Tara Budinetz, D.O.

Board Certified Board Certified

  • Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Bethlehem Location Bethlehem, PA
Schedule Appointment or 1-888-761-1967
Patient Testimonial
Dr. B helped me navigate endo and IVF and was insanely cheerful, down to earth, funny, caring, knowledgeable, and thorough every step of the way. I couldn’t imagine doing it with anyone else.

Biography

Tara Hope Budinetz, D.O., FACOG, earned her medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). It was during her OB/GYN subspecialty rotation in Reproductive Endocrinology and infertility in medical school that Dr. Budinetz knew this was the career path she was meant to follow. She then pursued her residency at Geisinger Medical Center, earning the recognition of Executive Chief Resident. She subsequently completed her fellowship at the University of Connecticut, a place where she further nurtured her passion for teaching.

Dr. Budinetz is double board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Her interests include infertility, in vitro fertilization, fertility preservation, donor egg, third party reproduction, recurrent pregnancy loss, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and reproductive surgery. Serving as her patients’ biggest advocate, Dr. Budinetz’s dedication has been recognized with awards as a Mainline Top Doctor, Vitals People’s Choice Awards, and more.

Dr. Budinetz serves as the REI Section Chief at St. Luke’s University Health Network and is also teaching faculty for the minimally invasive gynecologic surgical fellowship. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Medical Association, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the Philadelphia Area Reproductive Endocrine Society, and the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. During her career, she has contributed to research publications and presentations on numerous topics and has been invited to present at national meetings.

Born and raised in the Lehigh Valley, Dr. Budinetz is excited to start seeing patients at SGF’s brand new Allentown office in Pennsylvania as of August 2021. In her free time, Dr. Budinetz enjoys skiing, soccer, playing the violin, baking, gardening, and spending time with her four children along with her husband who works in fire protection.

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Education

  • Residency: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Geisinger Medical Center
  • Fellowship: Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Connecticut
  • The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists National Faculty Award for Excellence in Resident Education, 2020 
  • Vitals Compassionate Doctor award 5th Year Honoree, 2020  
  • Vitals Patient Choice 5th Anniversary Award, 2020 
  • Mainline Top Doctor Award, 2018, 2019 and 2020 
  • The Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons-Resident Achievement Award, 2011 
  • AAGL Best Resident in Minimally Invasive Surgery, 2011 
  • Resident Teaching Award, 2009 
  • Resident Excellence Award, 2008 
  • American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists
  • American College of Osteopathic Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • American Medical Association
  • American Osteopathic Association
  • American Society for Reproductive Medicine
  • Philadelphia Area Reproductive Endocrine Society
  • Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
  • Griffin D, Benadiva C, Budinetz T, Suendo C, DiLuigi A, Nuslen J, Engmann L. The dual trigger study: Rationale and study design of a prospective double-blind randomized clinical trial comparing pregnancy rates after co-administration of low dose hCG at the time of GnRH agonist trigger or 35 h later for the prevention of OHSS. Contempory Clinical Trails Communications. 2017. 18-24.
  • Maslow BS1, Budinetz T, Sueldo C, Anspach E, Engmann L, Benadiva C, Nulsen JC 3rd. Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism-Microarray Ploidy Analysis of Paraffin-Embedded Products of Conception in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Evaluations. Obstet Gynecol. 2015 Jul;126(1):175-81
  • Budinetz TH, Benadiva CA, Griffin DW, Engmann LL, Nulsen JC, DiLuigi AJ. Ovulation rate and cycle characteristics in a subsequent clomiphene citrate cycle after stair-step protocol.
  • Fertil Steril. 2015 Mar;103(3):675-9.
  • M Sueldo C, Budinetz T, Maslow BS, Nulsen J, Engmann L, Benadiva C. Concurrent ovarian and ipsilateral tubal ectopic pregnancies after a double embryo transfer: a case report.
  • J Assist Reprod Genet. 2014 Dec;31(12):1643-6.
  • Budinetz TH, Mann JS, Griffin DW, Benadiva CA, Nulsen JC, Engmann LL. Maternal and neonatal outcomes after gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist trigger for final oocyte maturation in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril. 2014 Sep;102(3):753-8.
  • Griffin D, Feinn R, Engmann L, Nulsen J, Budinetz T, Benadiva C. Dual trigger with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist and standard dose human chorionic gonadotropin to improve oocyte maturity rates. Fertil Steril. 2014 Aug;102(2):405-9.
  • Cruvinel E*, Budinetz T*, Germain N, Chamberlain S, Lalande M, Martins-Taylor K. Reactivation of maternal SNORD116 cluster via SETDB1 knockdown in Prader-Willi syndrome iPSCs. Hum Mol Genet. 2014 Sep 1;23(17):4674-85
  • Daniel Griffin, M.D., Claudio Benadiva, M.D., Nicole Kummer, M.D., Tara Budinetz, D.O., John Nulsen, M.D. Dual Trigger of oocyte maturation with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist and low dose human chorionic gonadotropin to optimize live birth rates in high responders. Fertility and Sterility. 2012; 97: 1316-1320.
  • Budinetz TH, Sanfilippo JS. Treatment of Endometriosis: A Hormonal Approach. Minerva Ginecologica. 2010.
  • Cronin AJ, Aucutt-Walter NM, Budinetz T, Bonafide CP, DiVittore NA, Cordin V, Schuler HG, Bonneau RH. Low-dose remifentanil infusion does not impair natural killer cell function in healthy volunteers. Br J Anaesth. 2003 Dec; 91(6): 805-9

*indicates co-authorship

Q&A

I have wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember. There is something extremely special about helping people achieve their dreams of parenthood. The health care system can be difficult to navigate, so I want my patients to know that I am their biggest advocate – we will overcome this, together. I know what it is like to be on the other side of this table, so my goal is to make people feel comfortable knowing that they will receive the best care.

During my 3rd year of medical school when I was on my OB/GYN subspecialty rotation in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, I knew that this is what I was meant to do. While every patient has a different journey, one of my favorite parts is being able to make that especially important phone call to patients saying, “You are pregnant!” Another is seeing that baby’s heartbeat on the ultrasound. There is something so special and intimate about those moments and I feel so blessed to be a part of them.

I am inspired by my patients every day. I am humbled by their perseverance to never give up.

I treat patients like I would want to be treated, or how I would want my family to be treated. I am down-to-earth, warm, welcoming, and real with patients. I validate their concerns and let them know I am here for them. I truly care about each and every patient, and I am their biggest cheerleader and advocate.

My parents inspire me. They taught me the values of family, hard work, perseverance, sacrifice, and being grateful for the little things in life. In 2018, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma and underwent grueling treatments with chemo, multiple biopsies, blood draws, and finally a stem cell transplant. She never complained and made it out on top. My father stood by her side and was always positive. She is finally in remission one year out and lives life to the fullest.
When my family fell on hard times while I was growing up, my parents took whatever jobs they could get — even when it meant my father had to drive 5 hours roundtrip daily so that we didn’t have to move and could maintain stability. Or, when my mom had to work the night shift in a plastics factory. They never gave up and persevered. No matter what, my parents were always involved in cheering me on at after-school sports, Girl Scouts, and orchestra.
I truly believe this is where I get my family values, work ethic, and perseverance to never give up.

I am full of energy, bubbly, enthusiastic, and down to earth. Growing up, my house was the house everyone wanted to come to because my parents made it so warm and welcoming, and I think that is where I get my attitude from. I am a very positive person who is passionate about everything I do, giving 110% every time.

My dream is to see the northern lights in Alaska. I think nature is beautiful and this is one of the special and mystical things about nature that I would love to see in person. I also want to go camping out West to national parks in Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, and Utah. Seeing those natural wonders that mother nature has to offer would really be amazing and such a unique experience.

I love playing soccer and skiing. Growing up near the Blue Mountain ski area in Pennsylvania, I was lucky enough to experience the thrill of downhill skiing and the peace from being up high in the mountains. Being part of a team is something I have always enjoyed.
Camping, hiking, and being outdoors are some of my favorite activities. There is something about a good campfire and being in the woods close to nature that brings a smile to my face.
I also love to play the violin and have been playing since the 3rd grade. My grandfather played the violin, and he gave me his violin once I started playing. This was so special to me and inspired me. I have played in some weddings in addition to playing for my friends and family.
I have a newfound love for gardening. I enjoy nature and all it has to offer. It amazes me how quickly things grow. I like to walk around the garden and take in all the sweet smells and hear the birds chirping. This brings me peace and makes me feel calm and happy.
In addition, I love to bake all sorts of things with my kids. Some family favorite recipes include chocolate chip cookies, chocolate cake, and banana cake that were passed down through generations of my family.

I love spending time with my family and close friends. My husband and I especially enjoy hosting people at our house. What can I say, I am a people person!

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