Nanette Santoro, M.D.

Board Certified Board Certified

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Healy is amazing! She was there to help us through every step of our fertility journey. She checked in frequently and was always able to answer any questions we had. Her calm and supportive demeanor brought a sense of peace to my husband and I during these anxious times.

I have had a great experience with Dr. Shah and his team at Shady Grove Fertility in Spring. If you’re wanting to try IVF but you’re nervous, give SGF a shot because the process was much more manageable than I thought it would be, due to the experience and kindness of this team.

Choosing Dr. Shah and his team at SGF for our IVF journey is one of the best decisions my partner and I made. Dr. Shah possesses exceptional medical expertise, but also a remarkable level of empathy, which is such a rare combination to experience as a patient. 

Dr. Morris was thoughtful and caring! She checked in throughout the entire egg retrieval process and responded to all questions. As a person of color, I deliberately sought her to be the lead of this very delicate and important step in my life. She was an outstanding provider!

We could not be more thankful to have had Dr. Katler’s support during our IVF journey. He was extremely thoughtful and attentive to our medical and emotional needs. We are eternally grateful to have found such a great doctor. Highly recommend!

Dr. Quaas is the kindest, most caring doctor. The team is truly the best and they really care about the patients. It’s a new practice, but I truly believe Dr. Quaas and the team understand the research and have great success rates. My husband and I are so grateful!

Biography

Nanette Santoro, M.D., completed her medical training in the 6-year B.S.-M.D. program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Albany Medical College, followed by residency at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City and a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology at Massachusetts General Hospital, where she remained on faculty for 3 years prior to joining the faculty at New Jersey Medical School in 1988.

She helped recruit talent to make the University of Colorado’s Department of OB/GYN #8 in the country for NIH funding in 2017. Over the course of her career thus far, Dr. Santoro has personally mentored over 100 students, residents, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty, many of whom have gone on to illustrious academic careers.

An accomplished researcher, Dr. Santoro’s current exploration involves treatment of menopausal symptoms in women, understanding the mechanisms by which obesity causes relative infertility in women, participating in clinical trials in reproductive medicine, and research training of OB/GYNs and reproductive endocrinologists. Dr. Santoro worked closely with the former CU ARM laboratory, which specialized in the development and measurement of reproductive hormones using state-of-the-art methodologies.

Dr. Santoro has developed techniques to perform field studies that allow for daily hormone assessments without the inconvenience of blood drawing by using urine sampling. She is past Chair of the Steering Committee for the Reproductive Medicine Network, and current principal investigator with the CONFIRM network, both NIH-funded clinical trial networks devoted to the study of problems in human reproduction.

In addition to her extensive research, Dr. Santoro has authored over 300 peer-reviewed scientific publications and edited four books. Additionally, Dr. Santoro has held leadership positions with numerous professional organizations and is currently President-Elect of the Society for Reproductive Investigation. Among Dr. Santoro’s decorated career of achievements, she was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2018. Dr. Santoro has been named a Castle Connelly “Best Doctor” and “Best Doctor in America” as well as a “Best Doctor” by New York Magazine and “Top Doc” by 5280 Magazine.

Dr. Santoro sees SGF Colorado patients at the Denver office, while also maintaining her position at CU treating women for complex menopause management. Dr. Santoro will continue to provide training to the University of Colorado Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship program.

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Education

  • Residency: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Medical Center
  • Fellowship: Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Top Doctors, Castle Connolly (1999-2014, 2024)
  • Denver’s Top Doctors, 5280 Magazine (2016-2023)
  • Best Doctors, New York Magazine (2001, 2003-2006)
  • Best Doctors, Good Housekeeping Magazine (1997)
  • Mentor of the Year, Clinical Research Training Program, Albert Einstein College of Medicine (2006)
  • Best Doctor, Best Doctors in America (2008-2014)
  • Award for Outstanding Achievement in Women’s Health Research, Society for Women’s Health Research (2015)
  • Outstanding Mentor Award, Endocrine Society (2016)
  • Exceptional Women in Medicine by Castle Connolly (2023 – 2024)
  • American Association for Gynecologists and Obstetricians Foundation
  • American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inc.
  • American Gynecologic and Obstetrical Society
  • American Society for Reproductive Medicine
  • Endocrine Society
  • National Academy of Medicine
  • North American Menopause Society
  • Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
  • Society for Reproductive Investigation

Coming Soon!

Q&A

As a resident, I met several role models who helped further spark my interest in the field of reproductive endocrinology. It became clear to me that helping people create or expand their families was one of the most rewarding things I could possibly do with my life.

Reproduction is the most significant process that we do as humans. If reproduction does not work, that is the end of our species!

I feel that it’s most important to cultivate and maintain the understanding that I am a member of my patients’ team. I am on their side. There can be so much unbearable frustration involved in prolonged fertility treatment, and I feel it is important for me not to look away and to make sure my patients know I am with them for the duration of the journey, no matter the outcome.

As a child, I was obsessed with Marie Curie and read her biography over and over. I usually never read a book twice!

Scuba diving, hiking, and cooking.

I love nature and hiking in Colorado is one of the best ways to enjoy it. Scuba diving is like hiking but underwater – it offers same feeling but with more equipment! Also, who doesn’t love eating a delicious and beautifully presented meal with friends and family?

I’m a sunny optimist for sure.