Today we’d like to introduce you to Karenne Fru
Hi Karenne, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Bambili, a small yet proud village in Cameroon, where I grew up with a deep sense of community and culture. From an early age, I realized that in my society, a woman’s value was often seen through her ability to have children, and if she couldn’t, she was expected to be replaced. This realization led me to make a bold decision: I told my parents that I did not want to follow the conventional path of marriage and motherhood. Instead, I was determined to focus on my education, earn degrees, and set my own goals.
I began my academic journey at 2.5 years old and later completed a BA in Biology at Wesleyan College in Georgia. I then pursued both my MD and PhD at the Medical College of Georgia, becoming the first black MD/PhD graduate from that program. My PhD dissertation focused on periovulatory events in rhesus monkeys, and I continued my medical training with a residency in OB/GYN at Prisma Hospital in South Carolina. I then specialized further, completing a Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.
Throughout my journey, I developed a deep passion for women’s healthcare, particularly in improving patient advocacy and access for marginalized populations. After facing my own fertility struggles and enduring six miscarriages, despite my medical training, I gained a personal understanding of the gaps in healthcare. This experience led me to envision a new model of care, one that puts vulnerable patients first and empowers them in their journey.
That vision became a reality with Muna Fertility, where I center my practice on providing hyper-personalized, compassionate care. It’s a place where patients can truly partner with their doctor, with their goals becoming the heart of their treatment. Muna is not just about helping individuals build families; it’s about reclaiming autonomy over their reproductive health and creating a space where everyone’s needs are prioritized.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road. The journey has been filled with both challenges and triumphs. Growing up in a society where a woman’s worth was often defined by her ability to have children, I faced significant pressure to conform to those expectations. Deciding to break away from those norms and pursue education instead of early marriage was a difficult choice, especially in a culture where that path was not only expected but seen as the only viable option for women.
Throughout my academic and professional journey, there were many hurdles. Being the first black MD/PhD graduate at the Medical College of Georgia was a proud moment, but it also came with its own set of challenges, And as much as I was passionate about women’s healthcare, there were times when I struggled with balancing my own personal desires and the intense demands of my career.
The most difficult struggle, however, came later. Despite being trained as a reproductive endocrinologist, I experienced six miscarriages of my own. It was devastating to go through something so personal, especially with the knowledge I had as a medical professional. But this experience gave me an invaluable perspective as both a doctor and a patient. It also reinforced my determination to provide care that truly centers on the patient’s needs, making it a partnership where their voice is heard, and their goals are the focus.
Starting Muna Fertility was also a challenging endeavor. It required taking the lessons learned from my own personal and professional struggles and turning them into something that could serve others. But the challenges along the way were not in vain. They’ve shaped the care philosophy I now practice and continue to motivate me to push forward in creating a space where marginalized individuals can receive the care they deserve.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Muna Fertility?
Muna Fertility is a fertility clinic founded on the principle of providing compassionate, hyper-personalized care. At Muna, we don’t just treat patients; we partner with them in their journey to build their families. Our mission is to deliver care that centers on marginalized individuals, especially those who may not have access to the fertility resources or support they need.
We offer a range of specialized services, including Fertility Consultation, Embryo Creation, Frozen Embryo Transfer, Egg Freezing, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), IVF with Donor Sperm, IVF with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), and Reciprocal IVF. These services are designed to provide comprehensive support for individuals and couples at every stage of their fertility journey.
What sets us apart is our unique approach to patient care. We specialize in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, with a strong focus on empowering patients to make informed decisions about their health and reproductive future. We offer tailored treatment plans that are individualized for each person, as we understand that every patient is unique. We work hard to bridge the gap in access to care, especially for vulnerable populations who may not always feel prioritized in traditional healthcare systems.
At Muna Fertility, we are known for our unwavering commitment to patient advocacy, education, and holistic care. We pride ourselves on offering a space where patients are heard, supported, and treated with dignity and respect. Our patients trust us because we see them as more than just a diagnosis; we see them as people with unique stories, experiences, and goals. We are glad to walk alongside them, providing guidance and care that truly puts their needs first.
What I am most proud of is the culture we’ve created at Muna Fertility, a place where patients can find not just medical expertise, but also emotional support. We focus on building relationships with our patients and providing them with the tools they need to take control of their reproductive health. Our goal is not just to help individuals achieve their dream of having a family, but to create a supportive environment where their voices are valued every step of the way.
How do you define success?
Success, to me, is not just about achieving a goal—it’s about creating meaningful impact and fostering positive change along the way. In my work, success is measured by the lives we touch, the support we offer, and the partnerships we build with our patients. It’s about seeing individuals empowered to take control of their reproductive health, and when a patient achieves their dream of building their family, that’s success.
On a broader scale, success means creating an environment where people from all backgrounds feel seen, heard, and valued. It’s about breaking barriers and making healthcare accessible to those who need it most, especially in marginalized communities. When we can close those gaps and offer people the care and resources they deserve, that’s when I feel we’ve truly succeeded.
Ultimately, success isn’t just about personal achievement, but about the lasting impact we have on others and the difference we make in their lives. It’s about creating a legacy of care, respect, and empowerment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.munafertility.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/munafertility/
- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/people/Muna-Fertility/61551111481331/?_rdc=1&_rdr#
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/munafertility/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MunaFertility/videos
