Please join us in welcoming the newest physician to the Shady Grove Fertility family, Dr. Nicole Banks, who is the second fertility specialist to join SGF Jones Institute since the location opened its doors in July 2021. Individuals and families across the Hampton Roads region who are in search of hope, answers, and solutions in their pursuit to build their family can now schedule with Dr. Banks.
She joins fellow SGF Jones Institute physician, Dr. Tarita Pakrashi, in providing a full range of state-of-the-art, in-house diagnostic and treatment options for female and male infertility, elective egg freezing, LGBTQ family building, and fertility preservation prior to cancer treatment.
Dr. Banks became a doctor for a very simple reason: to help people. After graduating from Harvard University magna cum laude, Dr. Banks earned her medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. She then pursued her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Georgetown University where she was the recipient of the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Resident Award.
Dr. Banks continued her studies with a research-intensive fellowship in genetics at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). During this time, Dr. Banks earned the 2013 ASRM Corporate Member Council In-training Travel Award, where she ultimately contributed to four ASRM presentations on topics including intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), structural abnormalities of the Y chromosome, and gene mutations. Dr. Banks then completed a second fellowship at NIH in reproductive endocrinology.
She is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, reproductive endocrinology, and clinical genetics. Despite an impressive medical background, she describes herself as an easy-going, type A physician who wants to empower her patients to be their biggest advocates. Dr. Banks understands what her patients are experiencing because she turned to reproductive medicine to help grow her family, too.
When Dr. Banks isn’t caring for patients, you can find her decorating delicious cakes for friends and family, smoking meats with her husband, and baking cookies with her kids. In a nutshell: quality fertility care and tasty treats are what’s on Dr. Banks’s menu.
More about Dr. Nicole Banks
Where did your interest in reproductive endocrinology come from?
I have three beautiful children thanks to in vitro fertilization. Combine my personal experience with my love of science and procedures involved, and reproductive endocrinology was a perfect fit for me.
What about SGF makes you the proudest?
SGF puts in the extra effort — through after-hours journal clubs, a robust research program, and sponsorship of REI fellowship programs — to ensure their providers are practicing evidence-based medicine. This translates into optimal care for our patients.
What is your approach to helping patients who are struggling?
For my patients who are struggling, I empower them to ask questions and encourage them to advocate for themselves. I spend time with each of my patients so that they feel confident knowing that whatever path they choose is the best one for their unique journey.
Who inspires you?
My patients inspire me every day. Going through the infertility journey takes a lot of bravery and perseverance, particularly for those patients with a longer path. Their strength inspires me.
What’s on your bucket list?
I just completed a bucket list item! I hiked to the Old Rag Summit in Shenandoah National Park, rock scramble and all.
What are your hobbies and why do you enjoy them?
I love to bake cookies and decorate cakes for friends and family. I find the activity meditative, and it makes me happy when the treats are enjoyed by others.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I like to spend time with my family, sharing smoked meats that my husband smokes in his Weber, or helping my kids make s’mores over a fire.
Receive Fertility Care at SGF Jones Institute
Patients may schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with Dr. Banks by calling 757-512-8547 or by submitting this brief form.
