Illume Fertility is proud to share that eight of our physicians have been named to Castle Connolly’s 2026 America’s Top Doctors® list, an annual honor that recognizes the top 7% of all physicians nationwide through a peer-nominated selection process.
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Illume Fertility is led by a team of board-certified reproductive endocrinologists who combine decades of experience with a deep commitment to patient-centered care.
In 2026, eight Illume Fertility physicians received Castle Connolly Top Doctor honors in the specialty of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI). While awards are never the reason we do this work, it is meaningful to see our physicians recognized by colleagues in the field for the standards they uphold and the trust they build with patients.
These Top Doctor honors reflect our physicians’ dedication to continuous learning and cutting-edge clinical practice, so patients can feel confident they are receiving fertility care that is both highly specialized and deeply supportive.
A Note From Our Medical Director
"Being recognized as Castle Connolly Top Doctors is a meaningful honor, especially because it reflects peer respect within our specialty," said Dr. Mark Leondires, Founder and Medical Director at Illume Fertility and Gay Parents To Be. "At Illume, we believe that exceptional fertility care is built on both science and human connection."
"We combine advanced clinical expertise with personalized treatment planning, transparent communication, and holistic support for the benefit of all patients. After helping families welcome over 18,000 babies into the world, we remain deeply committed to expanding access to inclusive care for everyone on the path to parenthood."
Since 1991, Castle Connolly has published an annual list of America’s Top Doctors®, designed to spotlight physicians who are widely respected by peers for clinical excellence, leadership, and a strong professional reputation within their specialty.
Castle Connolly’s research methodology is designed to help identify physicians who consistently deliver high-quality care and maintain the knowledge and skill required to support strong patient outcomes. In reproductive endocrinology, that excellence translates to evidence-based fertility treatment and thoughtful clinical decision-making across care paths such as IUI and IVF.
With more than 1.1 million practicing physicians in the United States, Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors list recognizes more than 72,000 physicians nationwide, representing the top 7% of doctors. Honorees are nominated by fellow physicians and evaluated through a rigorous research and selection process.
We are proud to share that the following Illume Fertility physicians were named to Castle Connolly’s 2026 America’s Top Doctors® list:
We are honored to see eight Illume physicians recognized this year, and we are equally grateful for the extraordinary team behind them. From the first consultation to the final follow-up, our nurses, embryology team, medical assistants, and administrative staff make it possible to deliver care that is not only clinically excellent, but deeply human.
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Castle Connolly Top Doctor recognition is a meaningful honor, especially because it reflects the respect of fellow physicians. But for patients, the most important questions are often much simpler: Will I feel supported here? Will I feel heard? Can I trust this team with something as personal as building my family?
We know that choosing a fertility clinic is about so much more than awards. It is about finding a physician you trust, a team that communicates clearly, and a practice that has the expertise and infrastructure to support your specific path.
As one Illume Fertility patient recently shared:
"Every single person, from the front desk staff to the physicians were absolutely incredible. In such a vulnerable situation, my husband and I always felt supported."
- Ashley D., Google review (January 2026)
While every journey is different, patients often express appreciation for similar strengths across their experience at Illume:
If you are comparing fertility clinics, it is worth paying attention to what is not always obvious online: how individualized the care actually is.
At Illume Fertility, treatment plans are built around your history, goals, preferences, and timeline, not a one-size-fits-all approach. You can expect a thoughtful diagnostic workup, a clear path forward, and the clinical expertise and lab standards needed to support high-quality care from start to finish.
Castle Connolly’s America’s Top Doctors® recognition highlights physicians across the United States who are nominated by other doctors and evaluated through a research-based selection process.
Castle Connolly selections are based on peer nominations and a review process led by a physician-directed research team.
Yes. Castle Connolly Top Doctor recognition begins with peer nominations from licensed physicians who nominate doctors they believe represent excellence in their specialty.
No, doctors cannot pay to be selected for this award. Castle Connolly states that the selection process is based on peer nominations and research evaluation.
No. While awards may reflect professional recognition, fertility outcomes depend on many individual medical factors. The best way to find fertility success is starting with a personalized consultation and evaluation with a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist.
Illume Fertility physicians recognized by Castle Connolly are honored in the specialty of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI).
In 2026, eight Illume Fertility physicians received Castle Connolly Top Doctor honors. Castle Connolly’s selection process is rigorous, and physicians typically must be in practice for a designated period of time before becoming eligible for Top Doctor recognition.
Illume Fertility is proud to support the growth of newer, equally talented reproductive endocrinologists as they build experience, develop relationships within the specialty, and ultimately earn Top Doctor honors alongside their colleagues over time.
Choosing a fertility specialist is a major decision. Peer-nominated recognitions like Castle Connolly can be one useful indicator of a physician’s reputation in their field, along with experience, outcomes, communication style, and patient support.
If you are early in the process, it's normal to have a lot of questions, and not all of them will be medical. Many patients come to us wondering what testing they actually need, how quickly care can move forward, whether advanced treatments will be recommended right away, and how to plan around time, work, and finances.
At Illume Fertility, we focus on making the process feel more navigable by starting with the right evaluation, then building a plan that fits your goals, your timeline, and your comfort level.
You will receive clear next steps and coordinated care from a team that is experienced in a wide range of family-building paths, including fertility testing, IUI, IVF, egg freezing, and third-party reproduction.
When you are ready to explore your options, our team is here to help.
Request a consultation with Illume Fertility today and explore what's possible.