Press Release

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Physician peers voted SGF Tampa Bay physicians Drs. Anthony Imudia, Shayne Plosker, Celso Silva, and Rachel Sprague as top doctors for infertility.

TAMPA, FL – Shady Grove Fertility (SGF) is proud to announce that physicians Anthony N. Imudia, M.D., Shayne Plosker, M.D., Celso Silva, M.D., and Rachel Sprague, M.D., have been named Tampa Magazines’ 2024 Top Doctors for Infertility.

“Being recognized by our peers as Top Doctors is an incredible honor and reflects our unwavering commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered fertility care,” shares Dr. Plosker, Medical Director for SGF in Florida. “We are dedicated to supporting our patients at every step of their family-building journey, and this recognition reaffirms the hard work of our entire care team in helping patients achieve their family-building goals.”

Tampa Magazines solicited survey responses from over 11,000 practicing physicians in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties, asking them to nominate their peers who excel in their respective fields. Tampa Bay physicians selected over 300 of their peers across more than 65 specialties as this year’s Top Doctors. The annual Top Doctors edition is featured across all four Tampa Magazines publications—TAMPA Magazine, South Tampa Magazine, TAMPA Downtown Magazine, and TAMPA Digest Magazine.

SGF Tampa Bay offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic and treatment options, supported by a state-of-the-art IVF laboratory, to help individuals and couples achieve their family-building goals. The regional practice features five conveniently located offices in Brandon, St. Petersburg, Tampa – Westshore, Wesley Chapel, and most recently expanding to Davenport.

“We work tirelessly to provide our patients with personalized care plans, cutting-edge technology, and innovative financial programs that make treatment accessible,” shares Dr. Imudia. “At SGF, we are dedicated to making fertility treatment accessible for patients. By offering flexible treatment options and innovative financial solutions, we empower our patients at every step of their family-building journey.”

SGF Tampa Bay proudly offers the Shared Risk 100% Refund Program. This exclusive program provides patients the opportunity to pay a fixed fee for up to six fresh IVF or donor egg cycles, as well as any subsequent frozen embryo transfers (FETs). Eighty-two percent of participants in the Shared Risk 100% Refund Program take home a baby, and those who do not are eligible for a full refund to explore other family-building options.

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Drs. Joseph B. Davis and Lauren Kendall-Rauchfuss welcome patients at SGF’s new and expanded Orlando location.

Orlando, FL – Shady Grove Fertility (SGF) Orlando is proud to announce the opening of its new state-of-the-art facility at 265 E. Rollins St, Suite 10100. The new center features an advanced embryology lab, on-site surgical suite, and expanded patient amenities, offering all fertility services under one roof for the first time in Orlando.

“The opening of this facility marks a significant step forward in providing seamless care for our patients,” said Joseph B. Davis, D.O., reproductive endocrinologist at SGF Orlando. “By bringing every aspect of fertility treatment under one roof, we’re enhancing convenience and creating a more streamlined, supportive experience for individuals and families on their fertility journeys.”

Since opening in 2022, SGF Orlando has become a trusted partner for individuals and couples seeking fertility care in Central Florida. The addition of the new surgery center and embryology lab reflects SGF’s ongoing commitment to innovation and patient-centered care.

“Our new facility was designed with patients in mind, prioritizing comfort, innovation, and excellence at every turn,” said Lauren Kendall-Rauchfuss, M.D., reproductive endocrinologist at SGF Orlando. “From our advanced embryology lab to our welcoming consultation and procedure spaces, every detail supports the physical and emotional needs of our patients.”

Key Features of the New Facility:

  • Advanced Embryology Lab: Equipped with HEPA-filtered clean air systems, anti-vibration tables, temperature-controlled workstations, and cutting-edge microscopes and incubators to optimize embryo development.
  • On-Site Surgical Suite: Provides added convenience and continuity of care for procedures such as egg retrievals and hysteroscopies.
  • Enhanced Patient Experience: Offers a modern, welcoming environment tailored to the unique emotional and physical needs of fertility patients.

The new SGF Orlando location offers a full spectrum of fertility services, including diagnostic testing, fertility preservation, ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), donor egg treatment, and LGBTQIA+ family-building options. SGF’s innovative financial programs, including the Shared Risk 100% Refund program, further support patients by reducing financial stress and providing peace of mind.

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Bailey Gill McAlas, M.D., to lead new patient care at SGF’s Virginia Beach clinic.

NORFOLK, VA — Shady Grove Fertility (SGF), a national leader in fertility and family-building care, is excited to announce the opening of its new location in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This expansion reinforces SGF’s commitment to providing accessible, comprehensive fertility services to patients throughout the Hampton Roads region.

SGF’s Virginia Beach location is conveniently situated across from Sentara Leigh Hospital, making it easily accessible to patients throughout the area.

“We are thrilled to expand Shady Grove Fertility’s presence in the Hampton Roads region, where the demand for high-quality fertility care continues to grow,” shares Benjamin Harris, M.D., M.P.H., medical director for SGF’s Southern Virginia region. “Our Norfolk team is committed to providing the highest level of patient-centered care that meets the unique needs of every individual and couple. Our goal is to ensure that each patient receives the most personalized and compassionate care as they entrust us to help them build their family.”

Bailey Gill McAlas, M.D. is now scheduling new patient appointments at the new Virginia Beach clinic location.

“I’m honored to join the Shady Grove Fertility team and bring SGF’s cutting-edge services to patients in the Virginia Beach community,” shares Dr. McAlas. “With our commitment to creating personalized, evidence-based treatment plans, along with SGF’s innovative financial programs, we are expanding access and helping to meet the growing demand for top-tier fertility care in the Hampton Roads region. As a provider, my goal is to help patients feel confident and supported as they explore their family-building options.”

At SGF’s Virginia Beach location, patients will have access to a comprehensive suite of fertility services, including:

  • Virtual and in-person new patient consults
  • Fertility and ovarian reserve testing and diagnosis
  • Low-tech fertility options
  • In vitro fertilization (IVF)
  • Donor egg, sperm, and embryo services
  • Genetic screening and testing
  • Gestational carrier services
  • Egg freezing
  • Fertility preservation for patients with cancer
  • LGBTQIA+ family building
  • Financial counseling and more

In addition to SGF’s world-class fertility services, patients in the Hampton Roads region have exclusive access to SGF’s new IVF Advantage program. This initiative is designed to make fertility treatments more affordable for Virginia residents in the Richmond, Roanoke, and Hampton Roads metro regions. Eligible patients who earn up to $150,000 and live within 85 miles of one of SGF’s five Virginia locations — including Henrico, Stony Point, Roanoke, Norfolk – Jones Institute, and Virginia Beach — can qualify for significant discounts on IVF treatments.

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Medical peers voted 14 DC-area Shady Grove Fertility physicians to Washingtonian magazine’s 2024 Top Doctors list.

ROCKVILLE, MD — Shady Grove Fertility (SGF), a proud partner of US Fertility, is pleased to announce that 14 of its physicians from the Washington, D.C., metro region have been recognized as 2024 Top Doctors for Infertility by Washingtonian magazine. This annual honor highlights the region’s leading medical professionals across more than 40 specialties, selected based on nominations from nearly 3,000 area physicians.

“Helping patients navigate their fertility journey is both a privilege and a responsibility,” shares Andrea Reh, M.D., who provides care at SGF’s Arlington, Virginia, location. “We are committed to offering the highest level of care, grounded in compassion and science, to guide each patient toward the best possible outcome. Being named a Top Doctor alongside my esteemed colleagues is truly an honor.”

The Washingtonian Top Doctors list serves as a trusted resource to connect readers with the best medical care in the community. Honorees are nominated by their peers for their exceptional expertise and commitment to advancing patient care.

“We know the fertility journey can be emotionally and physically challenging,” shares Joseph Doyle, M.D., who provides care at SGF’s Rockville, Maryland, location. “Earning recognition as a Top Doctor by Washingtonian is truly meaningful, as it highlights our team’s dedication to providing compassionate, personalized care and supporting our patients at every step of their fertility journey. Earning this honor from our medical colleagues is also incredibly humbling.”

This year’s list of SGF physicians honored as 2024 Washingtonian Top Doctors includes:

  • Paulette E. Browne, M.D.
  • Kate Devine, M.D.
  • Joseph Doyle, M.D.
  • Kathryn C. Humm, M.D.
  • Naveed M. Khan, M.D.
  • Eric Levens, M.D.
  • Michael J. Levy, M.D.
  • Shruti Malik, M.D.
  • Kimberly S. Moon, M.D.
  • Anitha S. Nair, M.D.
  • Jeanne E. O’Brien, M.D.
  • Andrea E. Reh, M.D.
  • Paul R. Shin, M.D. (Reproductive Urologist)
  • Cori Tanrikut, M.D. (Reproductive Urologist)

“Receiving this recognition from our peers is deeply meaningful,” said Eric Levens, M.D., who practices at SGF’s Fairfax, Virginia, location. “It highlights the unwavering dedication of our team to providing compassionate care and advancing reproductive medicine. We are proud to be a part of each patient’s story as they pursue their dream of building a family.”

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Physician peers voted Dr. Stephanie Beall and Dr. Emily Barnard to Baltimore magazine’s Top Doctors list for reproductive endocrinology/IVF.  

Baltimore, MD – Shady Grove Fertility (SGF) proudly announces that Stephanie Beall, M.D., Ph.D., and Emily Barnard, D.O., both of SGF’s Towson, Maryland, location, have been recognized by Baltimore magazine as Top Doctors in the category of Infertility for 2024. This prestigious honor acknowledges the exceptional quality of care and dedication provided by SGF’s physicians, whose expertise helps countless individuals and couples achieve their dreams of building a family.

“I’m deeply committed to supporting each of my patients at each step of their fertility journey,” shares Dr. Beall. “Understanding each patient’s unique needs and providing clear, compassionate care is at the heart of what I do. I am honored to be recognized and grateful to my patients for placing their trust in SGF to help them build their family.”

Each year, Baltimore magazine conducts an extensive peer-nominated survey, inviting thousands of regional physicians to recommend the “best of the best” across over 100 specialties. With approximately 20,000 names submitted annually, only those with the highest number of recommendations are awarded this coveted title. Dr. Beall and Dr. Barnard’s inclusion in the 2024 Top Doctors list underscores their reputation as leading experts in reproductive endocrinology and infertility.

“This recognition is a testament to the trust my patients place in me, which is the highest honor I could hope for,” shares Dr. Barnard. “Walking with patients through the ups and downs of their fertility journeys is both a privilege and a deeply rewarding experience. I am committed to providing the personalized care they deserve.”

As one of the largest fertility centers in the United States, Shady Grove Fertility has over 30 years of experience and has welcomed more than 100,000 babies. With convenient locations throughout the Baltimore area — including Towson, Columbia, Harbor East, and Annapolis — SGF offers advanced, evidence-based fertility care from a team of dedicated specialists.

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DENVER, CO — A new retrospective study conducted by the research team at US Fertility has provided valuable insights into the use of supplemental estrogen during intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles. Presented at the 80th ASRM Scientific Congress & Expo, the study includes analysis of over 8,600 IUI cycles for patients undergoing ovulation induction with letrozole or clomiphene. Conducted between January 2017 and December 2023, the resulting dataset is among the largest samples in the field. 

“Many physicians have prescribed supplemental estrogen in hopes of improving pregnancy chances for patients with a thin endometrial lining,” shares Carrie Malcom, M.D., Shady Grove Fertility Fellow at the University of South Florida. “While the concept to thicken endometrial lining made sense, our study suggests that this approach may not provide the boost we expected. This research helps refine our understanding and empowers both physicians and patients to make more informed decisions about the role of estrogen in fertility treatment.” 

Patients in the study were divided into two groups: those who received supplemental estrogen treatment and those who did not. The results revealed no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of key pregnancy outcomes, including positive pregnancy tests and pregnancies reaching at least 20 weeks gestation. The study focused on patients with a peak endometrial thickness of less than 7mm prior to ovulation, a threshold that has commonly been associated with a reduced chance at a successful pregnancy. However, this research indicates that adding estrogen does not statistically improve pregnancy outcomes. 

For fertility patients, this research simplifies the treatment process without compromising results. It also highlights the importance of ongoing research to guide and improve fertility care practices. 

Learn more about US Fertility’s Research Division, which conducts and publishes high-quality research studies to advance the field of reproductive medicine to provide better, more effective care to infertility patients. 

2026 Shady Grove Fertility

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