Shady Grove Fertility is proud to welcome Andrea E. Reh, M.D., to our physician team. This fall, Dr. Reh will be the first physician at Shady Grove Fertility’s Fredericksburg, VA, office—our newest location in the greater Washington, D.C., area.
Dr. Reh graduated magna cum laude from Cornell University with a bachelor of arts in biology. She then earned her medical degree at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., where she graduated with Alpha Omega Alpha honors. Dr. Reh completed her internship and residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City. As a board certified reproductive endocrinologist, with Shady Grove Fertility, Dr. Reh is able to provide her patients with the most cutting-edge fertility treatment options as well as financial programs to increase access to care.
Dr. Reh sat down with us to talk about why she became a reproductive endocrinologist, her inspirations, and even what she likes to do in her free time.
How would you describe your personality?
I would say that I am passionate and energetic extrovert who approaches challenges with the meticulous tenacity of your textbook “Type A.” My friends and patients have described me as compassionate, disarming, and “down-to-earth.”
Why did you become a reproductive endocrinology?
I have always liked science and wanted to become a doctor ever since my first experiences as a candy striper and a home health aide. I went into obstetrics and gynecology because I was fascinated by the incredible physical and emotional journey women endure to have a family. The transition to reproductive endocrinology came about as a desire to help those couples whose journey was especially difficult.
Who inspires you?
I find inspiration from many sources. As a doctor, I am motivated by my patients and colleagues to never stop learning, listening, and caring. As a professional, I respect Sheryl Sandberg and Tina Fey for their leadership, tenacity, and wit. Having a family has enriched my life in unimaginable ways, and has served as a greater inspiration for me to help my patients share in the joy of a family of their own.
Describe a time where you were inspired by a patient.
As a doctor, there are the patients you help and they are thankful because you helped them, and that’s naturally very rewarding. But, there are also lots of patients who, despite your best efforts, you haven’t yet been able to help them achieve their dreams, and yet somehow they stick with you and you walk that road together. The longer I am a doctor, the more I appreciate that my greatest inspiration from patients comes from these powerful connections that arise from the toughest of times.
What are your hobbies and why do you enjoy them?
After a stressful day, there’s nothing I love more than to go out for a good run with some awesome music. I love to go skiing for a great family getaway, to be surrounded by nature, and for the sheer exhilaration of it too. While I used to be an avid rower and tennis player, admittedly those hobbies have taken a backseat recently. I love the adventure of travel and the ability to experience different cultures firsthand, which is one of the reasons I enjoy living in such a diverse city as Washington, D.C.
What makes you the most excited about joining the SGF team?
I am really excited and humbled to become a member of the Shady Grove Fertility team. There is a palpable sense of camaraderie, passion, and integrity. As a former rower, I would say that I’m proud to be in the boat that is leading our field, where everyone is pulling in the same direction to ultimately do what is right for the patient.
What is your approach to helping patients who are struggling?
Infertility is one of the most stressful experiences a patient or couple can experience. A couple’s marriage, sexual experiences, emotional reserves, and sense of personhood are strained, exacerbated by hormones and costly treatments. Despite these obstacles, I believe there is much hope. I am here to guide my patients with compassion through this difficult process, provide them with accurate information, and enable them to have their best chance for success.
Dr. Andrea Reh is currently available for new patient appointments in our Frederickburg, VA, office. To schedule your appointment, call 1-877-971-7755 or click here.
