About DesireÉ mccarthy-keith, M.D.

Dr. McCarthy-Keith earned her medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and also a Master of Public Health in maternal and child health from the University of North Carolina. She completed her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency training at Duke University Medical Center and a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. During her fellowship, Dr. McCarthy-Keith’s research focused on the molecular mechanisms of uterine fibroid regulation and reproductive health disparities. She has special interests in male and female infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine fibroids, and in vitro fertilization. She has authored several peer-reviewed publications on reproductive and infertility topics and has presented her research nationally. She is honored to serve as Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Morehouse School of Medicine.

Prior to joining SGF Atlanta, Dr. McCarthy-Keith practiced general obstetrics and gynecology in Virginia and South Carolina. While in Maryland, she treated patients with reproductive endocrine and fertility disorders at the National Institutes of Health and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Dr. McCarthy-Keith was a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and held the position of Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

Dr. McCarthy-Keith is passionate about her vegan way of life. She shares her enthusiasm for plant-based nutrition with everyone she meets and she encourages her patients to incorporate healthy diet into their fertility lifestyle. A native of North Carolina, Dr. McCarthy-Keith is the proud mother of two energetic sons. She spends her free time in Atlanta visiting the zoo, strolling the botanical gardens, and cheering on the Braves.

Education

• Residency: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center
• Fellowship: Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, National Institutes of Health

Awards & Recognition

• Atlanta Magazine's Top Doctors for Infertility (2017-2018)
• Best Fertility Specialist in Atlanta by Kudzu
• Black Health Magazine’s Most Influential African American Doctors
• Who’s Who in Black Atlanta (2011, 2012, 2014-2018)
• Mom-Approved Fertility Specialist in Atlanta Parent Magazine

Professional Organizations

• American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology
• American Society for Reproductive Medicine
• Georgia OB/GYN Society
• Medical Association of Georgia
• Georgia State Medical Association

Reviews

"I don't think there's enough words in the dictionary to describe how awesome Dr McCarthy Keith and her staff is. They make you feel so comfortable and like family. You'll miss them when your gone, I know I do . The nurses Rita, Lisa and Susie were there to help immediately with every question we had, no matter when we called or emailed them. By far one of the best decisions in life!!!"

"Words can’t express how grateful we are for Dr. MK and team! They quickly became family from the beginning of our fertility journey. It took us 4 years and 3 losses to finally welcome our baby boy this April. Dr. MK and nurses were always there with support and positive reinforcement that we had the right plan in place and that we would one day be parents. We recommend that anyone who is needing extra help starting or growing a family work with this group. They are the best!"

"Dr. M-K is an excellent physician. She has extensive knowledge and displays genuine concern for patients. She took the time to carefully explain the pros and cons of different treatment options and worked with us to develop the treatment plan that was best suited for our circumstances. I have recommended her to several persons without any reservations."

"We cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr McCarthy-Keith and her incredible team! Every appointment we were made to feel comfortable, informed and energized about the exciting process ahead. We loved Dr McCarthy-Keith's quiet confidence and ability to explain the process so we could understand. They held our hands and walked us through every step of the way and we never questioned what was next, what medicine we needed to take or when our next appointment would be. We loved that we felt like we were visiting friends/family when we would go into our appointments and they were always so positive and uplifting. My wife and I went through the co-IVF process and we now have a beautiful three week old baby girl and we owe it all to the amazing Dr McCarthy-Keith and her team! There is truly a special group of people that work at GRS and it was always apparent they LOVE what they do!"

"I was a patient of Dr. MK for about 3 years. We developed a plan and worked hard towards it. She never gave up hope and was more than just a doctor the entire time spent with the facility. Dr. MK continued to follow my progress after my successful FET and release from her office. She is amazing, trustworthy, and the answer to so many prayers. She certainly answered mine! I highly recommend her!"

"Dr. McCarthy-Keith is the best! She was extremely personable and professional. Our experience was positive and successful after the first cycle :) I would recommend Dr. McCarthy-Keith to anyone trying to start a family."

"There are so many positives to this facility, Dr(s) and staff, it’s hard to summarize it all. I’ll start off by saying that I initially came to Dr. DMK after experiencing a very bad and difficult process with another Fertility Clinic. There, I was just a number with a bank account. When I met DMK (as I call her), she didn’t rush me through my story, she was open and honest about the process (the good and the bad), she shared some of her story with me and most of all, she let me know that she believed not only in the same higher power, but also in the process. While she promised no guarantees, she did promise to do her best to get us our baby! This road is tough, it’s definitely not for the weak. DMK never gave into any of my requests or when I tried to by-pass certain things, if she didn’t believe they were in the best interest of my end goal. I saw her regularly (not like other facilities that just pass you off to the nurses and PAs). She responded to every email I sent her (timely)...imagine that. The day of my transfer she and I had a one on one for just a few minutes and that positive energy along with every staff member who was part of my treatment cycle is what got me through and got us our BFP!!! 11 weeks later...I’m so thankful to God, for sending me DMK, her nurses and the phlebotomists. They are really passionate about their assignments and truly wants everyone to win!!! They don’t give up, when you do! They listen to you cry, your frustrations and more...all with a smile & prayers!!! I recommend DMK and Shady Grove to anyone who is truly ready to take the same faith walk and journey to your greatest blessing!!!"

"I had a wonderful experience with Dr. McCarthy-Keith and her staff. Dr. McCarthy-Keith has such a soothing and caring personality. She makes you feel 100% comfortable, and takes the time to answer any question you may have, whether in her office or e-mailing her over the Christmas holiday - she always made herself available. My husband and I had a wonderful experience, and we are expecting our first child in July 2018!"

"My husband and I were trying to conceive for two years. After visiting another reproductive specialist in our area, we did not feel the compassion expected to make the process a little easier for us. We decided to hold off thinking maybe it's not the time. A year later we decided to try it again and that's when I started researching and ran in to the Bio of Dr. McCarthy-Keith. Our very first visit was great, I knew she was going to make our dreams come true. My husband said right away that he was impressed with her. Our visits were nothing but the best. I felt like they were my family and could not complain about anything that was done. After our first cycle was unsuccessful, Dr. MK called and me personally and explained to me how bad she felt and is praying for us. That made me feel so blessed to have her on my team, because when I didn't even think to pray about it and hope to even do it again; she was already doing that along with being optimistic for a successful transfer. With all prayers we went along with a second cycle and the FET was a success. I am three months pregnant and could not thank her enough for her expertise, compassion and willing to do everything in her power to make sure we walked out of that office pregnant. She is the BEST!!!!!!"

"Dr. McCarthy-Keith and her team is wonderful. I had three miscarriage and one was an ectopic pregnancy. I later find out that both of my tubes are blocked. I was referred to Dr. McCarthy-Keith by my obgyn and that was the best thing she could ever tell my husband and I. Dr. McCarthy-Keith walked my husband and I through every step in the process of IVF. I can say that we are pregnant and THANK YOU to Dr. McCarthy-Keith and her team. The team kept me calm when I was scared and if I had any question they answered it until I had no other question to ask. I am not saying your body is not going to go through anything, I’m just saying Dr. McCarthy-Keith and her team made it comfortable to go through it. THANKS AGAIN Dr. McCarthy-Keith."

"Dr. McCarthy-Keith is an excellent physician! She treats patients with respect, has good clinical judgement and takes the time to explain the pros and cons of various treatment approaches to patients. She is not only caring and compassionate but also provides patients with emotional support/encouragement and takes a genuine interest in her patients. I highly recommend her to persons in need of a fertility specialist."

"Dr. McCarthy-Keith and the SGF staff are amazing! I couldn't have had a better experience. My husband and I visited another fertility clinic years ago and we did not get that warm fuzzy feeling that we were seeking. Our first encounter with Dr. McCarthy-Keith was awesome. She was very kind, emphatic, caring and thorough. She took her time to explain all of our options. I was referred to Dr. McCarthy-Keith by my gynecologist. She gave Dr. McCarthy-Keith a raving review. It took me two years to actually move forward and visit SGF because I had such a negative experience with a previous fertility clinic. Finally, at the tender age of 45, I took that step. I had some doubt before going in to speak to Dr. McCarthy-Keith, but after leaving the consultation, all doubt had gone out the window. I felt confident that I was going to have a baby of my very own. Here I am a few weeks from being 47 and 19 weeks pregnant! My due date is June 14th. This journey has been wonderful. Of course, I had a few bumps in the road and many questions. No matter how many questions I had, they never went unanswered. I will like to thank Dr. McCarthy-Keith and the entire SGF staff for such a pleasant and successful experience! God led me to SGF and for that I am forever grateful..."

Publications

• McCarthy-Keith DM, Malik M, Britten J, Segars J, Catherino WH. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist increases expression of osmotic response genes in leiomyoma cells. Fertil Steril 2011; 95 (7): 2383-7.
• McCarthy-Keith DM, Armstrong AY. Myomectomy before IVF: Which fibroids need to be removed? Middle East Fertility Society Journal 2011; 16: 39-41.
• McCarthy-Keith DM, Armstrong A. Innovations in fibroid therapy. Therapy 2011; 8: 189-200.
• Malik M, Norian J, McCarthy-Keith D, Britten J, Catherino W. Why leiomyomas are called fibroids: The central role of extracellular matrix in symptomatic women. Semin Reprod Med 2010; 28: 169-79.
• Cook H, Ezzati M, Segars J, McCarthy DM. The impact of uterine leiomyomas on reproductive outcomes. Minerva Ginecol 2010; 62:225-36.
• McCarthy-Keith DM, Hill M, Norian JM, Millo C, McKeeby J, Armstrong A. Use of FDG-Positron Emission Tomography/ Computed Tomography to Localize a Hilar Cell Tumor of the Ovary. Fertil Steril 2010 Feb.
• McCarthy-Keith DM, Schisterman E, Robinson R, O’Leary K, Lucidi R, Armstrong A. Will Decreasing ART Costs Improve Utilization and Outcomes among Minority Women? Fertil Steril 2010 Mar [Epub].
• McCarthy-Keith DM, Levens E, Armstrong A, Nurudeen S, Nieman L. Recruitment and retention of women for clinical leiomyoma trials. Contemp Clin Trials 2010; 31: 44-8.
• McCarthy-Keith DM, Coggins A. Perineal endometrioma occurring during pregnancy: A case report. J Reprod Med 2008; 53: 57-8.
• Browne H, McCarthy-Keith D, Stegmann B, Spies J, Armstrong A. Ovarian response in women undergoing ovarian stimulation after myomectomy. Fertil Steril 2008; 90:e19-21.
• Malek R, McCarthy-Keith D, Levens ED, Merino MJ, DeCherney AH, Weinstein LS. A gastrointestinal stromal tumor in a patient with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A and metastatic medullary thyroid cancer to the ovaries. Endocr Pract 2008; 14:898-901.
• McCarthy-Keith D, Armstrong AY. The Menstrual Cycle in Women’s Health Across the Lifespan: A Pharmacotherapeutic Approach. 2010