Reproductive Biology Associates was established by Dr. Hilton Kort and Dr. Joe Massey in 1983 as Georgia's first IVF center. Our physicians boast more than 175 years of cumulative experience in the diagnosis and personalized treatment of infertility.
PHYSICIANS
Hilton I. Kort, M.D.
Hilton I. Kort, M.D., a founding partner of Reproductive Biology Associates, has worked in the field of infertility and in vitro fertilization for over 30 years. His practice philosophy has always been to provide the most up-to-date, contemporary treatment available in a personal and caring environment. Originally from South Africa, Dr. Kort received his M.D. degree in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was a research fellow in the Department of Endocrine Pathology at the South African Institute for Medical Research.
In 1977, Dr. Kort was awarded a Ford Foundation Fellowship at Yale University in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. On completion of his fellowship, he was appointed Assistant Professor at Yale University, Department of OB/GYN. Dr. Kort relocated to Atlanta and began a private practice in 1980. Realizing the emerging technological advances in the treatment of infertility, Dr. Kort and Dr. Joe Massey established Reproductive Biology Associates, the first in vitro fertilization program in Georgia, in 1983. Prior to establishing RBA, he trained with Sir Patrick Steptoe, M.D. in Cambridge, England. Dr. Steptoe was responsible for the first IVF birth in the world, Louise Brown.
Dr. Kort is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), Society of Gynecological Laparoscopists, and a charter member of the Society of Reproductive Surgeons. In 1987, he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, London.
Dr. Kort has authored and co-authored over fifty scientific papers, including chapters in text books, which have been published in peer-reviewed medical journals in the United States, Great Britain, and South Africa. He is currently researching how different IVF stimulation protocols, including those for low responders, influence pregnancy outcome and genetic abnormalities. He was responsible for the development of the Donor Oocyte Program at Reproductive Biology Associates. Dr. Kort is currently working closely with veterinarians at the Atlanta Zoo in an attempt to restore fertility to orangutans that are facing extinction in the wild.
Dr. Kort is a strong advocate of patient education and has appeared on numerous local and national TV programs, including CNN, First Person with Maria Shriver, Eye to Eye with Connie Chung, World News Tonight, and The Today Show, to discuss various topics related to infertility. He has also been quoted in numerous local and national magazines and newspapers, including Time magazine. Atlanta Magazine has repeatedly honored Dr. Kort as one of "Atlanta's Top Docs" and the Consumer Research Council of America has selected Dr. Kort as one of America's Triathlon Federation, and is currently on the Parents Advisory Council at Georgetown University Medical School. Dr. Kort has competed in over forty triathlons, including the Hawaii IronMan World Championship, using this event to raise money for the Shepherd Spinal Center in Atlanta. He has represented the United States in international age group competitions on three occasions most recently at the Triathlon World Championships in Australia in 2009. He enjoys reading, fly-fishing, and playing the Top OB/GYN's.
Dr. Kort is devoted to his family. He is most proud of his example as a role model to his sons. Active in the community, he was Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Pace Academy (2000-2003), and is currently a Life Member of that board. He has also been on the Board of Resolve and the United States piano.
Carlene W. Elsner, M.D.
Carlene Elsner, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., has worked in the field of infertility since 1973. She is Subspecialty Board Certified by the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She was the first board certified reproductive endocrinologist in Atlanta and is a founding partner of Reproductive Biology Associates. She is a charter member of the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. Dr. Elsner is also a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Additional memberships include: the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, The Reproductive Biology Special Interest Group, the South Atlantic Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology Society.
Dr. Elsner has been selected by the American Fertility Association to be the 2009 recipient of the Joyce M. Vargyas M.D. Visionary Award. She has been honored as one of “Atlanta’s Top Docs” by Atlanta Magazine and chosen as one of America’s Top Obstetricians and Gynecologists by the Consumer Research Council of America every year from 2002-2009. She has also been chosen for inclusion in the Global Who’s Who.
Dr. Elsner is a native of Columbus, GA. She received her B.S. from the University of Georgia and her M.D. from the Medical College of Georgia. She did an internship at Eugene Talmadge Memorial Hospital in Augusta, GA. Dr. Elsner completed a four year residency and was Chief Resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Florida School of Medicine. She served as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Reproductive Biology at the Division of Reproductive Biology of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. She completed a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology at UCLA Harbor Medical Center and was on the Faculty of the Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University.
In 1970, Dr. Elsner became interested in reproductive endocrinology when she served a preceptorship with Professor G.I.M. Swyer at the Fertility and Endocrine Clinics at the University College Hospital Medical School in London, England. Since that time, Dr. Elsner has conducted research on a variety of topics including hormone receptors, the endocrinology of pregnancy, disorders of the menstrual cycle, including the premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea, ovulation, invitro fertilization (IVF), and oocyte cryopreservation. She has authored or coauthored scores of scientific articles in British and American medical journals and several book chapters on these and other subjects.
Dr. Elsner’s current research interests are focused on the development of oocyte cryopreservation for egg banking for egg donation programs and also for fertility preservation. Other interests include the use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis for recurrent pregnancy loss, advanced maternal age, and IVF failure.
Dr. Elsner is a strong advocate for women’s reproductive health issues. She answers questions about fertility in the Fertile Thoughts column of the Divine Caroline website. She is a frequent speaker for educational programs for practicing physicians, residents, and particularly for patients. She has been active in the resident training program for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Medical College of Central Georgia and for Emory University School of Medicine.
Dr. Elsner is married and has two adult daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family. She also likes to ski, golf, and travel. After hours, she is active in a variety of community service organizations which benefit the Shepherd Center, the High Museum, the Atlanta Women’s Foundation, the Atlanta Opera, and the Shakespeare Festival at Oglethorpe University.
Dorothy Mitchell-Leef, M.D.
Dorothy Mitchell-Leef, M.D. joined Reproductive Biology Associates in 1981. She is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is a past president and member of the Atlanta Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), the Society of Reproductive Surgeons, and the South Atlantic Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She is a founding member of the Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology.
A native of New York, Dr. Mitchell-Leef received her medical training from the University of Louisville in Kentucky, where she completed her internship and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Prior to joining RBA, Dr. Mitchell-Leef was an associate professor and Director of the Section of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Emory University School of Medicine for ten years. Currently she is Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of OB/GYN at Emory University.
Dr. Mitchell-Leef was President of the Medical Association of Atlanta from 2000-2001. She presently serves on the education and research committee, the Women's Health Series Board, as well as the continuing medical education subcommittee at Northside Hospital. Dr. Mitchell-Leef was the Editor of the gynecology section of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th edition of the textbook: Medicine for the Practicing Physician. She is on multiple boards, including the Medical Association of Atlanta, the Medical Association of Georgia, and the Georgia Obstetrical and Gynecology Society. She has also served as President of the Women's Council for the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. Atlanta Magazine honored Dr. Mitchell-Leef as one of "Atlanta's Top Docs" in 1999 and 2001. She was named one of America's Top Obstetricians and Gynecologists by the Consumer Research Council of America from 2002-2005.
Dr. Mitchell-Leef has recently been awarded the 2005 Aven Citizenship Cup Award by the Medical Association of Atlanta. This award was instituted 47 years ago to recognize physicians who play a significant role in civic affairs and to encourage continued community involvement. In May 2006, she was chosen the winner of the 2006 Atlanta Business Chronicle's Health Care Hero Award in the physician category. The Medical Association of Georgia has presented Dr. Mitchell-Leef the 2006 Hardman Cup Award. This award is presented only when an individual has done outstanding work or made an outstanding contribution to medicine or public health.
Dr. Mitchell-Leef's interests include IVF for fertility preservation in patients with carcinoma and leukemia, the effects of age on infertility, surgery for endometriosis, reconstructive surgery and myomectomies. She is especially interested in genetic evaluation for recurrent pregnancy loss. She has worked in coordination with Baylor University on endometriosis research in the area of genetics and protein markers. She is actively initiating changes in legislation regarding reproductive health care issues.
Dr. Mitchell-Leef and her husband have two sons. She is currently the Ball Chair for the Shepherd Center Foundation. Her personal interests include gardening, photography, boating, and golf.
Daniel B. Shapiro, M.D
Daniel B. Shapiro, M.D. joined Reproductive Biology Associates in 1995. A native of Miami, Florida, he graduated Magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. He then went on to medical school at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta and it was during this training that Dr. Shapiro first became interested in reproductive medicine by doing a research project with RBA in 1987.
Dr. Shapiro completed fellowship training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University Of Connecticut School Of Medicine in 1995. Since graduating from fellowship, he has authored and/or co-authored over 50 scientific papers. He is an invited speaker on a number of topics in reproductive medicine and was recently faculty for a post-graduate course at ASRM. He is nationally and internationally known for his work with GnRH antagonists in IVF treatment and has consulted with other practices regarding the efficient use of these drugs.
With the advances made in egg freezing by RBA’s lab, under Dr. Peter Nagy, Dr Shapiro led the effort to establish a working clinical model for RBA’s egg bank. Since the opening of the frozen egg bank for egg donation in 2007, Dr. Shapiro has acted as its clinical manager. Prior to this, Dr. Shapiro served as RBA’s medical director for three years. In addition to his work in ovulation induction for IVF, Dr. Shapiro has interest in the management of PCOS, endometriosis and reproductive surgery.
Dr. Shapiro is board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility. He is a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), and the Society of Reproductive Endocrinologists.
Dr. Shapiro is married with three children. In his spare time he enjoys water sports, skiing, Scrabble with his children, and playing bit parts in community theater.
Andrew A. Toledo, M.D.
Andrew A. Toledo, M.D. is a member of the Reproductive Biology Associates team, as well as the current medical director, and has treated infertile couples in the Atlanta area for over twenty years. His interest in the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility began in medical school, when he had the opportunity to participate in an ongoing study of the psychological aspects of infertility. This interest flourished during his obstetrics and gynecology residency, after his work on the use of estrogen in damaged fallopian tubes was awarded first prize during Resident Research Presentations in 1980.
A native of Tampa, Florida, Dr. Toledo received his medical degree in 1979 from the University of South Florida. He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1983, as well as his fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility in 1985 at the University of Louisville. He came to Atlanta in 1985 after joining the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Emory University, and was Co-director of the Reproductive Endocrinology Section at the Emory Clinic until he left to join Reproductive Biology Associates in 1990.
Dr. Toledo is board-certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Obstetrics and Gynecology by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is a member of numerous medical societies, including the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the Society of Reproductive Endocrinologists, and the Society of Reproductive Surgeons. Dr. Toledo served as President of the Georgia Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (2003-2004) and the Atlanta Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (2005-2006). He is currently the Legislative Chair of the Georgia Obstetrical and Gynecological Society and is very active in the legislative process.
Dr. Toledo’s scientific interests span all areas of reproductive medicine, with a particular focus on advanced reproductive technologies, reproductive surgery, and recurrent pregnancy loss. He has published over thirty-six peer-reviewed articles and has been honored in Atlanta Magazine as one of “Atlanta’s Top Docs” in 1999, 2001, and 2003. The Guide to Top Doctors named him one of the “Top Doctors in America” in 2002 and 2003, as well as one of “America’s Top Obstetricians and Gynecologists” by the Consumer Research Council of America in 2004, 2005 and 2007. He was also named one of the Best Doctors in America by his peers for 2007-2008 and included as one of the physicians in The Best of the U.S. listings in 2008.
Dr. Toledo has four children. He and his wife enjoy many activities, including running, weight-training, swimming, golf and tennis.
Scott M. Slayden, M.D.
Scott M. Slayden, M.D. joined Reproductive Biology Associates in January
2001. Dr. Slayden is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility by the American Board of
Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Originally a native of Coral Gables, Florida, Dr. Slayden moved to
Atlanta in 1974. He obtained a B.S. degree from Vanderbilt University,
where he developed his interest in reproductive medicine over 20 years
ago while working as a research assistant in the Vanderbilt IVF program.
Dr. Slayden obtained his medical degree from Tulane University School of
Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana. He completed his Obstetrics &
Gynecology residency training at the Medical University of South
Carolina in Charleston. Afterwards, Dr. Slayden completed his fellowship
in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of
Alabama at Birmingham in 1997. During this time he received additional
extensive experience in IVF, ovulation induction, infertility surgery,
research design, and treatment of female endocrine disorders - including
androgen excess and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Prior to joining
RBA, Dr. Slayden continued his academic teaching role as Assistant
Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology in the Division of Reproductive
Endocrinology, Infertility and Genetics at the Medical College of
Georgia, Augusta.
Dr. Slayden's primary clinical and research interests include IVF and
intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), pre-implantation genetic
diagnosis (PGD) with specific application to recurring pregnancy loss,
molecular disorders and reproductive aging. An area of additional
expertise includes evaluation and treatment of patients with elevated
FSH levels. He sees numerous patients desiring to use our egg bank and
fertility preservation program. His greatest professional satisfaction
comes with the daily privilege of helping couples reach their family
building goals.
Out of the office, Dr. Slayden enjoys spending time with his wife and
their three children. Dr. Slayden sees patients in the Lawrenceville
office as well as our Main Office in Sandy Springs.
Robert Straub, M.D.
Robert J. Straub, M.D. joined Reproductive Biology Associates in August 2003. Dr. Straub is a member of numerous medical societies, some of which are The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), and The Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Though a native of New York, Dr. Straub received his B.A. from Davidson College in North Carolina. He then retuned to New York City and earned his medical degree from New York University. Following medical school, he completed a four-year residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and was Chief Resident at Lenox Hill Hospital.
Dr. Straub was then selected to complete a very competitive three-year subspecialty Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at The Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility at Cornell University in Manhattan under the direction of the internationally renowned, Zev Rosenwaks, M.D. During his fellowship, Dr. Straub was an Assistant Attending at The Weill Cornell Medical Center and received intense training in infertility management consisting of ovulation induction and in-vitro fertilization, management of endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome, endocrine disorders, and endoscopic surgery (laparoscopy and hysteroscopy). Dr. Straub has been published in peer reviewed medical journals on numerous occasions, on topics such as ovulation induction and ovarian apoptosis (cell death). Currently, Dr. Straub serves as a board member for the Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology Society (GOGS).
Robert’s second passion is his family. He and his wife have four children. Whenever he has the chance, Robert enjoys golfing, mountain biking, and restoring antique furniture. Dr. Straub sees patients in the Alpharetta and Fayetteville offices as well as our Main Office in Dunwoody.
Michael A. Witt, M.D. (Male Infertility and Urology)
Michael A. Witt, M.D. joined Reproductive Biology Associates in 1995 and specializes in the treatment of male infertility, sexual function and urology. Dr. Witt is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a Diplomat of the American Urology Association, a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the American Society of Andrology. He is also active in both the Georgia and Atlanta Urological Societies. Dr. Witt is board-certified in urology by the American Board of Urology.
Dr. Witt received his medical degree from Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, Oregon. He completed his residency at Boston University Hospital and male infertility fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine. Prior to joining Reproductive Biology Associates, Dr. Witt was an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at the Emory University School of Medicine.
Dr. Witt's major areas of research interest include: advanced techniques in sperm retrieval, vasal reconstruction, applications of ultrasound in the infertile male, and fertility in spinal cord injury. He has published over twenty articles in medical journals and written numerous medical text chapters on the treatment of male infertility. Dr. Witt has participated in many patient education seminars and has been featured on the Learning Channel and CNN in stories relating to infertility. Atlanta Magazine has honored Dr. Witt as one of "Atlanta's Top Docs".
Dr. Witt and his wife have four children, which never leaves a dull moment. Both he and his wife manage to find time for their hobbies. Dr. Witt is an avid runner and has completed more than twenty five marathons and two Ironman triathlons. His wife is a professional harpist and Dr. Witt enjoys supporting his wife's harp career.
SCIENTISTS
Zsolt Peter Nagy, Ph.D. (Embryology)
Zsolt Peter Nagy, born in Hungary, joined Reproductive Biology Associates as Scientific and Laboratory Director in August 2002. He brings to RBA vast experience and expertise in performing and supervising assisted reproduction procedures. Dr. Nagy has performed and coordinated various research projects, and most recently has contributed to improvements in oocyte cryopreservation that led to the establishment of the first highly-efficient donor egg cryo-bank in the United States.
Dr. Nagy graduated summa cum laude from the Semmelweis Medical University of Budapest in 1986. He was awarded a Masters degree in Biomedical Sciences from the Free University of Brussells (VUB) in 1991. He went on to obtain a degree in Hospital medicine management at the VUB in 1993, and in 1998 was awarded a Ph.D. degree in biomedical science at VUB. In 1997 he completed his training and obtained a Specialist degree in OB/GYN. In 2003, Dr. Nagy obtained the degree of High Complexity Laboratory Director (HCLD) by the American Board of Bioanalysis (ABB).
His professional career in assisted reproduction started at the Department of Reproductive Medicine AZ-VUB in 1989, employed as a medical scientist on the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) team. Prior to joining the team at Reproductive Biology Associates, he was Scientific Director in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and at the European Hospital in Rome, Italy (1997-2001). During the last two decades he set up several ICSI laboratories at different points of the world and performed international consultations to aid the spread of advanced technologies.
Dr. Nagy is a member of several professional societies, including the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), and serves on various committees of these societies. He has been an invited speaker at more than one hundred medical and scientific meetings over the last 15 years. Dr. Nagy has organized and/or chaired more than fifty congresses, symposia, and workshops since 1991. He is a reviewer for Human Reproduction and Reproductive Biomedicine Online and an ad hoc reviewer for Reproduction, Fertility and Development, the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, and Fertility & Sterility. Dr. Nagy has authored or co-authored more than 150 articles published in peer-reviewed medical and scientific journals.
Hilton I. Kort, M.D., a founding partner of Reproductive Biology Associates, has worked in the field of infertility and in vitro fertilization for over 30 years. His practice philosophy has always been to provide the most up-to-date, contemporary treatment available in a personal and caring environment. Originally from South Africa, Dr. Kort received his M.D. degree in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was a research fellow in the Department of Endocrine Pathology at the South African Institute for Medical Research.
Carlene Elsner, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., has worked in the field of infertility since 1973. She is Subspecialty Board Certified by the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She was the first board certified reproductive endocrinologist in Atlanta and is a founding partner of Reproductive Biology Associates. She is a charter member of the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. Dr. Elsner is also a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Additional memberships include: the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, The Reproductive Biology Special Interest Group, the South Atlantic Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology Society.
Dorothy Mitchell-Leef, M.D. joined Reproductive Biology Associates in 1981. She is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is a past president and member of the Atlanta Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), the Society of Reproductive Surgeons, and the South Atlantic Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She is a founding member of the Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology.
Daniel B. Shapiro, M.D. joined Reproductive Biology Associates in 1995. A native of Miami, Florida, he graduated Magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. He then went on to medical school at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta and it was during this training that Dr. Shapiro first became interested in reproductive medicine by doing a research project with RBA in 1987.
Andrew A. Toledo, M.D. is a member of the Reproductive Biology Associates team, as well as the current medical director, and has treated infertile couples in the Atlanta area for over twenty years. His interest in the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility began in medical school, when he had the opportunity to participate in an ongoing study of the psychological aspects of infertility. This interest flourished during his obstetrics and gynecology residency, after his work on the use of estrogen in damaged fallopian tubes was awarded first prize during Resident Research Presentations in 1980.
Scott M. Slayden, M.D. joined Reproductive Biology Associates in January
2001. Dr. Slayden is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility by the American Board of
Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Robert J. Straub, M.D. joined Reproductive Biology Associates in August 2003. Dr. Straub is a member of numerous medical societies, some of which are The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), and The Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Though a native of New York, Dr. Straub received his B.A. from Davidson College in North Carolina. He then retuned to New York City and earned his medical degree from New York University. Following medical school, he completed a four-year residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and was Chief Resident at Lenox Hill Hospital.
Michael A. Witt, M.D. joined Reproductive Biology Associates in 1995 and specializes in the treatment of male infertility, sexual function and urology. Dr. Witt is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a Diplomat of the American Urology Association, a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the American Society of Andrology. He is also active in both the Georgia and Atlanta Urological Societies. Dr. Witt is board-certified in urology by the American Board of Urology.
Zsolt Peter Nagy, born in Hungary, joined Reproductive Biology Associates as Scientific and Laboratory Director in August 2002. He brings to RBA vast experience and expertise in performing and supervising assisted reproduction procedures. Dr. Nagy has performed and coordinated various research projects, and most recently has contributed to improvements in oocyte cryopreservation that led to the establishment of the first highly-efficient donor egg cryo-bank in the United States.