Melanie Ochalski, M.D.

Board Certified Board Certified

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Patient Testimonial
The pain and longing of trying to conceive is so normal, and going to a doctor like Dr. Olchalski not only makes you feel validated, but also gives you hope that there are so many pathways to a baby and that you can trust science.

Dr. Ochalski always makes you feel comfortable. She will explain things in a manner that most anyone is able to understand, even if she has to draw a picture or discuss it with you three different times.

Dr. Ochalski was very supportive and took time to thoroughly address my questions and concerns.

Dr. Ochalski was so patient and helped us understand what to expect.

Biography

Melanie Ochalski, M.D. is a board certified reproductive endocrinologist. She earned her medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center – Magee-Womens Hospital.

Dr. Ochalski has published numerous peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts and review articles in many leading scientific journals, and has been invited to present at national meetings. She is the recipient of multiple scientific and teaching awards.

Dr. Ochalski is currently a clinical assistant professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Penn State College of Medicine and an assistant clinical professor at Drexel University College of Medicine.

Dr. Ochalski is an active member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and the North American Menopause Society. Her interests include assisted reproductive technologies, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), ovulatory disorders and recurrent pregnancy loss.

Dr. Ochalski joined Shady Grove Fertility in 2018 and sees patients at SGF’s Lancaster and York, PA offices.

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Education

  • Medical School: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
  • Residency: Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center – Magee-Womens Hospital
  • Fellowship: Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center – Magee-Womens Hospital
  • Arnold P. Gold Humanism Honor Society, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 2004
  • Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 2008
  • “Resident In-Training” Research Award, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 2008
  • Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 2009
  • “In-Training” Research Award, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 2011Teaching Award, Penn State Hershey Medical School, 2015
  • American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  • American Society for Reproductive Medicine
  • Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
  • North American Menopause Society
  • Endres M, Vink J, Abebe D, Brenneman D, Spong CY. A novel twelve amino acid peptide prevents alcohol-induced fetal death and learning impairment in a model of fetal alcohol syndrome. Am J Obstet Gynecol 187(6, part 2) Supplement: S234 2002.
  • Spong C, Poggi S, Goodwin K, Vink J, Endres M, Pezzullo J., Ghidini A. Risk of third trimester amniocentesis: A case-control study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 187(6, part 2) Supplement:S187 2003.
  • Endres M, Toso L, Roberson R, Park J, Abebe D, Poggi S, and Spong CY. Prevention of Alcohol-Induced
  • Developmental Delays and Learning Abnormalities in a Model of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Am J Obstet Gynecol 193, 1028-3 2005.
  • Toso L, Endres M, Vink J, Abebe DT, Brenneman DE, Spong CY. Learning enhancement with neuropeptides. Am J Obstet Gynecol 194:1153-1158; 2006.
  • Ochalski M, Broach A, Lee T. Laparoscopic Management of Placenta Percreta. Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology. 17: 128-130; Jan 2010.
  • Ochalski ME, Murray P. Book Review: Pediatric, Adolescent and Young Adult Gynecology. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2009 May.
  • Ochalski M, Shuttleworth J, Chu T, Orwig K. Thalidomide treatment attenuates chemotherapy-induced gonadal toxicity. Fertility and Sterility. 2011 Feb;95(2):819-22.
  • Ochalski ME, Engle N, Wakim A, Ravnan B, Hoffner L, Rajkovic A, Surti U. Complex X chromosome rearrangement delineated by array CGH in a woman with premature ovarian insufficiency. Fertility and Sterility. 2011.

Q&A

I’ve wanted to be a doctor for a long as I can remember. From a young age I had an immense fascination with the science of pregnancy. Through medical school and my OB/GYN residency, I was involved in wonderful series of research projects that explored aspects of the development of normal pregnancy and ovarian function. It was through these projects that I first fell in love with the field of reproductive endocrinology. However, not until I began working with couples trying to conceive, did I know without a doubt that I found what I was meant to do with my life.

Without question, I am inspired by my patients, who have a dream in their heart of what their family looks like and pursue that vision without hesitation. Most of my patients have busy careers and lives, and the commitment they make to fulfill their dream of becoming parents inspires me to provide the best care possible to achieve that dream.

I’m a novice gardener, but I’ve been at it for the past 6 years. I love the thrill of watching tiny seeds transform into healthy vegetables and beautiful flowers. I share this past-time with my family and it brings us all a lot of joy.

I am incredibly proud to be part of the SGF Team because I believe it’s the absolute best place to receive fertility care. My colleagues are among the brightest in the field, and we challenge each other to provide the best care for every patient.

I had a patient who suffered a pregnancy loss after years of trying to conceive. Her nurse in the hospital felt such compassion for her that she offered to carry her next pregnancy. This was not a small favor because she was working as a full-time nurse and had four children of her own. However, she followed through, and eventually gave birth to a healthy baby. Both the parents and the carrier’s family have stayed in close contact with each other and get together often. It is one of the most beautiful stories of selflessness and I love that was part of it.

Many couples who come to a fertility specialist have been through some degree of disappointment and pain. Acknowledging that, I encourage my patients to start over with a clean slate and positive perspective.

Open-minded.

I’m from New Jersey.