Susannah Copland, MD
Fertility Specialist, Co-Founder
Dr. Susannah Copland pursued an undergraduate education in agricultural and biological engineering. She viewed this as a stepping-stone to medicine. She graduated from Cornell with honors and distinction. Eager to apply the problem-solving rigor of her engineering training to medical education, she received a full scholarship to the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine.
She completed her obstetrics and gynecology training at Magee-Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. After that, she pursued a Reproductive Endocrinology fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta. During her time at Emory, she also earned a Master of Science in Clinical Research. Her ultimate career choices led her to become an infertility specialist. These choices were influenced by her affinity for solving complex problems and her desire to develop long-term relationships with her patients.
After the fellowship, Dr. Copland was recruited by the Duke University Division of Reproductive Endocrinology to oversee clinical research and to direct the fertility preservation and third-party reproduction programs, which she did for five years. While enjoying academic practice, she partnered with David Walmer to found Atlantic Reproductive to provide personalized patient care in a welcoming independent practice.
Susannah learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and family early in life from her parents. They were the first generation to complete higher education and have accomplished careers in the humanities and sciences. When Susannah was six, the choirmaster at St. Andrew’s in Cherry Hinton near Cambridge, England, recommended that her parents support her education in music, as he recognized her remarkable musical abilities. After years of musical training in vocal performance and cello, which included training with the principal cellists of the Buffalo Philharmonic and the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra, she decided to pursue a profession in medical science. However, as an amateur, she continued to nurture her lifelong passion for music. Now, that passion includes playing duets at home with her children.
In addition to enjoyment and relaxation, music has provided Susannah with valuable lessons in communication. Working cooperatively to develop complex harmonies with other musicians taught her the art of connection. She also built rapport with many audiences, which is a skill she now uses to interact with patients. After taking time to listen to each patient’s individual circumstances, she provides detailed counseling on the possible causes of their delay in pregnancy. She also discusses the full spectrum of treatment options. Susannah believes in patient autonomy and counsels her patients as if they are the “captains of their ship.” This approach empowers them to make informed decisions guided by a better understanding of their fertility.
Education & Training
1991-1995: B.S. with honors and distinction in Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Cornell University, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences / Engineering, Ithaca, NY
1995-1999: M.D.
Mayo Medical School
Rochester, Minnesota
1999-2003: Resident, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Magee-Womens Hospital
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2003-2006: Fellow, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Emory University School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
2005-2007: Master of Science in Clinical Research
Clinical Research Curriculum Award Program
Emory University School of Medicine / Rollins School of Public Health
Atlanta, GA
Specialty Board Certifications
Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility
2008-present
Obstetrics & Gynecology
2006-present