Paul Zarutskie, MD | SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine

Paul Zarutskie, MD, joined the faculty of Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM) in September 2023, where he serves as Associate Professor of OB/GYN and Primary Care/Clinical Medicine. He is board-certified in both Reproductive Endocrinology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, and has been a leading figure in reproductive medicine for over 40 years. Prior to joining SHSU-COM, Dr. Zarutskie held professorships at several institutions, including the University of California, Irvine; University of Washington; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Baylor College of Medicine; and Harvard Medical School.

Throughout his career, Dr. Zarutskie has treated more than 15,000 patients seeking fertility care through his leadership as Medical Director of the Zarutskie Fertility and Endocrine Institute, as well as his founding of Zarutskie Consultation Group in 2008. Notably, as president of the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (SART), Dr. Zarutskie led the development and implementation of the National Registry for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) programs in the United States.

Dr. Zarutskie is widely recognized for his expertise in developing patient advocacy initiatives, advancing public education through media/internet communications, and fostering collaborations with regulatory bodies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA. He has also worked extensively with researchers, physicians, and third-party opinion leaders and helped found the National Coalition of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (NCOART), where he served as the first Chair.

An innovator in reproductive medicine, Dr. Zarutskie was one of the first infertility specialists in the U.S. to introduce Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) services into clinical practice. Dr. Zarutskie’s research interests have included the development of innovative treatment protocols, drugs, devices and laboratory procedures, such as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) and cryopreservation techniques. 

Dr. Zarutskie is a passionate advocate for advancing the widespread adoption and implementation of integrative and holistic care for women across the age continuum, and his early research in male fertility established him as a thought leader and helped to guide current treatment strategies.

At SHSU-COM, Dr. Zarutskie is engaged in interdisciplinary collaboration through initiatives like the WellCOM project, which brings together experts from diverse fields—such as medicine, psychology, public health, and data science—to examine factors influencing medical students' health and well-being.

His research includes the use of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to investigate the mechanical properties of aging human oocytes post-fertilization, specifically in relation to cellular arrest and the failure to progress to the blastocyst stage. He is also involved in exploring the role of generative AI in medical education, particularly its impact on student Perceived Learning and Confidence Levels in relaying information to patients.

Dr. Zarutskie has received 13 extramural grants, including funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). His scholarly contributions include over 100 peer-reviewed publications, abstracts, and book chapters, and he has served as a reviewer for leading specialty journals in reproductive medicine.

He completed his undergraduate training at Duke University, earned his medical degree from Hahnemann Medical College (now Drexel University), and completed his OB/GYN residency at Duke University Medical Center. His fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology was completed at Harvard Medical School’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Additionally, Dr. Zarutskie completed a business management program at the University of Washington.

A sought-after speaker, Dr. Zarutskie has lectured internationally on topics related to reproductive healthcare delivery, fertility treatments, and environmental influences on reproductive health. His passion for education and patient advocacy remains a cornerstone of his distinguished career.