March 30 is National Doctor’s Day, and we thought it might be fun to get to know Dr. Chris Montville a little bit better.
Dr. Montville began helping parents on their journey to growing their families in 2002 when he graduated from the University of Washington School of Medicine. After medical school, he completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Michigan and his fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. After completing his training, Dr. Montville moved to Montana where he developed and managed the first and only IVF/Fertility Center in the state.
Dr. Montville joined TFI in 2017 as our practice director. He is board certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
While Dr. Montville has an impressive curriculum vitae, there’s so much more to him than the diplomas and certifications he’s earned. We asked him a few questions to help you get to know him a little bit better. Read on for his answers:
What do you like most about what you do?
Building relationships with patients is the most fulfilling part of what I do. The infertility journey can often be long and difficult. It is an honor to be asked to participate in this very personal aspect of a patient’s life. My daily goals are to have a positive impact on each patient’s journey and to build good relationships in the process.
In practice, what are you most proud of?
Prior to moving to Tennessee, I helped build and direct the first IVF/fertility center in the state of Montana. With the help of a great patient care team and supportive hospital administration, we provided services to patients from a 500-mile radius who previously had no other fertility care options. At TFI, we provide state of the art fertility care in an area that has also been previously underserved. It is very rewarding for me to provide access to care where patients live and work so they don’t have to travel great distances to get the kind of care they deserve.
Why did you choose to work in the field of reproductive medicine?
I became intensely curious about reproductive biology while in graduate school at the University of Wyoming. As a medical student, my background in reproductive biology helped me better understand the intricate relationships between maternal and fetal health during pregnancy. A career in reproductive medicine offered me the ability to combine my academic training with my desire to help women and families achieve healthy and safe pregnancies.
What is your approach to medicine?
I have learned over the years that there is not one right answer for every patient or medical scenario. The human body is very complex. A specific medical treatment that may have helped one patient may not work as well in another person. In my medical practice, I try to approach each patient as a unique individual. I also think it is very important to focus not only on the specific problem a person may have, but to consider all aspects of a person’s well-being when treating a certain condition. Good psychological, emotional, and physical health are also very important for successful outcomes.
Share something unique people don’t know about you.
I have a life-long love of music and studied classical piano performance while in college.
What do you do for fun in your spare time? What are your hobbies?
I have been blessed with a loving family with whom I spend most of my free time. I love being outdoors. Fly fishing, skiing, and boating are some of my favorite hobbies. I also enjoy reading historical non-fiction when I have the time.
To schedule a new consultation with Dr. Montville, visit here.