the specialist has become a powerful campaigner to increase awareness on the key time for women to act.
“Fertility checks are not about scaring women into having a baby before they’re ready. What they’re about is avoiding frustration and disappointment when they are.”
Dr Ong said every woman should have a fertility care check-up and a simple ovarian reserve test by the time they turn 30. This simple check-up can be easily managed by a GP and gives information and options to make important decisions for the future.
A world leader practising in the Gold Coast’s backyard, Dr Kee Ong urges women not to wait if they have any concerns about their fertility and has a simple message in a complicated field.
“Never be afraid to take the first step, never let anyone treat you like a number, never let anyone tell you nothing can be done and never give up hope!”
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