Shady Grove Fertility is proud to welcome Dr. Anish Shah to the Richmond Medical Team. Dr. Shah sees patients out of SGF’s Richmond – Stony Point – Forest Ave office and provides a full range of state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options for female and male infertility, elective fertility preservation, fertility preservation prior to cancer treatment, and LGBTQ family building.
Dr. Anish Shah completed his undergraduate degree in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After working in Nicaragua trying to improve the healthcare of women and children, he then earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and a three-year fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Duke University, where he also served on the medical staff.
At Duke University, he obtained a Master’s in Health Economics and Clinical Research. His primary focus of research was improving fertility care by reducing miscarriages and improving safety. During his almost 10 years at Duke, he trained with some of the nation’s leaders in minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy, robotic surgery, and hysteroscopic surgery). He was awarded multiple teaching awards and as a chief resident was asked to participate in the first single-incision laparoscopic procedure in the southeast.
As a researcher, Dr. Shah has earned many awards including the prestigious investigator award at the Society of Gynecologic Investigation Conference in 2010. In addition, he has authored numerous papers, abstracts, and lectured extensively on topics relating to fertility and reproductive endocrinology.
Dr. Shah believes in patient-centered fertility care and has been named by Richmond Magazine as a “Top Doc” for infertility. OurHealth Richmond Magazine also voted him “Best Bedside Manner.” He credits this achievement to his philosophy that “every patient is like a member of my family.” He is also dedicated to infertility outreach as he is the primary physician liaison for Race for Parenthood – a 5K run designed to raise money for couples in need of assisted reproductive technologies.
Dr. Shah is a member of American Society for Reproductive Medicine, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FACOG), Society of Reproductive Endocrinologists, Society of Reproductive Surgeons, and Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART).
MORE ABOUT DR. ANISH SHAH
Q: WHY DID YOU BECOME A REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGIST?
A: My wife and I struggled with infertility and ultimately had two children after our own journey. It is my own personal experience with infertility that inspires me to help couples who are struggling to conceive. I want them to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Q: WHO INSPIRES YOU?
A: Growing up, I was always inspired by astronauts. They worked hard, faced many challenges, and yet, always pushed past what people thought couldn’t be done. They prove that we could do anything. I try to take that same philosophy in medicine. I want each couple to realize the challenges they face will push them as an individual and as a couple, but we can overcome all challenges. We will work together and create a path to success.
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES AND WHY DO YOU ENJOY THEM?
A: I enjoy triathlons. The sport pushes me outside of my comfort zone to face obstacles, both mentally and physically. Most importantly, it puts everything I do into perspective and keeps me grounded.
Q: WHAT ABOUT SGF MAKES YOU THE MOST PROUD?
A: SGF believes in their patients. The entire team at SGF has one focus–helping people achieve their dream of parenthood. I see this when our nurses stay late in the day speaking to patients or when a front desk staff member helps a patient with her paperwork, realizing this process can be overwhelming. Nothing in life can be done well unless a team is behind you. SGF is that team.
Q: DESCRIBE A TIME WHEN YOU WERE INSPIRED BY A PATIENT.
A: I had the privilege of taking care of a Military spouse not too long ago. Her husband had male factor and they recently had an unsuccessful IVF cycle. Furthermore, the husband was struggling with PTSD, but it was not formally diagnosed. She felt strongly her husband needed help and took it upon herself to find him help. Due to her advocacy, he finally began to get the help he needed. When it was time to begin their next IVF cycle, she fought hard by going to her appointed congressman to get the coverage for IVF that was approved by law. She is currently pregnant with a beautiful girl. Challenge after challenge, she fought to help her family. She taught me to never give up, always do what you believe is right, and to trust your gut.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO HELPING PATIENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING?
A: The most frustrating thing about infertility is the unknown. Many patients ask, “why am I here?” Without knowing why, a person feels frustrated not having a sense of control as to what is going on.
When patients come see me, I first want to help give each individual or couple a foundation of knowledge based on their diagnoses. We will review their medical history and order the appropriate tests to get answers. Once we have answers, we can create a personalized treatment plan. It’s important for patients to know that they are part of the process and I will be there for them every step of the journey.
Q: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
A: Energetic, enthusiastic, honest, hardworking, supportive, warm.
Q: WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT WOULD SURPRISE MOST PEOPLE?
A: I enjoy skydiving!
WHAT PATIENTS ARE SAYING
“Dr. Shah, thank you so much for our beautiful baby girl! You and your staff were wonderful through our entire infertility journey. We were so impressed with your office and the ability to talk to someone at all times. That was very important to us. Valerie was great in explaining all procedures and medication instructions. She was always available to talk if we had any questions or would call back as soon as she could the same day. Even though we have moved out-of-town, I have and will be referring people to your wonderful office. We cannot thank you enough for our beautiful blessing!”
“Dr. Shah, words cannot express how grateful we are for everything that you and your staff have done for us, and most importantly for making our dream of becoming parents a reality. We would especially like to thank you and Dr. Tidey and your staff for the encouragement, compassion, and support while traveling the road of infertility. We understand how frustrating it can be when treatment doesn’t work the first time, but also know the feeling of joy and excitement when you finally hear the words ‘Congratulations, you’re pregnant!’ We appreciate all the smiles, the patience, and sensitivity each person displayed, and everyone’s overall confidence. Your determination was very evident during the time we were with you. Coming to your office was not a typical doctor’s visit—you all felt like a second family to us and we will truly miss all of you. We are looking forward to the birth of our first child and cannot wait to bring our baby to meet everyone! Thank you for being the perfect doctor for us. Everyone in your office has a special place in our hearts—we highly recommend your practice to anyone experiencing difficulty in conceiving a baby!”
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Anish Shah, please call our New Patient Center at 1-877-971-7755 or complete our online form.
