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RRM Physician Spotlight: Naomi Whittaker, MD

Updated: 1 day ago

Naomi Whittaker, MD
Naomi Whittaker, MD (Instagram: @napro_fertility_surgeon)

This is the first post in an ongoing series spotlighting physicians in restorative reproductive medicine.

Medical Background and Training

Dr. Naomi Whittaker is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) with specialized training in restorative reproductive medicine. She earned her medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine in 2013 and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine–Peoria in 2017.


Following residency, she pursued advanced training as a St. John Paul II Research Fellow in Medical and Surgical NaProTechnology at the Pope Paul VI Institute (Omaha, NE), focusing on fertility-restoring treatments. Dr. Whittaker has also obtained the ABOG Focused Practice Designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS), reflecting her expertise in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgical techniques.


Specialties and Expertise

Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM): Dr. Whittaker is recognized as a trailblazer in RRM, an approach that addresses root causes of reproductive health issues and aims to restore natural fertility. She is fellowship-trained in NaProTechnology, a science-based, fertility care system aligned with root cause medical approach that treats infertility and gynecologic disorders.


NaProTechnology Medicine & Surgery (NaPro Fellow): Dr. Whittaker, is a fellowship-trained surgeon in NaProTechnology, seamlessly integrating advanced minimally invasive techniques with the restorative principles of natural reproductive medicine. With specialized fellowship training in Medical and Surgical NaProTechnology at the Pope Paul VI Institute and board certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology, she has developed a refined skill set that emphasizes repairing underlying gynecologic conditions—such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and tubal blockages—while preserving fertility. Dr. Whittaker’s approach is characterized by meticulous, near adhesion-free surgical methods, including precise microsurgical suturing and innovative adhesion prevention strategies, which together maximize patient outcomes and offer a compelling alternative to treatments like IVF. Her expertise not only reflects a deep commitment to addressing the root causes of infertility but also underscores her role as a pioneer in delivering ethical, patient-centered care.


Creighton Model & Endocrinology: She is a Certified Creighton Model FertilityCare Instructor, teaching women to chart their menstrual cycles and utilizing those biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment. The Creighton Model is the natural family planning method upon which NaProTechnology is founded. Her practice includes managing hormonal imbalances (e.g. luteal phase deficiencies, polycystic ovary syndrome) and natural family planning services.


Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery: Dr. Whittaker specializes in advanced surgical treatment of gynecologic conditions. She is experienced in excision endometriosis surgery, microsurgical tubal repair, ovarian wedge resection for PCOS, and other fertility-sparing surgeries. She earned the MIGS focused practice designation, underscoring her proficiency in laparoscopic and robotic techniques. Her surgical expertise includes complex cases of endometriosis and adhesions; for example, she has presented a case of stage IV endometriosis surgery leading to an “impossible” spontaneous pregnancy at an international RRM conference (Case report: A life saving fertility surgery and an “impossible” case of spontaneous pregnancy – Institute of Restorative Reproductive Medicine of America) It's important to remember that every case is unique, and outcomes vary.


General Obstetrics & Women’s Health: In addition to fertility care, Dr. Whittaker provides general OB/GYN services, from routine gynecologic care to prenatal/obstetric care. She cares for women across all ages – including high-risk pregnancies and adolescent gynecology – always integrating a restorative, “whole person” approach.


Professional Affiliations and Roles

  • Physician Lead, UPMC Divine Mercy Women’s Health (Camp Hill, PA): Dr. Whittaker heads this women’s health and fertility clinic within the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Central PA). The practice provides comprehensive, expert OB/GYN care rooted in faith values, offering NaProTechnology-based fertility services, natural family planning, obstetric care (including midwifery and VBAC support), and menopause management. As Physician Lead, she oversees a team of FertilityCare practitioners and nurses to deliver compassionate, faith-aligned care. UPMC Divine Mercy Fertility Care is noted for helping patients with infertility and recurrent miscarriage by identifying underlying issues like endometriosis and hormonal deficiencies (Laura Christensen Honors Dr. Naomi Whittaker at UPMC Divine Mercy Fertility Care | UPMC Pinnacle Foundation).


  • Board Certification and Societies: She is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). She engages with professional societies that align with her focus, such as the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL), where she has presented on fertility-sparing surgical techniques. Additionally, Dr. Whittaker is a member of the FertilityCare Centers of America and International Institute for Restorative Reproductive Medicine, collaborating with like-minded physicians worldwide.


  • Academic and Teaching Roles: As part of her passion for education, Dr. Whittaker serves as a FACTS elective instructor for medical students, teaching fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) and their clinical applications. She mentors future healthcare professionals in approaching women’s health with an understanding of natural biomarkers and restorative treatments. She has also been a St. John Paul II Fellow as noted, which involved research and teaching in NaProTechnology.


Notable Work and Contributions

  • Founder of RRM Academy: Dr. Whittaker co-founded RRMAcademy.org, an online educational platform dedicated to Restorative Reproductive Medicine. Through webinars, courses, and resources, RRM Academy educates both patients and healthcare providers on topics like comparing restorative approaches vs. IVF, long-term endometriosis management, and postpartum mental health. One popular tool she developed is an Endometriosis Symptom Self-Survey to help women gauge their risk of endometriosis (RRM Academy | Empowering Health & Fertility Education) (RRM Academy | Empowering Health & Fertility Education). This academy is a project of the Restorative Reproductive Medicine Foundation (a 501c3 nonprofit) aimed at empowering women with knowledge and advancing fertility-health education.


  • RRM Research Library: In 2015, Dr. Whittaker and her husband launched “By Its Fruit,” a website that curates and shares the scientific research behind fertility awareness and restorative medicine (By Its Fruit — About). This initiative was born from their realization that many couples would ask, “Why have I never heard about this before?” regarding natural fertility treatments (By Its Fruit — About). ByItsFruit.org merged with RRM Foundation in 2025 to become the RRM Research Library, a research repository that compiles studies, articles, and latest research on topics such as NaProTechnology success rates, natural treatments for infertility, and women’s health, making this evidence more accessible to patients and practitioners.


  • Advocacy and Public Education: Through speaking engagements and writing, Dr. Whittaker contributes to public understanding of women’s health. She frequently presents at conferences and seminars to promote restorative approaches; for instance, she was a featured speaker at the FACTS Fertility conference in 2024, sharing RRM protocols for conditions like premature ovarian insufficiency (FACTS Conference Speaker Highlight: Naomi Whittaker, MD - FACTS About Fertility). Her personal story – from being the daughter of Polish political refugees to finding her calling in RRM – has been highlighted to inspire others in medicine. Dr. Whittaker is also an advocate for ethical fertility care, emphasizing treatments that respect both women’s health and early human life.


Publications and Writings

Dr. Whittaker has contributed to both scientific literature and public-facing publications in her field:



  • Media and Podcasts: Recognized for her expertise, Dr. Whittaker has appeared on over 20 podcasts and media interviews related to women’s health. For instance, she was interviewed in the 2020 Cycle Power Summit on postpartum care, where she outlined how mainstream medicine approaches postpartum depression versus how a restorative approach can help balance hormones naturally ([PDF] purpose - The American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals). She’s been a guest on the Hormone Genius Podcast and others, often sharing insights on NaProTechnology, endometriosis management, and empowering women through cycle tracking.


Dr. Naomi Whittaker’s blend of clinical skill, research, and advocacy makes her a notable figure in the field of women’s health. Her work significantly contributes to broadening the conversation on fertility in medicine – integrating modern science with an understanding of natural fertility and ethical practice. Through her surgical expertise and educational initiatives, she continues to advance fertility care that honors the dignity of women and the gift of life (Laura Christensen Honors Dr. Naomi Whittaker at UPMC Divine Mercy Fertility Care | UPMC Pinnacle Foundation).

Follow Dr. Naomi Whittaker on Instagram

Dr Whittaker's Instagram Profile Picture

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