For more than 30 years, Dr. Sangita Jindal, an alumna of the Faculty (Medicine M.Sc’88), has devoted her career to guiding individuals and couples through one of the most intimate moments of their lives: the dream of starting a family.
Growing up with science
"Science has always been a part of my life," Dr. Sangita Jindal recalls of her childhood. Her father, Dr. Shiv Jindal, a nephrologist trained in India and Northern Ireland before settling in Ottawa in the 1960s, instilled in her scientific rigor and a sense of duty.
"Typical immigrant story. He completely encouraged us to follow in his footsteps," remembers Dr. Jindal.
Her mother, Sarita, championed equality and ambition at home, teaching all her children excellence and discipline.
Much of her family attended the University of Ottawa: siblings in medicine and law, nephews in science and business, a sister-in-law in medicine.
"Our family is very connected to the University of Ottawa," Dr. Jindal says, before adding with a chuckle, "Well, my youngest brother decided to do something different and went to Carleton. You know, there always has to be one in the family!"
Initially drawn to medicine, Dr. Jindal discovered reproductive physiology and endocrinology during her undergraduate and master’s studies.
“Many of my mentors were women. I saw what they were doing. It became a natural process to pursue a PhD in reproductive physiology.”
Dr. Sangita Jindal
Mentorship and resilience
"Many of my mentors were women. I saw what they were doing. It became a natural process to pursue a PhD in reproductive physiology," she says.
These role models demonstrated that one could excel in science, lead a team, and but stay rooted in the importance of human and family connection.
Among these influential figures, Dr. Jacqueline Carnegie, Professor and Director, Undergraduate Education for Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the Faculty, stands out.
"I considered her someone I could emulate” recalls Dr. Jindal. “She was so brilliant, she could do basic science, she had a career and a family. She was so kind and approachable; she seemed very happy in her work."
Fertility work is demanding, with constant uncertainty and setbacks. Resilience is essential.
"I think I’m someone who has some resilience. You have to show that resilience when you’re knocked down," she explains. Drawing a parallel with her patients, she says she’s inspired. "They keep going, because ultimately it works for most couples. But you have to try more than once."
Even as an IVF laboratory director primarily interacting with physicians, Dr. Jindal ensures that her staff connects directly with patients.
"We interact with patients. They have to see them face-to-face, they have to address them by name," she says.
This attention fosters trust and ensures the laboratory is never perceived as a “black box.”
Innovation, leadership, and passing the torch
Dr. Jindal currently directs four reproductive laboratories and is preparing to open a fifth in 2026. Building a laboratory, for her, is both a creative and tangible endeavor.
"Building a lab is like building a house, you are always creating something," she says enthusiastically.
After three decades in reproductive medicine, the number of babies Dr. Jindal has helped bring into the world is counted in the thousands, a realization that still leaves her quietly amazed.
She integrates artificial intelligence, semi-automation, and workflow optimization into her labs, addressing workforce shortages while maintaining the essential human touch.
When young doctors or students ask her for the keys to success in assisted reproduction, Dr. Jindal shares the guidance she received from her mentors: "Make sure you provide a controlled environment with optimal protocol adherence, develop your leadership skills, and think like a researcher."
These three pillars have shaped her career: delivering high-quality patient care, guiding and inspiring teams, and maintaining a scientific approach in every aspect of the work.
Outside the lab, Dr. Jindal finds balance and renewal in yoga, time with her husband Bruce, working as a team with her therapy dog Koko, and even a glass of wine.
Despite her years of experience, she remains deeply committed to guiding and supporting the next generation.
"I feel like my work isn’t done. there’s a lot of fights we have to fight. Women’s reproductive rights in the US right now, it’s very fraught. It’s not a time for me to retire," she says.
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Dr. Jindal’s career demonstrates how science, compassion, and leadership can come together to profoundly impact lives.
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