John M. Csokmay, M.D.

Board Certified Board Certified

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Patient Testimonial
A huge thank you to Leslie and Dr. Kim and the amazing clinical coordinator Dori who have been fantastic the whole way. The kindness and compassion fills the room and the organization and professionalism creates an environment of peace, trust and comfort.

Dr. Robinson was great to work with, he took what could have been an incredibly scary surgery and made it approachable and eased all of my fears. He has a wonderful bedside manner, and I am so grateful that he was available to perform my procedure.

After our first appointment with Dr. Kallen we knew that he would be the right doctor for us based off of the knowledge, honesty and compassion he showed. We will be forever grateful to Dr. Kallen and his team!

I have been to 5 fertility clinics and seen 6 fertility doctors. Dr. Bressler and Shady Grove was hands down my best experience…by a landslide. Dr. B made me feel like an important individual. I can’t say enough good things about this practice and about Dr B.

At no point in time did I feel hopeless and was always comforted by next steps and kind words. But Dr. Mitchell truly is extra. I felt like her only patient. I can’t speak enough to her kindness. It is my firm belief that she 100000X capable of leading someone to pregnancy success.

I had a wonderful experience with IVF at Shady Grove. The staff were incredibly friendly and supportive throughout the entire process. I am especially grateful for Dr. Sally Vitez, whose positivity and expertise made a significant difference. I couldn’t be more thankful for her and the entire team!

Biography

John M. Csokmay, M.D., is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) and reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI). Dr. Csokmay received his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. He then completed his residency in OB/GYN at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. From there, Dr. Csokmay returned to Maryland and trained in REI at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Prior to joining Shady Grove Fertility, Dr. Csokmay retired from the Army as Colonel following 24 years of military service with his most recent position being Chief, Department of OB/GYN at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. During his 10 years at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, he oversaw the military’s most academically productive OB/GYN department with over 350 research publications and a robust multidisciplinary simulation program that was adopted nationally. His research interests include embryo quality and live birth rates, improving pregnancy rates, and elective single embryo transfers. Dr. Csokmay values training the next generation of physicians, evidenced through his prior position with the National Capital OB/GYN Residency and the REI Fellowship at the National Institutes of Health, where he taught and mentored over 110 students, residents, and fellows.

Dr. Csokmay has been celebrated for his many academic, military, and professional achievements, including his distinguished honor as the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine’s (HJF) Hero of Military Medicine, Army Honoree, which recognizes individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions in advancing medicine for our nation’s warfighters, veterans, and civilians. He has also received the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Star Award and the LTG Claire L. Chennault Award for excellence in a Walter Reed faculty member. Dr. Csokmay is a member of several professional organizations including the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (SREI).

Dr. Csokmay provides patient care at SGF’s K Street office in Washington, D.C. In his spare time, Dr. Csokmay enjoys spending time with his family, listening to music, taking photos, and hiking at one of the local parks.

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Education

  • Residency: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI
  • Fellowship: Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
  • Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine’s (HFJ) Hero of Military Medicine, Army Honoree
  • Order of Military Medical Met
  • Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society
  • Legion of Merit
  • “A” Proficiency Designator, highest recognition for professional excellence in Army Medical Department (AMEDD)
  • LTG Claire L. Chennault Award
  • American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Star Award
  • Graduate Medical Education Innovative Curriculum Award
  • Master Clinician Award, Walter Reed National Military Medical
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
  • American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)
  • Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (SREI)
  • Hill MJ, Eubanks AE, Csokmay JM, Christy AY, Jahandideh S, DeCherney AH, Devine K, Levens ED, Connell MT. Is transferring a lower-quality embryo with a good-quality blastocyst detrimental to the likelihood of live birth? Fertil Steril. 2020 Jul 2. PMID: 32624214
  • Evans MB, Parikh T, DeCherney AH, Csokmay JM, Healy MW, Hill MJ. Evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of ovulation suppression with progestins compared with GnRH analogs in assisted reproduction cycles. Reprod Biomed Online. 2019 Jan 12. PMID: 30926176
  • Pilgrim J, Healy MW, Yauger BY, Torrealday S, Csokmay JM, Hill MJ. Assisted Reproductive Technology and the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specialist in the United States Military. Semin Reprod Med. 2018 Nov;36(6):323-326. PMID: 31003247
  • Echague CG, Csokmay JM. Exercise Induced Abdominal Wall Muscle Injury Resulting in Rhabdomyolysis and Mimicking an Acute Abdomen. Obstet Gynecol 2018 Feb 5. PMID: 29420397
  • Heitmann RJ, Hill MJ, Csokmay JM, Pilgrim J, DeCherney AH, Deering S. Embryo transfer simulation improves pregnancy rates and decreases time to proficiency in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellow embryo transfers. Fertil Steril. 2017 Mar 11. PMID: 28292614
  • Plowden TC, Hill MJ, Miles SM, Hoyt B, Yauger BJ, Segars JH, Csokmay JM, Chason RJ. Does the Presence of Blood in the Catheter or the Degree of Difficulty of Embryo Transfer Affect Live Birth? Reprod Sci. 2016 Sep 21. PMID: 27655772
  • Lee AM, Connell MT, Csokmay JM, Styer AK. Elective Single Embryo Transfer- The Power of One. Contracept Reprod Med. 2016 Jul 6;1:11. PMID: 29201400
  • Healy MW, Schexnayder B, Connell MT, Terry N, DeCherney AH, Csokmay JM, Yauger BY, Hill MJ. Intrauterine Adhesion Prevention After Hysteroscopy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2016 May 9. PMID: 27173082
  • Royster GD 4th, Krishnamoorthy K, Csokmay JM, Yauger BJ, Chason RJ, DeCherney AH, Wolff EF, Hill MJ. Are intracytoplasmic sperm injection and high serum estradiol compounding risk factors for adverse obstetric outcomes in assisted reproductive technology? Fertil Steril. 2016 May 9. PMID: 27172401.
  • Wolfe HL, Healy MW, Yauger BJ, Csokmay JM. Cobblestone Fallopian Tubes on Hysterosalpingogram followed by Bilateral Tubal Abscesses and Sepsis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2016 Apr;214(4):544. PMID: 26854399
  • Heitmann RJ, Hill MJ, James AN, Schimmel T, Segars JH, Csokmay JM, Cohen J, Payson MD. Live Births Achieved via IVF are Increased as a Result of Improvements in Air Quality and Laboratory Environment. Reprod Biomed Online. 2015 Sep;31(3):364-71. PMID: 26194882
  • Messinger LB, Alford CE, Csokmay JM, Henne MB, Mumford SL, Segars JH, Armstrong AJ. Cost and Efficacy Comparison of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Tubal Anastomosis (TA) for Women after Tubal Ligation. Fertil Steril. 2015 Jul;104(1):32-38. PMID: 26006734
  • Levy G, Hill MJ, Ramirez C, Plowden T, Pilgrim J, Howard RS, Segars JH, Csokmay JM. Serum human chorionic gonadotropin levels on the day before oocyte retrieval do not correlate with oocyte maturity. Fertil Steril. 2013 May;99(6):1610-4. PMID: 23375205
  • Hill MJ, Chason RJ, Payson MD, Segars JH, Csokmay JM. GnRH antagonist rescue reduces serum estradiol in high responders at risk for OHSS and is associated with excellent ART outcomes. Reprod Biomed Online 2012(25), 284–291. PMID: 22796230
  • Hill MJ, Levens ED, Levy G, Ryan ME, Csokmay JM, DeCherney AH, Whitcomb BW. The use of recombinant luteinizing hormone in ART patients with advanced reproductive age: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Fertil Steril. 2012 May;97(5):1108-14. PMID: 22365075
  • Csokmay JM, Hill MJ, Chason RJ, Hennessy S, James AN, Cohen J, DeCherney AH, Segars JH, Payson MD. Experience with a Patient Friendly, Mandatory Single Blastocyst Transfer Policy: The Power of One. Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey. 67(1):31-32, January 2012.
  • Csokmay JM, Hill MJ, Chason RJ, Hennessy S, James AN, Cohen J, DeCherney AH, Segars JH, Payson MD. Experience with a Patient Friendly, Mandatory Single Blastocyst Transfer Policy: The Power of One. Fertil Steril 2011 Sep;96(3):580-4. PMID: 21774925
  • Chason RJ, Csokmay JM, Segars JH, DeCherney AD, Armant DR. Environmental and epigenetic effects upon preimplantation embryo metabolism and development. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2011;22(10):412-20. PMID:21741268
  • Senger S, Csokmay JM, Tanveer A, Jones TI, Sengupta P, Lilly MA. The nucleoporin Seh1 forms a complex with Mio and serves an essential tissue-specific function in Drosophila oogenesis. Development 2011 May;138(10):2133-42. PMID: 21521741
  • Maguire M, Csokmay JM, Segars JH, Payson MD, Armstrong AY. Enough is enough! Patients who do not conceive on 600 IU/d of gonadotropins show no improvement from an additional 150 IU of LH activity. Fertil Steril 2011;95(1):372-73. PMID: 20850732
  • Csokmay JM, Hill MJ, Maguire M, Payson MD, Fujimoto VY, Armstrong AY. Are There Ethnic Differences in In-Vitro Fertilization Pregnancy Rates in African-American versus Caucasian Women Undergoing Frozen Embryo Transfers? Fertil Steril 2011;95(1):89-93. PMID: 20451186. Cited in Reuter’s News, May 2010.
  • Csokmay JM, Yauger BJ, Henne MB, Armstrong AY, Queenan JT, Segars JH. Cost Analysis of outpatient Management of OHSS via Paracentesis: ‘Tap Early and Often’ Versus Hospitalization. Fertil Steril 2010;93(1):167-73. PMID: 18990389
  • Csokmay JM, Hill MJ, Cioppettini FV, Miller KA, Scott RT, Frattarelli JL. Live Birth Sex Ratios Are Not Influenced by Blastocyst-Stage Embryo Transfer. Fertil Steril 2009;92(3):913-7. PMID: 18774561
  • Levens ED, Whitcomb BW, Csokmay JM, Nieman LK. Selective venous sampling for androgen producing ovarian pathology. Clinical Endocrinology 2009;70(4):606-14. PMID: 18721192
  • Csokmay JM, Frattarelli JL. Basal Ovarian Cysts and Clomiphene Citrate Ovulation Induction Cycles. Obstet Gynecol 2006:107(6). PMID: 16738154

Q&A

I was inspired to become a doctor by an incredible surgeon who took care of me after a traumatic incident when I broke my arm as a child. His bedside manner and confidence to take care of me made me absolutely positive that I wanted to be a physician and have that same impact on others. I was only 7 years old at the time and I’m not sure how much a 7-year-old knows what they want to do for the rest of their life, but I remained focused on that goal, and I’ve never regretted my decision to become a physician.

I loved all aspects of general obstetrics and gynecology, but during residency, I was mentored by an amazing physician who exposed me to reproductive endocrinology. After that, I knew for sure that this was the specialty for me. The field of reproductive endocrinology encompassed everything I sought to include: patient care, procedures, research, surgery, and the rapidly evolving technological and research advancements. More importantly, though, I had a connection with these patients that was far more valuable than any other experience I’ve had in medicine. The relationship with my patients and the ability to have such a profound impact on their lives and their families is the greatest reward I could ever hope for as a physician.

I understand the emotional and physical tolls that this process can take. I want my patients to know that I will be right by their side every step of the way as this is a journey we’ll make together. I cannot promise that things will be easy or will go exactly as planned, but we will get through this together. I remain committed to my patients through this rollercoaster experience.

I’m inspired by so many of our military’s active-duty service members with whom I’ve had the opportunity to work with and care for over the past 20 years. These individuals have committed to a cause much greater than themselves and made sacrifices so that others may benefit. They inspire me to strive for that same selfless commitment to help others.

I would describe myself as calm, reserved, and even keeled. I have never sought to be the center of attention. I would always prefer to interact one-on-one as opposed to a large group, which is why I value the individual connections and relationships I can make with patients and their families. 

Listening to music and playing piano feels calming, refreshing, and allows me to reset. Photography helps me pay more attention to my surroundings and allows me to appreciate beauty all around us. I enjoy running, hiking, cycling, and exercising to help me keep balance in my life.

I love spending time with my family and escaping the craziness of the bustling city. On any weekend you will likely find me cheering on my daughters at a swim meet, a soccer game, a basketball game, or sometimes all 3. I also love sneaking away for a peaceful hike at one of the local parks.