James A. Grifo, MD, PhD

About

Dr. James A. Grifo is a board-certified fertility specialist and reproductive endocrinologist who sees patients at the East Side location of NYU Langone Fertility Center. He has served as Program Director of the center since 1995 and is also Director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

A Phi Beta Kappa graduate, Dr. Grifo earned his MD and PhD degrees at Case Western Reserve Medical School, completed his residency at Cornell University Medical Center, and his fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology at Yale University. He is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology, and certified by the Accreditation Council for Gynecologic Endoscopy.

Clinical Expertise

• Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD/PGT): Performed the first embryo biopsy resulting in a live birth in the United States in 1992, pioneering PGD/PGT clinical application
• Egg Freezing & Vitrification: Led the research team that developed the NYU Vitrification Method, in use since 2004; the center’s first egg-freezing live birth was July 2005
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Full-cycle management with a rigorous, scientific approach to individualized treatment
• Embryo Biopsy Techniques: Advanced embryo micromanipulation for genetic testing
• Fertility Preservation: Egg and embryo freezing for medical and elective reasons
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): Broad expertise in reproductive endocrinology and gynecologic endoscopy

Why Choose Dr. James Grifo

First U.S. embryo biopsy live birth: In 1992 Dr. Grifo performed the first embryo biopsy that resulted in a live birth in the United States, laying the foundation for global PGD/PGT clinical practice. For more than three decades he has remained at the forefront of embryo genetic testing.

Developer of the NYU Vitrification Method: His research team’s rapid vitrification technology has been in use at the center since 2004, achieving thaw survival and clinical pregnancy rates comparable to fresh eggs across more than 6,000 egg freezing cycles.

Industry leader and past SART president: As past president of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technologies (SART), he has helped shape the standards and ethics of the assisted reproduction industry, ensuring patients receive care aligned with the highest professional benchmarks.

Public health educator: His book “The Whole Life Fertility Plan” (2015) provides comprehensive fertility guidance, and since 2021 he has served on the Forbes Health Advisory Board.

Professional Affiliations

Dr. Grifo is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and certified by the Accreditation Council for Gynecologic Endoscopy. He has been an ASRM member since 1989, served on its Ethics Committee, and is a past president of SART. He is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and an active member of the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (SREI). His honors include the President’s Award from RESOLVE and the SART prize for research.

Suitable For

• Women of advanced maternal age: Experienced in individualized stimulation protocols and embryo screening for patients 35 and older to improve success rates
• Couples needing PGT genetic screening: As a pioneer of PGD/PGT clinical application, he offers mature genetic testing for couples at risk of inherited disorders
• Individuals considering egg freezing: Patients benefit from the developer’s first-hand expertise in vitrification technology
• Patients with complex infertility: Those who have not succeeded at other clinics benefit from his three decades of experience with difficult cases