NEW MCG OFFICE FOCUSES ON REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE

December 11, 2002

Augusta, Ga. -- Treatment of infertility, genetic testing and the area's only in vitro fertilization (IVF) facility are what's in store when physicians from MCG's Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility and Genetics begin seeing patients at a new office facility this month.

The new group, called Reproductive Medicine and Infertility Associates, is located one block from MCG at 810 Chafee St. Dr. Lawrence C. Layman and Dr. Adelina M. Emmi, both board-certified reproductive endocrinologists and MCG faculty, will be seeing patients at the facility.

"This is an important step for the treatment of patients with infertility and other reproductive problems. We will offer comprehensive care in a comfortable, convenient office setting," said Dr. Layman.

The new office opened earlier this month, while the new in vitro fertilization lab is slated to open in January 2003 under the laboratory directorship of Dr. Michael Tucker, a renowned IVF laboratory director based in Atlanta. Dr. Adelina Emmi, who has significant expertise in IVF, will be the Medical Director of the IVF practice.

Services offered by the Reproductive Medicine and Infertility Associates will include: infertility treatments such as intrauterine insemination, ovulation induction, in vitro fertilization, surgery to preserve and improve reproductive function and in-depth counseling about appropriate treatments.

"This affords a unique opportunity, not only for physicians in our department, but for MCG to provide high-quality medical care in a private office setting," said Dr. Lawrence D. Devoe, Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at MCG. "By expanding our services, we are fulfilling our goal of providing excellent patient- and family-centered care throughout the community."

Dr. Lawrence C. Layman is a Professor and Chief of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility and Genetics in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and holds a Joint Appointment in the Neurobiology Program, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics at MCG. He is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, clinical genetics and clinical molecular genetics.

Dr. Adelina Emmi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology specializing in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She is board-certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, and obstetrics and gynecology, and will be the Medical Director of the new MCG IVF Center.

MCG HealthCare is the health system of the Medical College of Georgia and is comprised of MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the School of Medicine and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Hospitals and Clinics, Children's Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by offering the highest level of primary and specialty health care.