About SGF

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Over 25 years ago, Kathy and Paul met working in an emergency room at a local hospital where they fell in love and married a few years later. In their early 20s and shortly after marriage, they decided to have a child. After 3 years of trying, they had their daughter, Kiersten; however, knowing they wanted a sibling for their daughter, they decided to try again!

Five years later, with no success, Kathy and Paul found themselves at the OBGYN learning they had secondary infertility. The OBGYN didn’t seem as concerned as Kathy felt, and she still didn’t understand what was preventing them from conceiving. So, she and Paul ventured to a local fertility center where they hoped to find answers. With limited information about fertility treatment available and vague success rate explanations from the fertility center, Kathy was determined to learn about the unknown – she was on a quest for knowledge. Unlike today, in the early 90s, there wasn’t a lot of information available about this ‘new’ form of fertility treatment, so the young ER nurse found a way to understand the disease affecting her life; she found a clinical nursing position at the new fertility center, Shady Grove Fertility.

Amazed with the patient care, transparency of success rates, treatment options, and affordability, Kathy felt she and Paul could have success at Shady Grove Fertility.  Just 1 IVF cycle later, Molly was born!

Looking back now, Kathy has seen a lot of changes in the world of infertility, both personally and professionally. From new technologies such as ICSI to new physicians and fertility programs, Kathy has been with Shady Grove Fertility through it all. Today she can be found in the Rockville, MD office mentoring and assisting each nurse as they care for patients/couples who dream of having a family. Molly, their beautiful IVF baby is now a Junior at the University of Maryland. Ready Kathy’s complete story.

Want to share your patient story? Click here!

Check out more #tbt on our Facebook page – over 12,000 women and men sharing their experiences.

If you are having trouble trying to conceive, it may be time schedule an appointment at Shady Grove Fertility, please speak with one of our New Patient Liaisons at 877-971-7755.

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Mark and Amanda met in 1990 and married at the young age of 21 and 27 respectively. Shortly after marriage, the newlyweds immigrated to the United Sates from South Africa. They enjoyed life as a couple for four years before deciding to try to have a baby. Amanda was working at Shady Grove Fertility and due to the continued learning about infertility, she became paranoid thinking they might have their own infertility issues. After a year of trying to conceive, they realized something was wrong. Amanda went in to Dr. Michael Levy’s office to ask if he knew of a good reproductive endocrinologist, he said “me of course, why?” And so their fertility journey began.

Mark & Amanda pregnant with twins! #tbt

Due to their diagnosis, they had to go straight into IVF which made their process a little easier, but unfortunately they were not successful on their first try. Persevering to their second IVF cycle, they were excited to have a twin pregnancy! 34 weeks later, their twin boy and girl were born.

At times, doing double duty with twins was overwhelming and she wasn’t able to enjoy her newborns as much as she would have liked. But that didn’t deter her from wanting another child and after 6 yrs of nagging, Mark finally agreed that they could try again – this time requesting that only 1 blastocyst embryo be transferred.  Achieving pregnancy using infertility treatments once more, they had a little girl and knew it meant to be having success on their first try!

Where are they today? Amanda still works at Shady Grove Fertility, as a New Patient Center Liaison and as she talks with patients, you’ll hear her telling them that having twins is not as glamorous as it’s made out to be even though she loves them dearly. It is hard to believe that in the fall the twins will be heading off to college. Mark and Amanda are so thankful to have given fertility treatment one more shot and will enjoy having their little girl at home for the next 7 years.

Want to share your patient story? Click here!

Check out more #tbt on our Facebook page – over 12,000 women and men sharing their experiences.

If you are having trouble trying to conceive, it may be time schedule an appointment at Shady Grove Fertility, please speak with one of our New Patient Liaisons at 877-971-7755.

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Shady Grove Fertility is proud to support those that have supported our country by hiring veterans. From physicians and nurses to patient services and members of our business office – SGF supports those that have supported our country.

Click to enlarge image.
 Click to enlarge image.

Hiring Veterans

Medical and Business Positions Available at Shady Grove Fertility

Margaret Ann Connors, CRNP
Navy – 25 years
Donor Egg

Marsha DeWeese, RN
Navy – 24 years
Nursing

Vince Bogan, CRNA
Army – 20 years
Surgery Center

Lou Heindel, CRNA
Navy – 20 years
Surgery Center

Rod Lewis, CRNA
Navy – 20 years
Surgery Center

Jeffrey McKeeby, MD
Navy – 18 years
Reproductive Endocrinologist

Bianca Garces
Army Reserves – 12 years
Donor Egg

Jessica Buggs, RN
Air Force – 10 years
Nursing

Steve Zito, CRNA  
Air Force – 8 years
Surgery Center

Heather Gaona
Army – 8 years
Laboratory

Gwen Simmons   
Army Reserves – 7 years
Business Office

Jeanne Zito, RN
Air Force – 6 years
Nursing

Kristy Kunard, RN
Navy – 5 years
Nursing

Asia Winger
Air Force – 4 years
Patient Services

Ted Hall
Marine Corps – 3 years
Medical Asst/Surgery Center

Lori Martin
Air Force – 3 years
Nursing/Medical Assistant

Thank you for all you have done to support our country.

If you are a veteran and interested in learning more about employment opportunities at Shady Grove Fertility, click here.

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New York, NY – Last night, hundreds of leaders and supporters in the infertility community gathered at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Pier in New York to celebrate RESOLVE’s Night of Hope. A night dedicated to recognizing those that have made special efforts in advancing infertility awareness, innovation, and resolution. Among those honored was Dr. Robert J. Stillman, Medical Director Emeritus of Shady Grove Fertility, with the Hope Award for Service for advancing access to family building options.

Under Dr. Stillman’s leadership, Shady Grove Fertility, was previously honored with the RESOLVE Hope Award for Advocacy, for the fertility center’s efforts in advancing legislation designed to make infertility treatment more affordable. As a Visionary Partner with RESOLVE, Shady Grove Fertility has a continued commitment for patient advocacy.

Dr. Robert Stillman Presented with RESOLVE Hope Award for Service

RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association was established in 1974 and remains the only nationwide non-profit organization established to promote reproductive health and to ensure equal access to all family building options for men and women experiencing infertility or other reproductive disorders. Through events such as the Night of Hope, RESOLVE raises money to continue advocacy efforts. Last night alone, over $200,000 was raised for this cause.

Hosted by Elisabeth Rohm, best known for her roles in The Client List and Law & Order, who shared her own journey struggling with infertility – including what it was list dealing with the shame with not being able to conceive, especially in Hollywood, where people sell the ideals of a perfect life. The RESOLVE Night of Hope, recognized other leaders in the infertility community including, Dr. Robert W. Rebar who served at the Executive Director of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the Huffington Post, and the National Council for Adoption. Also recognized was Just Stop Trying and It Will Happen for the Hope Award for Best Blog.

If you have questions about your fertility treatment options or are ready to schedule an appointment, please call 877-971-7755.

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Cutting Edge Fertility Technologies and Clinical Research Outcomes to be Presented by Shady Grove Fertility Physicians and Scientists at the American Society of Reproductive Medicine Meeting in Boston October 12-17th

The outlook for patients suffering from infertility continues to brighten year over year, thanks to the thousands of professionals who dedicate their lives to improving outcomes for fertility treatment.  The range of their expertise and influence goes beyond the obvious from doctors, nurses, and researchers to business experts, pharmaceutical companies, advocacy organizations and of course, patients themselves. Even Silicon Valley technology companies have jumped on board in an effort to make fertility care more successful, affordable and accessible for more people across the United States.

This week, more than 10,000 of these individuals, representing all facets of reproductive medicine are gathered to learn and share the very latest research and technology; information and ideas at the 69th Annual Meeting for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine in Boston.

Shady Grove Fertility continues to play a leading role in ongoing clinical research and leadership in practice policy at the national level.  Below is a summary of the contributions being recognized at the ASRM Annual Meeting this week.

Abstracts, Posters and Oral Presentations

Thirteen clinical studies conducted by Shady Grove Fertility physicians and scientists, and some in conjunction with the Department of Reproductive Endocrinology at Walter Reed and the National Institutes of Health, were accepted for presentation at the 2013 ASRM Annual Meeting.  A few highlights:

SGF Studies Demonstrate Improved Outcomes Using Vitrification to Freeze Embryos Yielding Higher Thaw Rate, Increased Pregnancy and Delivery Rates and Reduced High Order Multiples.

A majority of SGF research was focused on reviewing outcomes from blastocyct vitrification cycles. The process of vitrification, or flash freezing, of blastocycst embryos remains on the forefront of clinical practice due to its thaw survival rate and improved pregnancy outcomes compared to older embryo cryopreservation techniques.  New findings about positive increases in thaw rates and pregnancy outcomes helps practitioners and patients alike make informed decisions to transfer fewer embryos, and often just one, which result in lower multiple births and healthier pregnancy and birth for mother and baby.

Relationship between Endometrial Lining Thickness and Pregnancy Rates

This year, researchers explored the thickness of the endometrial lining in relation to IVF outcomes in three studies.  The first was a retrospective analysis of 4,086 treatment cycles focusing on the relationship between peak endometrial lining thickness and live birth rates in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology. The second study looked at the same segment of patients to determine the role race/ethnicity may play in endometrial thickness and decreased success rates.  Finally, the last study explored the relationship between endometrial thickness and treatment outcomes in patients with endometriosis.

Emergency ICSI Results in Favorable Clinical Pregnancy Rates

This study showed that when eggs do not fertilize with conventional insemination (placing sperm directly on top of the egg), emergency or rescue ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) can be used to fertilize the oocyte. During ICSI, embryologists select one healthy sperm to inject into the egg. Adding ICSI when fertilization has not occurred has resulted in favorable pregnancy rates for patients.

Donor Sperm IUI – One vs Double IUI

Success rates using donor sperm with one intrauterine insemination (IUI) are comparable to success rates with two inseminations, which is standard practice. While not groundbreaking new technology, these important findings will make future donor inseminations cycles more cost-effective for patients without compromising success rates.

SGF Physicians Contribute to the 2013 ASRM Annual Meeting

Michael J. Levy, MD, Founder, Shady Grove Fertility, presented Rethinking a Positive Outcome: Applying Innovative and Advanced Technological Strategies to an audience of over 350 people at an EMD Serono Symposia event.

Eric A. Widra, MD, Medical Director, Shady Grove Fertility is a member of the Executive Counsel and Practice Committee Chair for the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology.

Eric D. Levens, MD, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Shady Grove Fertility, is a member of the Executive Counsel and Membership Committee Chair for the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technologies.

Kevin S. Richter, PhD, Research Director, Shady Grove Fertility, is dedicated year round to research studies that find ways to improve outcomes for patients.

Many physicians and clinical team members made these research studies possible, including, Gilbert Mottla, MD, Robert  Stillman, MD, Joseph Osheroff, MD, Jeffrey McKeeby, MD, Michael Tucker, PhD, Jim Graham, Valerie Cholewczynski, Taer Han, Josh Lim, Kristine Milne, and Sharon Shipley.

To learn more about ongoing research being conducted at Shady Grove Fertility visit https://www.shadygrovefertility.com/research.

If you would like to discuss your fertility options or to schedule an appointment at Shady Grove Fertility, please speak with one of our New Patient Liaisons at 877-971-7755.

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2nd Annual Walk of Hope

Hundreds of walkers and fundraisers joined Shady Grove Fertility and RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association on Saturday at the Walk of Hope. In total, through sponsorships and fundraising, the event raised over $70,000 for RESOLVE’s programs and services.

Barbara Collura and Mark Segal at the 2nd annual Walk of Hope in DC.

“RESOLVE was honored to host the 2nd annual DC Walk of Hope on Saturday, June 22ndat National Harbor’s Waterfront, the perfect back drop for an amazing day,” states Barbara Collura, President and CEO of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association.

The purpose— to raise funds that will support local programming, public awareness initiatives, and advocacy efforts to ensure that family building options are available to all. “The walk is a symbol of the infertility journey and RESOLVE believes no one should walk alone,” continues Collura.

As a Visionary Partner with RESOLVE, Shady Grove Fertility was proud to help sponsor the event and have a corporate team with staff members and patients at the event. The team raised $2,650 for the day, the top fundraising team at the event. SGF team member, Kristen Gibbons, was one of the top individual fundraisers for the occasion with a total contribution of $905.

“My favorite part was seeing family and friends together – some wearing funny or inspirational t-shirts—proudly sharing their infertility journey,” Collura continues.  “I have been part of the infertility community for more than a decade. I am so proud of the movement that RESOLVE has created that empowers people living with this disease to come to an event like this with their friends and family to help raise awareness.”

The mission is simple—to find a voice for the 1 in 8 couples battling infertility and bring this disease out of the shadows.  RESOLVE addresses this public health issue by providing a community to these women and men, connecting them with others who can help, empowering them to find resolution and giving voice to their demands for access to all family building options. Raising public education about infertility is key to ensuring that people diagnosed with infertility are no longer ignored by healthcare providers, legislators, the media and family and friends.

If you are having trouble conceiving and would like to learn more about infertility treatment or schedule an appointment, please speak with one of our New Patient Liaisons by calling 877-971-7755.
 

2026 Shady Grove Fertility

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