Meet Lindsey, IFI Embryologist II
At Indiana Fertility Institute (IFI), some of the most important work happens quietly, in the lab, out of view of the patients whose lives it changes. That's where you'll find Lindsey Schweitzer, who we're thrilled to congratulate on her recent promotion to Embryologist II. We sat down with Lindsey to learn a little more about her journey, what she loves about her work, and the life she leads outside of it.
A career she didn't know to look for
Lindsey didn't set out to become an embryologist. She found the field almost by accident, when she came across a job posting after graduating from Purdue University with a degree in chemistry. She applied for a lab technician role, and left her interview with something more.
"I came in for my interview and got to see all that an embryologist does in a day and felt right at home."
She was offered the position, and her reaction says everything about how right the fit was. “I literally cried during the end of my interview because I was so happy,” she shares. “I always wanted to work in the medical field, and using my laboratory skills and science background just made this all the more perfect for me. I truly cannot see myself doing anything else."
Her chemistry background turned out to be the perfect foundation for the role. Beyond her onsite training at IFI, Lindsey spent ten weeks in 2024 at ART LAB in North Carolina for additional offsite training.
What she loves about the work
Ask Lindsey what she loves most about being an embryologist, and the answer is equal parts curiosity and heart.
"I love getting to learn something new every day. I also love getting to see the positive impact I have on patients' cycles, whether that be the fertilization of my ICSI cases or the thawing of an embryo prior to transfer."
And while not every patient will meet the embryologist handling their case in person, Lindsey wants them to know she's right there with them.
"I want patients to know that I feel their highs and lows right along with them. I feel just as invested as our patients in their cycles. I want every case to be a success as much as they want it."
Life outside the lab
When she's not in the lab, Lindsey is almost certainly making something. She's a devoted crocheter, and her projects tend to find their way to the people around her. “I have made my coworkers lots of stuffed animals for their children,” she shares. “My brother is expecting his first baby this September and I just finished making a baby blanket for him.”
She also enjoys reading, watching trashy reality tv shows, spending time with her family, and napping on the couch with her cats. Those cats are a big part of the picture, and so is a surprising menagerie beyond them. Lindsey has always been passionate about rescuing animals that have been abused or abandoned. “My house is kind of a mini shelter,” she says. “I also have 5 snakes! And yes, the snakes are separated from the cats!"
One of Lindsey’s favorite memories from this year was getting to travel to Chicago in April to watch her brother’s first MLB pitching appearance. He has been playing Triple A for the Chicago White Sox this season!
Congratulations, Lindsey
From a chemistry degree to an interview that brought her to tears, to a promotion she's more than earned, Lindsey brings genuine care to every case that crosses her bench. Congratulations on your new role, Lindsey. We're lucky to have you!