About - Medical Institute

Our Story

Medical Institute for Sexual Health (MI) was founded in Austin, Texas in 1992 by Joe S. McIlhaney, Jr., MD, a prominent obstetrician/gynecologist and infertility specialist. In the 1980’s, Dr. McIlhaney observed that many women needed infertility and cancer treatments resulting from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) they had acquired years earlier. While doing research for a women’s healthcare book, he had recognized the extraordinary magnitude of the STD epidemic. He founded MI in response to these observations.

What began as an education presentation at a local high school evolved into a growing nonprofit organization with national and international influence. MI has been a leading voice providing medically accurate, research-based sexual health information to diverse audiences, ranging from healthcare professionals and educators, to policymakers, parents, and youth. Medical Institute conducts outreach through conferences, trainings, brochures, videos, and books.

Leadership

Joe S. McIlhaney, MD

FOUNDER + CEO

Joe S. McIlhaney, Jr., MD, is a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist who resides in Plano, Texas. During his years as a practicing physician, he focused his attention on reproductive technologies. He introduced laparoscopy, gynecologic laser surgery, and microsurgery to the central Texas medical community. In 1984, along with three other physicians, Dr. McIlhaney was instrumental in founding one of the first successful non-university IVF programs in the country. He also initiated one of the first women’s health centers in Texas at St. David’s Hospital. McIlhaney’s research focused his attention on the problems rampant in the USA and around the world, including STIs, condom and contraceptive failure, and HIV/AIDs.