Member Spotlight: Charles Coddington, MD

Member Spotlight: Charles Coddington, MD

Charles C. Coddington, MD, has been a member of ASRM for over 40 years, with a career defined by leadership, academia, and a sustained commitment to service.

After earning a degree in Chemical Engineering from Vanderbilt University in 1969, he served four years on active duty in the Navy.

"Those four years with my fleet gave me intense training in leadership and a chance to mature," he says.

He went on to receive his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1977, followed by OB/GYN residency training at the National Naval Medical Center and fellowship at the NIH.

Dr. Coddington held key leadership roles throughout his career, including residency director and chairman at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, fellowship and division director at The Jones Institute, and later positions at the University of Colorado and Mayo Clinic, where he served as Chair of the REI Division. He is currently on faculty at Advocate Health/Wake Forest University, continuing his work in research and education.

Dr. Coddington joined ASRM in 1983.

"It was a great opportunity to meet and interact with leaders in the field of reproductive medicine, as well as a wonderful opportunity to establish friendships and colleagues that have lasted my entire career," he says.

His long-standing engagement with ASRM includes service as President of both SREI and SART, Treasurer of SART, Member of the Finance and Research Committees, board member of the Finance Committee, member of the Audit Committee, and member of the Education Committee. According to Dr. Coddington, this active involvement has been key to helping him evolve alongside the field.

"By maintaining a high level of activity and engagement, one is able to hear, develop understanding, and apply the latest technology and information."

Mentorship is a central part of his work. Dr. Coddington emphasizes the role mentors played in his own development and now focuses on guiding students, residents, and fellows as they build their careers. He views ASRM as a critical platform for connection, learning, and professional growth, encouraging members to engage fully and take advantage of the opportunities it provides.

Looking ahead, he remains focused on advancing the field while supporting the next generation. He believes ASRM, its leadership, and its membership are well positioned to lead meaningful progress.

"I have faith in ASRM, with its dynamic, innovative and creative leadership, to help lead the charge to correct many of the missteps which have occurred in the last few years," he says.

Reductions and changes at the NIH that undermine the support of science, legal challenges in the reversal of Roe vs. Wade, and the diminishing effectiveness of CDC are all critical issues. As a country, we will need to stand firm on reinstating high-level medical care for men and especially for women."

When asked about career advice, Dr. Coddington says that it is difficult to give generalizations because, "each person's definition of success is unique to themselves."

But in simple terms, He suggests working hard, caring for your patients through your heart, and being open to creative and innovative ways in which to do the best for the people you serve.

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